April 9, 2021 Whidbey News-Times
Letter to the editor:
“There are so many people here on the island who complain about jet noise, but I like it and to me it truly is the sound of freedom and so I thank them for all they do to keep the rest of us safe.”
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
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?
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Do the people who operate the local newspaper want us to think of the US Armed Forces as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Hometown Pride:
“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
The US Armed Forces – A 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.
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
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.”
Where did they go?
Iowa – Welcome Home Troops
April 3, 2021 KWWL News
Modified welcome home ceremonies slated for Iowa Army National Guard units
“The Ironman Battalion supported Operation Spartan Shield in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.”
During the Vietnam War, US troops were sent to Vietnam.
Today, the Texas National Guard is sent to the U.S. Central Command Area in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
Newspeople post whatever press release is handed off.
A 5th grade book report would require more in the way of asking questions.
Was there any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war, linked to this movement of Iowa National Guard troops?
Has there been time for newspeople to ask questions?
Newspeople remain silent.
Sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution?
What becomes of American rights and freedoms and the constitution when the US returns from distant lands without a victory?
Podcast 9 Defending The Constitution?
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?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals Re: lessons learned on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
The formal congressional declaration of war would also be the time for a careful review of important issues such as: PTSD, suicide, GTMO/torture, use of contractors, war crimes, a $6.4 trillion price tag, lies about freedom, propaganda, dressing women to look like men, exit strategy, mission creep, nation building, reduction of traditional military benefits offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, who should register for the draft, planning ticker-tape parades and joyous celebrations, etc.
Do public schools still teach about Armistice Day?
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Related:
Let’s Honor The Troops In Honest Ways
Some Veterans See Nonveterans As Second-Class Citizens?
Defending The Constitution With Decades Of Undeclared Wars
18-20 year old adults are seen as 2nd class citizens:
Maybe Get Away From The Bragging About Freedom?
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
4 Stories The Puget Sound Press Will Not Question Or Report On
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
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