American Idol Fans - Joshua Gracin Called to Duty

[Tinkbell]

I'm sure that if his unit is called up, he will go. I really don't think he's giving great PR for the Marines. To me it seems like he'd rather be making records than serving our country. I guess I'm a bit put off knowing that so many men and women are dedicated to the Armed Forces and doing what they are trained to do. Meanwhile, Josh is on a "fluff" tv show. If he were to get out of going to war or receive special treatment, he should be ashamed of himself. It's not an appropriate time for Marines to be American Idol finalists. We need them elsewhere.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have to disagree with Tinkbell (even tho it kills me to disagree with a Tink lover). There are a lot of Marines still on U.S. soil. I, along with many others, would be disturbed if Josh's group was called up and left, without him. But, they are still here to the best of my knowledge. So I really don't think he's doing anything un-Marinelike by being a finalist on AI. I say we enjoy him while we can and then wish him and his unit, along with all our service people, the very best of luck.

 

[CookieGVB]

Originally posted by Tinkbell
I'm sure that if his unit is called up, he will go. I really don't think he's giving great PR for the Marines. To me it seems like he'd rather be making records than serving our country. I guess I'm a bit put off knowing that so many men and women are dedicated to the Armed Forces and doing what they are trained to do. Meanwhile, Josh is on a "fluff" tv show. If he were to get out of going to war or receive special treatment, he should be ashamed of himself. It's not an appropriate time for Marines to be American Idol finalists. We need them elsewhere.

I found this a bit harsh, especially since you said that if his unit was called, he'd go. Personally, I think he's representing the Marines well. Until his unit is deployed, I don't see what you'd find wrong with him doing this show.

 

[bubbleprincessmom]

There is nothing wrong with Josh living his life ,(after all there IS life after the Marines ) he is NOT getting special treatment. His unit is NOT in Iraq and he's not neglecting his duties. My husbands unit is on notice as well, they haven't gone anywhere and so we're living our life. BUT when the call comes he will drop EVERYTHING and GO. It is the same for Josh!! When the call comes, he will drop EVERYTHING and GO!! In the meantime he is ALLOWED leave time, he is still keeping up with his unit and he is a fine example of what a Marine should be, a well rounded gentleman! With courage and conviction. GO JOSH!! (and yes, I cried my eyes out when he led off with "Proud to be an American" and I can't stand that song because its usually sung by someone who doesn't have a CLUE!! In this case Josh HAS the clue and "owned the song"!)

 

[Tinkbell]

I have no problem, as long as he goes when he is supposed to go. But I still don't think he's great PR for the Marines. Being on American Idol only proves that his true goal is to GET OUT OF the Marines. JMHO

 

[bubbleprincessmom]

You know Tink, my husband wants to "get out of the Army" as well. Does that make him a bad solider too?


The kid is allowed to have life AFTER the marines! Give him (and all those others who want to one day "get out of" the service) a break!!!
sorry if this is harsh, but for crying out loud, you sound like your denying him the oppurtunity to support his family "post" marines, he's a GREAT example of how to plan for the future!

 

[Tinkbell]

Never called him a "bad soilder". I know many who were in the military. They studied, went to school and learned many skills. Then, AFTER they were out of the military, they were able to pursue their true dreams. All I'm saying is that it would have been better to pursue his PROFESSIONAL singing career when his duty was over.

 

[nancy679]

He probably never thought he would get this far in the comptition, so it was probably not in his thoughts of "well if I get to the top ten and then we go to war..."

 

[Banzai]

Nancy is right. AI2 started filming in October, I belive. We were not in full war mood then.

 

[elgerber]

They were just talking about him on Entertainment tonight, and they said he is "on call", but that he has not been called up at this time. I did also see an interview with someone who did say, he will be given a spot in the finalists of whatever season they are in, when he returns.

Erika

 

[twinmomto3boys]

This is a free country, right? I think Josh should be able to do whatever he wants as long as he isn't breaking the law. I admire him for being a Marine in the first place. He has also conducted himself very well on the show.

 

[LIDisneyFan]

But on a lighter note:

Regardless of whether he is called up or not, whether he finishesAI2 , goes into AI3, or never appears on the show again, this kid has a future as an entertainer. He's not one of my favorites on the show, and he's definately more country than pop, but he's got a voice, the look, the personality, and now a huge following.

So, as long as he doesn't do something stupid, he's going places. With or without 'Idol'.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I think Josh is a GREAT example of who is in our military now. And I think it's a very good thing to remember that our soldiers are real people with real families and real dreams who have taken the time to also defend OUR country. He is perfect pubic relations for the Marines.

Simon asked him point blank what was more important, he said being a Marine. That was good enough for me. When and if he gets called he will go (unless for some reason the Marine Corps would step in because it is such a great public relations opportunity, and that would not be his fault). If his fellow soldiers didn't agree with what he was doing, why would they show up every week to cheer him on? I believe it's a morale booster for the armed services (not just the Marines).

 

[chris1gill]

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine

If his fellow soldiers didn't agree with what he was doing, why would they show up every week to cheer him on? I believe it's a morale booster for the armed services (not just the Marines).

I agree with Miss Jasmine, if anyone should have a "problem" with what he was doing, I would think it would be his Marine Brothers, but you see them sitting there every week!! If his fellow Marines don't have a problem with it & our Government doesn't have a problem with it, then neither should we. He stands tall for the Marines.....

 

[Dodie]

Tinkbell:

I don't usually get involved in debates or "hot topics," but this one has upset me so much that I feel I MUST respond.

How can you post such horrible comments about the supposed motivation of someone you don't even know and end each of those statements with a little ?!!! Do you think that is softening your criticism? It is NOT.

I think Josh is doing an admirable job at a difficult time. He stated that his duty to the Corps comes first. There are Marines in the audience at every airing cheering him on.

To question his motivation in the vicious way you have here seems, well, harsh, as others have mentioned. To add a little smilie to each of your comments seems simply ridiculous.

 

[TinkHappy]

I ALSO feel he should be with his unit...Isn't it...Unit, Corp, God, Country? I don't see anywhere where it says unless you are singing in American Idol.

 

[disykat]

He has made it clear he will go with his unit if called. Meanwhile he's using his vacation time like anyone else would. What's the big deal? It sounds like people would like him to cancel his leave and go even though his unit isn't called. He can't just go over on his own - he IS doing his duty by continuing as normal with his unit until told otherwise.

 

[sncbird]

Josh has always stated that "He's a Marine First". I can't believe people would ridicule him for following his dream. How many of us have had the opportunity to follow our dreams or have had enough courage to do so?

 

[Tinkbell]

Well, looks like I started a fire. Believe me, I am not vicious (as some here have posted about me )and I have not said anything horrible about Josh. My one and only point is that when you go on American Idol, your ultimate goal is to devote your life to music. Josh really can't do that right now. He does have other priorities. What happens when the vacation time runs out? Last season the top 10 finalists went on tour all over the country for months. I have nothing against Josh. I hope he hits it big when he is finished with the military. I'm just expressing my thoughts on the issue. I don't see what is so horrible about what I said. I'm also finished on the subject and I'll end it with a . Peace.