One Size Fits All, and Because We Said So.
In the news:
Sept 3, 2021 Whidbey News-Times
Letter: Pledge should not be used as tool of aggression
“Especially important in my classroom was the closing phrase, “With liberty and justice for all.” That aspiration and inclusivity is the culture I support in the education of South Whidbey’s children.”
In the US, we probably brag about freedom more than anywhere else on the planet.
When people want to take delivery on their freedom, things can become controversial.
Newspeople play along by not asking questions.
The freedom talk is always sounding good for federal holidays and overseas military operations.
Real life:
Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and firearms restrictions are in place for 18-20 year old adults. Is there any state where recreational marijuana laws remove prohibition for adults at age 18?
Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
Love to see school teachers provide lessons on how American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea that The Troops are in distant lands- fighting for American rights and freedoms.
Growing up in the 60s & 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 dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Veteran’s Day 2014:
Huge number of comments Re: what sort of ID is proper to get free & discounted stuff-
Local press:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
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?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
September 27, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Sound Off: Freedom doesn’t come free, and it’s sometimes noisy
“…the men and women of the armed forces guarantee our freedom…”
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20. Can elected officials of any party or any member of the press help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
1967
Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to safeguard American freedoms?
Was it the Viet Cong that set up laws in 16 US states to prohibit interracial marriage?
Congressman Derek Kilmer:
Wars are for freedom and democracy.
Glorification of military service / total nonsense:
WA Secretary of State
“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, 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?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?
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.
Love to see the press, school teachers, sports announcers and politicians come clean on how any of this was linked to American rights and freedoms or defending the constitution.
Leaving Afghanistan – Lies About American Rights And Freedoms
Several federal holidays feature a theme related to the idea that the troops are sent to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
Do Americans have an honest relationship with the US Armed Forces?
Related:
Schmoozy TV Freedom Nonsense – Leaving Afghanistan
Port Townsend and the Sound of Freedom
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
School Teachers, Please Help Out With Lessons About Where Freedom Comes From
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
The US Armed Forces – A Giant Civil Rights Organization?
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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