The Leveller: A modern day regulator

Veterans Day - Who cares?

Who cares? If you care, why do you care? What does Veterans Day mean to you and what good is this one day for?

I argue active duty military members don’t care about it as much as you. The respect and honor you bestow upon active duty members is not reciprocated.

For those that “support the troops” under any circumstances should somehow be made to understand that many if not most of those enrolled in the U.S. Armed Forces have done so for many reasons most of which are not congruent with the “false” hollywood image of a soldier’s life.

Most soldiers would of course argue differently. For they enjoy the honor, respect, and blessings received from the ignorant masses. And they would further perpetuate the myth of an honorable, respectful military way of life.

It is not by mistake that active duty and prior service joke between each other how similar military members are in demeanor and behavior with convicts. For most soldiers, drinking and card games are the most popular endeavors. Drug use is high, rape and other violent crimes are just as rampant.

The dirty secret people don’t tell you is how awful the military treats its own and each other. The recent incident at Ft. Hood is not what I’m talking about either. Characterize that if you must as anything that makes it easier for you to tolerate and understand: terrorist, postal etc…

Military members treat each other so poorly its ironic in a way that perhaps “war” is the only situation that arises that will bring out the best in people. But you don’t need to go to war to receive the accolades. I’m sure there were hundreds of unsung heroes in any large domestic natural disaster like Katrina. But you will never hear of those heroics or not nearly as much as a soldier lucky enough to survive a combat zone with a medal. While war is the worst situation to be in its the only time you’ll see military personnel working together. Its very simple actually and almost effortless but its the hardest thing to go through that anyone will most likely face. I don’t mean to indicate that the best in a soldier is observed throughout the entire duration of war but during the many little battles and conflicts that erupt. The rest of the time we can observe only the worst conduct.

Most active duty personnel exist for many reasons. Some need a change. Others want a better way of life, a career, citizenship, money, travel, adventure, some times just respect. Some kids probably want to see how realistic Call of Duty on their xbox really is.

Don’t kid yourself either about how “specially” trained and highly skilled and brave “they” are. GI’s are some of the dumbest people you will ever meet. Sure some can fit the other mold but the vast majority of ‘em if they were to tell the truth are some of the laziest people. This is a culture from where terms like “clusterfuck” are born. Or phrases such as hurry up and wait, or “sham” are gospel.

And the politicians unanimously pretend to honor the troops and their sacrifice when they have to. Occasionally you’ll hear an echo of truth but its mostly driven by political motivation. We shouldn’t care about the politicians. They supported the decision to engage in 2 meaningless wars. I don’t fault the soldiers, they are too stupid anyway. But some do think they are fighting for freedom and liberty. I can’t disparage that even though they are wrong. It’s not their fault.

I blame the politicians and everyone that supports the middle east march to folly they’ve been fighting.

I’ll respect the military members who stand up against this government and opt for a dishonorable discharge and refuse to fight in an unjust war. I will send care packages to those types of soldiers. I will honor and respect a Veteran’s Day that is commemorated as day when the soldiers fought against tyranny and oppression here at home. Against socialist policies and dictates such as those we are experiencing today, in effect a communist evolving system that really should be overthrown. I advocate regime change in the U.S. not abroad.

Until then I care and think about Veterans just about as much as they think of you.