Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
Both major political parties continue to promote the idea that The Troops are sent to distant lands to fight for American rights and freedoms.
Congressman Derek Kilmer:
May 26, 2019
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
If wars are fought for democracy-how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
March 3, 2020
Congressman Kilmer tells us that wars are waged to defend our freedom.
Congressman Kilmer,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”
Congressman Kilmer,
If The Troops defend American rights and freedoms, what becomes of those freedoms when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Feb 28, 2020 WPSD Local 6
Second lady Karen Pence visits Fort Campbell
“It is our priority to come alongside you and your children so that our military service members can stay focused on their mission and remain ready to fight and protect our freedom.”
Feb 17, 2020
Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper:
“This Presidents Day, let us never forget the extraordinary men and women serving our Country. As we remember our founders that formed our great Nation, we also remember our Service Members fiercely defending the freedoms we value every day.”
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms-The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, sports betting, voting rights, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, open container laws, etc.
None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense or the outcome of military operations overseas.
As the decades of undeclared/unwon wars stack up (The Department of Defense track record goes back to 1949.) the greater the cultural urge to glorify people who do, or did time in uniform.
If there is an honest reason to send people away into decades of undeclared/unwon wars overseas let’s hear all about it.
Just Be Honest.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
More here:
Honest Promotion of the US Armed Forces in the Puget Sound Area
“…ready to fight and protect our freedom…”
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Questions We’d Love To See In The Made For TV Debates
Unsustainable Military Spending
A Formal Congressional Declaration of War
How did Rhode Island freedoms get over to the Middle East?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Too Many Lies From Veterans – Straight Out of a Land of Make Believe
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
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Photo-
Whidbey agriculture – no hurry to change
A view from the Bluff Trail