Ongoing militarization of American culture-
Can’t watch a football game anymore without seeing at least a couple ads that get down on hands and knees to worship The Troops.
Just go out and buy the proper retail items- then stop asking questions and it’s all good.
0:50 “These are the men and women that allow us to enjoy the daily freedoms in the United States.”
Because freedom comes from decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas, a 3rd try in Iraq, a no-show on 911, etc.
Watch the game and see ads by beers that support the troops, soft drinks that support the troops, auto manufacturers that support the troops, insurance providers that support the troops, defense contractors that sponsor the team, etc. It’s all meant to be a normal part of a consumer-driven lifestyle.
What do we have here?
Public/military resources used as a marketing stunt for the entertainment and insurance industries- newspeople play along with free TV advertising-
Video:
Seahawks change of command at JBLM
It would be nice to see some of the sponsors advocate for phasing out decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas, but that would be in conflict with current marketing strategies.
I think this may be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards ending decades of undeclared wars overseas.
Pro sports almost worships The Troops these days. Halftime sports announcers tell us that overseas military operations are somehow about American rights and freedoms.
I grew up in the 60s and 70s. Veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free Veteran’s Day dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
The worst of it is individuals who claim that Americans wouldn’t have the freedom to post comments on newspaper websites if people had not given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect that freedom.
Hey school teachers– where did this idea come from? Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Low voter turnout is a disgrace?
Both major parties are OK with ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars overseas, the drug war racket, & a secretive, wasteful and ineffective Dept. of Homeland Security.
How exactly are people to vote their way out of this?
Discuss on facebook here:
Local reporters will not question the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles?
Or here: