This is the third post I’ve written on Veteran’s Day. I plan to do this every year from now on; even after I stop blogging (if I ever do).
I want to do this because I have reconnected in these years with three things I’m not sure I knew enough about or valued enough beforehand.
# My love for this country and its polyglot people.
# My affection for the quotidian, undramatic, unRomantic events that make up most of our lives.
# My incredible debt to and respect for the members of our military, the average men and women who put on uniforms and defend both our country and our undramatic daily lives with far above-average courage, commitment, and skill.
So it started in 2002 when I wrote something about Veteran’s Day over at Armed Liberal. Here’s what I wrote in ‘I Started To Write About Veteran’s Day…‘
…and to thank the veterans alive and dead for protecting me and mine.
And worried that what I wrote kept coming out sounding either too qualified or would be interpreted as being too nationalistic.
And I realized something about my own thinking, a basic principle I’ll set out as a guiding point for the Democrats and the Left in general as they try and figure out the next act in this drama we are in.
First, you have to love America.
This isn’t a perfect country. I think it’s the best county; I’ve debated this with commenters before, and I’ll point out that while people worldwide tend to vote with their feet, there may be other (economic) attractions that pull them. But there are virtues here which far outweigh any sins. And I’ll start with the virtue of hope.
The hope of the immigrants, abandoning their farms and security for a new place here.
The hope of the settlers, walking across Death Valley, burying their dead as they went.
The hope of the “folks” who moved to California after the war.
The hope of the two Latino kids doing their Computer Science homework at Starbucks’.
I love this country, my country, my people. And those who attack her…from guerilla cells, boardrooms, or their comfy chairs in expensive restaurants…better watch out.
I don’t get a clear sense that my fellow liberals feel the same way. And if so, why should “the folks” follow them? Why are we worthy of the support of a nation that we don’t support?
So let me suggest an axiom for the New Model Democrats:
America is a great goddamn country, and we’re both going to defend it from those who attack it and fight to make it better.
And for everyone who is going to comment and remind me that ‘all liberals already do that’…no they don’t. Not when the Chancellor has to intervene at U.C. Berkeley to get “permission” for American flags to be flown and red-white-and-blue ribbons to be worn. Not when the strongest voices in liberalism give lip service to responding to an attack on our citizens on our soil.
Loving this country isn’t the same thing as jingoism; it isn’t the same thing as imperialism; it isn’t the same thing as blind support of the worst traits of our government or our people.
It starts with recognizing the best traits, and there are a hell of a lot of them.
They were worth defending in my father’s time, and they are worth defending today.
So thanks, veterans. Thanks soldiers and sailors and marines and airmen. Thanks for doing your jobs and I hope you all come home hale and whole, every one of you.
It’s been two years since I wrote that and to me, it rings as true as ever.
Last year, I discussed why I felt that being progressive did not contradict being patriotic, and why even the most ardent American leftist could – and should – embrace American exceptionalism.
They should first because it’s true. And second because it offers a route to reconnect with the nonprogressives out there who believe that the Left only sees America as exceptional in its flaws.
This year, in a year of war, I want to talk specifically about the military.
This week, U.S. troops are engaged in a major battle in Iraq, and continue to fight in Afghanistan, and this year, I have been in contact with the military through my involvement with Spirit of America. And because I have dealt with them, my attitude has once again gone through an immense change.
I have personally seen the best face of the American military. Because Spirit of America is aimed at providing assistance to rebuild Iraq, the discussions I had and have heard about centered around what could be done to make the lives of the people in Iraq better.
And I came to realize that these men and women – who had trained for a substantial part of their life to learning do unspeakable violence – had the energy and breadth of intelligence to also focus intently on doing good. And that they wanted more than anything to do good, and in so doing keep at bay the need to do violence.
And I realized two things.
1. First, that these men and women are just like me, except better.
I didn’t always believe that. I grew up during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, when any discussion about the military was a discussion about Vietnam.
And the image of the military in Vietnam was inevitably centered around My Lai, a small village where on one horrible day a platoon of American soldiers turned an ugly war into massacre.
As a student and a leader of the antiwar movement, I studied every detail of the massacre, planning to deepen my own understanding of the evil that was being done by our men in uniform on my behalf, and so the evil that I was trying to distance myself from.
And as I studied the events of that day, a small story – one that was relatively poorly reported then and even now – came to my attention and changed me.
Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson was flying a scout helicopter, leading a flight of three in advance of the AmeriCal’s advance into My Lai. He watched from the air as American soldiers descended into bloodlust and murder.
Some of you may not know his story, and you should:
On that historic morning, Thompson set his helicopter down near the irrigation ditch full of bodies. He asked a sergeant if the soldiers could help the civilians, some of whom were still moving. The sergeant suggested putting them out of their misery. Stunned, Thompson turned to Lieutenant Calley, who told him to mind his own business. Thompson reluctantly got back in his helicopter and began to lift off. Just then Andreotta yelled, “My God, they’re firing into the ditch!”
Thompson finally faced the truth. He and his crew flew around for a few minutes, outraged, wondering what to do. Then they saw several elderly adults and children running for a shelter, chased by Americans. “We thought they had about 30 seconds before they’d die,” recalls Colburn. Thompson landed his chopper between the troops and the shelter, then jumped out and confronted the lieutenant in charge of the chase. He asked for assistance in escorting the civilians out of the bunker; the lieutenant said he’d get them out with a hand grenade. Furious, Thompson announced he was taking the civilians out. He went back to Colburn and Andreotta and told them if the Americans fired, to shoot them. “Glenn and I were staring at each other, dumbfounded,” says Colburn. He says he never pointed his gun at an American soldier, but he might have fired if they had first. The ground soldiers waited and watched.
Thompson coaxed the Vietnamese out of the shelter with hand gestures. They followed, wary. Thompson looked at his three-man helicopter and realized he had nowhere to put them. “There was no thinking about it,” he says now. “It was just something that had to be done, and it had to be done fast.” He got on the radio and begged the gunships to land and fly the four adults and five children to safety, which they did within minutes.
He put himself and his men between American troops and the villagers they obviously intended to murder. He threatened American troops with his own crew’s weapons, and arranged for the other helicopters in his flight to evacuate a group of villagers, and then for his own crewman to rescue an uninjured small child from a pile of bodies.
When he returned to base, he reported the massacre; his reports were covered up.
On the worst day in modern history for the U.S. military, a few soldiers covered themselves with honor.
And my own attitude went through an immense change.
2. I realized that the military was not a machine, separate from me and against which I could struggle. I realized that it was a group of individuals who are an expression of our society – of our worst and our best.
I like to believe that had my personal history been different, I would have been Hugh Thompson, not William Calley. I know that both of them are part of my history and yours as well.
I believed for a little while that Calley represented the truth of the military, and I was an ass for believing that. When I read the rants of the anti-imperialist Left, the fevered imaginations of those who see the military as I once did, as an all-devouring machine that ate the souls of those who were part of it.
It’s not.
I’ve sat in meetings with officers who today are in Fallouja. I’ve worked side by side with some of the nineteen and twenty-year olds they are leading.
Their souls are fine, thank you very much. I’ve looked in their eyes, and I know it.
The soldiers are optimistic, committed, smart people. They have chosen a hard path for themselves, and like everyone who walks a difficult path, they are better human beings for it. They see obstacles as challenges and challenges as what they are on earth to overcome.
They are human and war is horrible. Bad things will happen, some that will be our fault. It has always been so.
But they are our soldiers, and they choose to stand between us and people who would murder us in our sleep. The wrong they do is ours, and the honor their own.
For myself, I owe an apology to all of them for doubting them, and here it is:
bq.. I’m sorry. I’m deeply, truly sorry for myself and for my peers and what we felt and some feel about the men and women who wear the uniform of our country.
And for my fellows who look at them as soulless thugs, you owe them an apology too, and all of us owe them our gratitude.
We may disagree with our national policies, but this isn’t Policy Day.
This is the day that we honor the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend us and carry out those policies, and in so doing express something that is really one of the highest moral values of all. They risk their lives for all of us, for the folks at home, the flag and their fellows.
p. So thanks, veterans. Thanks soldiers and sailors and marines and airmen. Thanks for doing your jobs and I hope you all come home hale and whole, every one of you. If you find me, I’ll gladly shake your hand in gratitude. If you can’t find me, just look to the right or left of you, because someone else gladly will.
Today and tomorrow are the days to remind people about Soldier’s Angels. Take what you were going to spend on lunch these days, and give it to them instead.
Marc,
Nothing to say but a lump in my throat “thanks”.
Mike
Another huge winner, A.L.
Add one post to “our blog’s ‘Best of…’ Category.”:http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/cat_best_of.php – which also includes “our extensive directory of ways to support American and allied troops.”:http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/003234.php
>>First, you have to love America.
This is an odd statement. “America” is simply a geographic area filled with 300 million people. It’s too large and too diffuse for anyone to “love” in a meaningful sense.
>>This isn’t a perfect country. I think it’s the best county.
Indeed. The govenment here is the least oppressive (for now). As a result people here can actually get some work done.
>>I love this country, my country, my people. And those who attack her…from guerilla cells, boardrooms, or their comfy chairs in expensive restaurants…better watch out.
Again, America is not a person. Guerilla cells attack and kill PEOPLE. Why should I care more about the deaths of innocent people I don’t know in NYC as opposed to innocent people I don’t know in Sudan? The only moral answer I see involves simple logistics: strangers in NYC are easier for me to help, so spending effort on them is more efficient.
>>America is a great goddamn country, and we’re both going to defend it from those who attack it and fight to make it better.
When the USG commits the majority of its resources to actual defense, I’ll be a happy man. But I ain’t holding my breath.
>>So thanks, veterans. Thanks soldiers and sailors and marines and airmen. Thanks for doing your jobs and I hope you all come home hale and whole, every one of you.
Occasionally the USG does actually defend the US population from harm. The bungled operations in Afghanistan, despite their failure to get OBL, may have slowed down the terrorists. Historically speaking, however, General Smedley Butler, USMC, CMH*2 seems to have been correct.
>>And I came to realize that these men and women – who had trained for a substantial part of their life to learning do unspeakable violence – had the energy and breadth of intelligence to also focus intently on doing good. And that they wanted more than anything to do good, and in so doing keep at bay the need to do violence.
This means nothing. The Nazis were committed to “doing the right thing” by their own standards. Sincerity of purpose isn’t nearly as useful as people seem to think it is.
>>First, that these men and women are just like me, except better.
This seems highly unlikely. You are actually good paladin material. Statistically they are not. You have killed somewhere near zero innocent people. USG forces in Iraq, by their own admission, have each “killed”:http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/351/1/13 ~0.15 innocent people. {Table 2, line 6.]
>>Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson was flying a scout helicopter, leading a flight of three in advance of the AmeriCal’s advance into My Lai. He watched from the air as American soldiers descended into bloodlust and murder.
WO Thompson was indeed a great paladin. He deserved the CMH for what he did. He didn’t get it.
And Calley was pardoned. That tells us much of what we need to know about USG leadership.
>>When he returned to base, he reported the massacre; his reports were covered up.
Yep. By Colin Powell, among others.
>>On the worst day in modern history for the U.S. military, a few soldiers covered themselves with honor.
The worst day? THE WORST DAY? How about Dresden, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Tokyo? 100x civilian fatalities? Or does that not count as “modern history” anymore?
Of course there are some ethical people in the military. The selection pressure for unquestioning obedience is very strong, but it isn’t perfect.
>> I realized that the military was not a machine, separate from me and against which I could struggle. I realized that it was a group of individuals who are an expression of our society – of our worst and our best.
It’s BOTH. Most of the people in that machine seem decent enough as individuals. But the US military is still a machine. And unquestioning obedience to authority and rational virtuous action are still incompatible.
>>I like to believe that had my personal history been different, I would have been Hugh Thompson, not William Calley.
Statistically, you would have been one of the 90% of those involved who followed Calley. One of the benefits of studying My Lai carefully is that you are mentally prepared to do the right thing, should the need arise.
This is one of the reasons why the military recruits young people. They haven’t had the chance to build up the necessary wisdom, ethics, and strength of character that might allow them to resist immoral directives.
>>The soldiers are optimistic, committed, smart people. They have chosen a hard path for themselves, and like everyone who walks a difficult path, they are better human beings for it. They see obstacles as challenges and challenges as what they are on earth to overcome.
Heydrich chose a hard path for himself. He was not a better human being for it.
What do you think the ratio of innocent people to terrorists will be among the dead killed by USG forces in Fallujah?
>>But they are our soldiers, and they choose to stand between us and people who would murder us in our sleep. The wrong they do is ours, and the honor their own.
I didn’t select these men, or support their actions in any way, except to the extent their paycheck is extorted from me. I bear no responsibility for their actions, good or bad.
>>And for my fellows who look at them as soulless thugs, you owe them an apology too, and all of us owe them our gratitude.
They aren’t soulless thugs, true. But I owe them no apology. They are responsible for their actions.
AL-
Thanks again for a great post, and although my service time was long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, I gratefully accept your thanks as a former member of Uncle Sam’s Motorcycle Club.
I would also like to remind you that today, November 10th, is the Corps’ 229th birthday.
My thanks goes out to all veterans. There is a special bond in heart with the USMC For those Marines I offer a Semper Fi from the youngest to the oldest as this marks the “229th year”:http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/Bday.htm#CMC of the Marine Corps and it‘s proud traditions. For those that can enjoy the festivities raise a glass of cheer and a toast to our nation and those that defend it. For those in the war torn areas working hard to keep this nation free and sovereign you are not forgotten and we wish all a safe and speedy return. For those that have paid the ultimate price your sacrifices are not in vain.
T.J. makes a great attempt at a refutation, but fails on nearly every point. I won’t bother to fisk it, just caution him to remember that he might not be the smartest person operating on the blogosphere today, so he shouldn’t assume he is. Selective use of facts, lad. Doesn’t convince em. Still, not bad, and I appreciate the attempt to use the denotation of words to logical effect even if the connotation is as snarky as the usual critics.
A.L., I moved off the same era radical left that you did, for much the same reason: the reflexive anti-American, anti-military, morally condescending attitudes there. While I have been conservative for a decade, the blogosphere has reopened the possibility of re-embracing some of my earlier ideals, as it has exposed me to such as yourself and Roger L Simon.
Madison,
You don’t get it do you, negative, negative, negative.
Good or bad at least the soldiers can say they have had a hand in history, when it comes to brass tacks we are all just history.
I feel sorry for you that you have to sleep each night with these negative thoughts in your head.
One last question, if this country, which I truely love, did not exist then what would you complain about?
If you come to my blog you may find some treatment for your condition.
Armed Liberal
Sorry to rant on your blog, as a veteran I commend you on your thoughts and insights. If more american hating liberals would take on this attitude about our armed forces more of my kind might cozy up to you. There is good and evil in all things, people for the most part no right from wrong but most people will just follow along.
Many times as a soldier I stood on moral ground when others wanted to do the wrong thing, and it is soldiers like myself that keep the others in check. This also, happens in our society, if it didn’t then we would have chaos.
From a former Marine & Navy officer… thanks!
TJ, you’re a tool and an ass…as I was. Your screed misses a number of simple facts, but I’ll leave you with this one: you’re safe and prosperous today because other men and women sacrificed, and like it or not, you owe them.
You can’t drink from the public well and not have some debt back to that public.
When I’m less irritated, I’ll explain, point by point, why the points you make are intellectually lazy.
A.L.
I’ve never been in the military (though I work for the Navy), but my father volunteered for the infantry during the Korean war; my brother spent 20 years in the Army, and my best friend did a hitch in Europe in the 80s. So I’m pretty familiar with the military. And I second everything AL said in this post.
PS: AL, I’m looking forward to your response to TJM.
US Army veteran here. Your words are deeply moving, and your gratitude and apologies, which are obviously & deeply heart-felt, are much appreciated.
Semper Fi on your special day my friends.
>> What do you think the ratio of innocent people to terrorists will be among the dead killed by USG forces in Fallujah?
<< Well, nil to 100% actually - everyone still left there is either a combatant, or a devout supporter of the terrorists, so none can be classed as innocent.
>>Good or bad at least the soldiers can say they have had a hand in history, when it comes to brass tacks we are all just history.
This is not a compelling argument. Lt. Calley had a hand in history, whereas I’m just some dumb schmuck. All things considered, I’d rather be me.
(Actually I’d rather be Norman Borlaug, but that’s another story.)
>>I feel sorry for you that you have to sleep each night with these negative thoughts in your head.
People exert a great deal of effort to avoid such unpleasantness. I choose to save energy for other matters.
>>One last question, if this country, which I truely love, did not exist then what would you complain about?
Very likely I’d be complaining about other governments, starting with those I had the most influence over. Since I happen to be in the US, it’s the USG that I complain about.
A.L.:
I’m a Vietnam Vet (U.S. Army Ranger), and would like to thank you for your insights and sentiments — they are much appreciated. To all my buddies over in the USMC, Semper Fi & Happy 229th Birthday!
>>you’re safe and prosperous today because other men and women sacrificed, and like it or not, you owe them.
I don’t buy that the US military has NET increased my liberty one iota. I have to look long and hard to identify specific instances where the US military has actually improved my security. Certain aspects of the Pacific War might qualify.
Largely I consider myself to be safe and prosperous IN SPITE OF, not because of, the US military. It’s certainly possible that the US military might become a viable defense organization in the future, but I consider that highly unlikely.
It’s true that some people in other countries have been made better off by USG military action. It’s a matter of record that many people in other countries are worse off, as in dead.
The notion that I “owe” the present crop of warriors is ridiculous: I’ve PAID THEM IN FULL, IN CASH. If they feel underpaid or unappreciated, they can find a new line of work since (as of today) it’s still a volunteer army.
>>Well, nil to 100% actually – everyone still left there is either a combatant, or a devout supporter of the terrorists, so none can be classed as innocent.
That’s very interesting. I assume then that there will be no children or elderly killed during the battle, yes?
Certainly people with brains left the city (country) long ago. So everyone without the foresight and resources to flee deserves what they get, right?
TJ, if you’re under the impression that the pay soldiers receive is 100% full compensation for their service, then you really should have a chat with my wife, who is strenuously trying to keep me out of the Marines, despite the opulent salaries they pay. They fight for love of country and honor, and for their families back home, as much as–well, much more than–for their paychecks. It is in part the gratitude of the likes of AL that keeps them in uniform and out of the private sector. Which fact you might want to consider, since a purely mercenary army will 1) require raising your taxes to pay salaries comensurate with the risk, and 2) be a far, far greater threat to liberty than an army motivated by a belief in their purpose.
There is more to life, and to liberty, than are dreamt of by hyper-rationalists like yourself. And I’m quite grateful for that.
As a Navy vet, thanks for your kind words and your willingness to look behind your beliefs to seek out truths.
The story of Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson and his efforts to save the villagers at Mai Lai should be required reading for all American students. One man can make a difference.
Veterans of virtually every war can point to moments when it would have been easy to slide over to the “dark side” but they resisted.
Note to Mr. Madison: Unrestricted attacks on civilians was not started by the Allies in WWII. Your reading of history is imcomplete. Try looking at the German attacks in Spain and on London, the Japanese “rape of Nanking” to start with. While the fire bombing of Dresden was horrible, it was not wholly an American enterprise and it came about after extensive debate. The use of atomic bombs against Japan may have saved millions of lives both in bringing Japan to surrender and, by its horror, by making the use of such weapons so awful to consider that since those days not another such weapon has been used. It cuts both ways.
Thanks you for your comments. It gives me hope that we may eventually reduce this political divide separating our country. I belong to the generation that saw, but did not participate in, the depression and World War II. I then matured and went through the very real Cold War and the terrible 60s. I’ve watched you bright, brainwashed kids grow up and slowly take over controls of this country and worried if this country was going to survive it.
Winston Churchill once said, “Any young man who is not a liberal has no heart. Any old man who is not a conservative has no brain.” Kinda extreme but it has a lot of validity. Not all conservatives share all of the social objectives of the most visible of us just as not all liberals share all of the objectives of the most visible and vocal elements.
Thanks again and keep putting out this message.
TJ,
“I didn’t select these men, or support their actions in any way,”
You are apparently unable to see yourself as a member of society, or that service itself is a virtue. Heinlein said it well (of a fictional society, but doubtless reflecting his own views on service):
and:
Long Live the United States and Success to the Marines! Happy 229th!
A.L., beautifully written and very well done of you. Thank you for expressing gratitude for what too many of us forget we owe.
>>Note to Mr. Madison: Unrestricted attacks on civilians was not started by the Allies in WWII. Your reading of history is imcomplete. Try looking at the German attacks in Spain and on London, the Japanese “rape of Nanking” to start with. While the fire bombing of Dresden was horrible, it was not wholly an American enterprise and it came about after extensive debate.
I’m well aware of the evils of the German and Japanese states. The allied atrocities were in no way necessary (or particularly useful, for that matter) in the defeat of these states. Is emulating the atrocities of our enemies wise? WWJD?
>>The use of atomic bombs against Japan may have saved millions of lives both in bringing Japan to surrender and, by its horror, by making the use of such weapons so awful to consider that since those days not another such weapon has been used.
I’ll defer to the judgement of General MacArthur and General Eisenhower on this particular matter. Go look it up.
>>They fight for love of country and honor, and for their families back home, as much as–well, much more than–for their paychecks.
Honor, eh? You mean like “upholding the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic?” Oops. Look, if you want to join the USMC and uphold the Constitution, go right ahead. Just understand that if you are really serious about your service oath, you’ll end up in Leavenworth. [insert endless rant about constitutionality of US military actions here.]
As for love of country, well, most of these soldiers’ ideas about love of country seem to revolve around taking my money and using it to kill people far away. If they managed to kill the correct people reliably, maybe it would be worth it. They can’t and it isn’t.
>>Which fact you might want to consider, since a purely mercenary army will 1) require raising your taxes to pay salaries comensurate with the risk,
$400 billion dollars would buy every man, woman, and child a machine gun. Every year. I think we’d be relatively safe from the vicious Canadians, rampaging Mexicans, sharks, and the occasional terrorist nutjob.
>>and 2) be a far, far greater threat to liberty than an army motivated by a belief in their purpose.
I’ll defer to C.S. Lewis on this one.
>>There is more to life, and to liberty, than are dreamt of by hyper-rationalists like yourself. And I’m quite grateful for that.
Wow, now I’m a “hyper-rationalist”. That’s the nicest name I’ve been called today. Note the implication that it’s possible to be too rational. Interesting.
Cecil Turner:
Thanks for the quote from Heinlein. I remembered somewhat the quote from my many hours of enjoyment provided by Robert (Lazarus Long, et. al.) but couldn’t remember it exactly. A tip o’ the hat! Another one of his that did stick, was “An armed society is a courteous society”. Indeed.
I defer to no one in my admiration for C.S. Lewis, TJ.
I am guessing that you are referring to several essays in God In The Dock by Lewis. I would recommend a closer and more thorough reading of that volume, followed by The Abolition Of Man. Jack can dismantle you with no help from me, I’m sure.
Sorry, I forgot to add the link:
“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”
— C.S. Lewis
Folks, TJ, this is the ‘honor the military’ thread, not ‘let’s debate libertarian theory’ thread. I’m going to prune any further comments along those lines from either side.
Before Friday, I’ll respond to TJ in a post, and we can duke it out in the comments there.
Hope to see you then.
A.L.
[deleted by A.L.]
T J Madison
From this USMC veteran. For all the reasons a man or woman chooses to serve they also do it for themselves and others which includes you. What is remarkable as you say in today’s America it is all strictly voluntary. You can choose to let someone do it for you or you can choose to be a part of those that serve. Either way no one will think any more or any less of you for your choice. From all us veterans your welcome to the choices we choose to preserve. Thanks again A.L. for your gratitude and thoughtfulness. I’ve got a couple of shots of Crown Royal I’d like to share with you.
I have never quite found the words to express the same feelings. I grew up in the late 60’s and early 70’s myself and was always part of the anti-war crowd.
Somehow though, I knew that the men and women in the military could not all be Calley’s et al. They were my friends and neighbors and I knew them to be good people. Many with a different world view but good non the less.
As the years have progressed I have found myself more and more standing with the Republicans on issues of importance. I have come to resent the idea that the US Military is a source of evil.
Just the opposite. I have seen the US Military become an all volunteer force of men and many more women. They have been called on to defend us and their performance has been magnificent.
All severing, and all who have served deserve our deepest thanks – and respect.
You keep posting on November 10th. Veteran’s Day is November 11th … you know, 11th day, of 11th month, 11th hour …
Someone – do you get all bitter about the fact that stores start putting up Christmas decorations right after Thanksgiving as well? I put this up a day early for the same reason; to try and maximize the audience that reads it on Nov. 11.
A.L.
[Comment deleted and emailed to author by A.L.]
Folks, we’re not debating about TJ in this thread. Period. There will be a thread in a day or so in which I hope that we do – exhaustively.
A.L.
Armed Liberal, if people like T.J. could understand the significance of Veteran’s Day the way you do, that “Democratic Reformation” you spoke of would be a reality. And Hillary Clinton would be facing you in the 2008 primaries, which she would lose.
T.J., I hope to Almighty God that you do not have children, who would get no more nurture from you than “simple logistics” allows.
Fortunately, as Abraham Lincoln said, “The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract …”
TJ – you’re a wonderful philosopher – now hush please. Let others have their moment.
AL, thanks for sharing a piece of your heart with us. I am sure the general consensus among the vets around here is “thanks for noticing”. Your well-known intellectual honesty makes understanding where you are coming from a lot easier – or maybe this is just another example of proof of that honesty. Thanks, either way.
Very moving post. And a THANK YOU to our military men in women throughout history. My respect and admiration for them is profound.
Sir,
Thank you for understanding. As a squid from Berkeley, CA, I know how those to the further left often view and treat the military. Not too many people from that area understand why anyone would give up real college for 4 years in Annapolis then 5 on active duty serving your country. I lost close friends because of my decision. So thanks for understanding. Thank you for showing liberals that the military and servicemen are not something to be hated, no matter ones views on how the administration is using them.
Very Respectfully,
MIDN, USN
PS: Happy (half hour belated) Birthday to all you jarheads out there!
And thank you to all the veterans, your service inspires me every day.
A.L. — Wonderfully thought, and said. Thank you, from another of Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children. Semper Fi!
Marc,
You’re older than you look! 🙂
Thanks for a very moving post.
A.L.:
Concur.
My son went to college away from home so we threw a small party before he left. There was a young man, a high school friend in the Marine who is going back to Iraq soon. After dinner, they left presuming to go to another party and at the door, my wife touch the young man’s shoulder and saying solemly “Thank you for serving our country”. In a broken English.
Thank you all of you who come to aid us in Vietnam War, standing by us at the time in need through thick and thin. And many thanks for the new brave fews standing guard while we sleep peacefully.
A South Vietnam Soldier himself.