The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. Not complaining, not trying to get the Navy to leave.
“…vital to our national security.”
Did the advantage of US air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911.
We haven’t won a war since.
Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.
Sound of Freedom
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing? Some invading force wearing military uniforms could dictate events without facing resistance?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
US Armed Forces:
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
Christine Cribb Executive Director Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
If small towns across America had military jobs programs- would they question undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
Paid spokesperson update:
July 23, 2019 Whidbey News-Times
Soundoff: U.S. Navy takes environmental stewardship seriously
“First and foremost, EA-18G Growler aircraft, and the aircrews who fly them, are a crucial component of our national defense. Navy Growlers provide Airborne Electronic Attack capabilities for all of our armed forces, and without the Growler’s ability to suppress enemy uses of electromagnetic energy, American troops in the air, at sea and on the ground are at risk.”
These are the guys who believe the war in Afghanistan is some sort of success.
July 19, 2019 The American Conservative
The Decline of Our Nation’s Generals
“Milley’s understanding of war did come up, if only obliquely, when Afghanistan received passing mention. Milley described that war, the longest in U.S. history and still ongoing, as “successful to date.” U.S. efforts to transform Afghanistan into a stable and functioning state have manifestly failed. So too have U.S. efforts to defeat the militants threatening the Afghan government. But for Milley, all that matters is the absence of any post-9/11 terrorist attacks launched from Afghan soil. Based on that narrow and contrived criterion, he puts Afghanistan in the win column.”
Back on Whidbey Island:
Did the advantage of air power allow the undeclared wars in Iraq or Afghanistan to be prevented, won or shut down?
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
July 21, 2019 The Herald
Commentary: Bob Ferguson’s war a threat to Whidbey’s Navy base
State Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, represents the 10th Legislative District.
The cash required to bring in these jobs and economic activity comes out of the pockets of taxpayers. It’s not based on any sort of honest demand for these services.
“What’s next? Shutting down Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Station Everett, or any of the other bases in our state? Not only would this cripple our state economically, it would undermine our national security, putting us all at greater risk from enemy attack and greatly reducing our ability to respond to threats.”
I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island.
Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.
Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.
I moved here 29 years ago and built a life in the shadow and earshot of the Intruders, Prowlers and Growlers that made and continue to make their presence known by what I like to call “the sound of freedom.”
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.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
Group identities, head of the line privileges, dividing people into groups of first & second-class citizens away from military bases, civilian-military divide, etc.
Sound Off: Anti-jet noise activists’ narrative not rooted in reality
“Navy personnel and their young families are among our most committed and vibrant community members. In addition to ensuring a superlative national defense, they perform countless hours of community service and involvement.”
A superlative national defense?
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?
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.
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.
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.
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
May 26, 2019, The Associated Press
Mike Pence: West Point grads should expect to see combat
“Vice President Mike Pence told the most diverse graduating class in the history of the U.S. Military Academy on Saturday that the world is “a dangerous place” and they should expect to see combat.”
Do the folks who reach out to help military members and their families also advocate for phasing out undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
“This Memorial Day, spare us the flyover jets, flag-wielding honor guards, and other patriotic mush of 21st-century popular culture. Instead, I’d submit that now—after 18 years of endless, ineffective war—it’s a time for nuance, for a collective national self-assessment.”
Danny Sjursen – A retired U.S. Army Major
“At professional sports events, the once-modest singing of the national anthem has been overshadowed by flyovers from fighter jets, field-sized flags and uniformed troops on parade. Airport loudspeakers blare expressions of gratitude for the troops, and flight attendants call attention to uniformed military members aboard planes.”
Making small children recite a loyalty oath indicating Liberty and Justice for all.
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
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?
Are veteran’s organizations working to restore these freedoms?
Will the Joint Chiefs of Staff send The Troops to take a stand against dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens?
As always, newspeople play along by not asking any questions. No need to disrupt a celebration and parade during the school day. Maybe ask questions after school is out for the year. Just make time to ask, so the kids can have a better understanding of how overseas military operations will relate to their freedoms.
Not picking on Brinnon. The idea that overseas military operations or military jet training over Coupeville are linked to American rights and freedoms is commonly promoted in American culture.
If The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, 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.
Are the folks promoting loyalty OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
Looks like Newspeople didn’t show up to ask any questions before, during, or after the hero send off ceremony, so we’ll ask a few here. Our questions will appear in bold type.
April 14th, 2019 Press Release from the office of U.S. Senator Susan Collins
70 Bangor-based Maine National Guard soldiers are deploying to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve
“There is no cause more noble than preserving America’s freedom…”
No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.
Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.
Sending the National Guard to Poland is somehow linked to American rights and freedoms?
Any members of the press available to show up and ask why the people of Maine need services in Poland absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war?
“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions,” Shanahan said, and “our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
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 The Troops fight for American rights and freedoms- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, 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.
I am indifferent to jet noise on Whidbey Island. I know it is a larger concern based on where people are situated on Whidbey or elsewhere in the region; Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, B.C., Port Townsend, etc.
Some of the points made by Navy supporters don’t generate much in the way of good public relations:
The base has been here since WWII. Navy crews will not be able to operate safely without training operations conducted on Whidbey Island.
Most people are probably not asking for the Navy to leave. Concerns seem to be about adding more flights and jets.
Even if NAS Whidbey was shut down, training would continue at other locations. MCAS El Toro is one example of many bases that have been closed over the years. Training goes on.
The US has vast holdings in the form of bombing ranges, missile test ranges, federal lands appropriate for nuclear weapons testing, etc. War games and military training might be conducted in these areas without bothering anyone.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, bump stock ban, interracial marriage, gay marriage, tobacco sales, voting rights, 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.
As Noem explained: “It would create uncertainty for prosecution under our ingestion statute because the source of THC is placed in doubt when industrial hemp products that contain small amounts of THC, such as cannabidiol or CBD, are legalized. As governor, I will not leave it to our courts to interpret how this bill impacts our prohibition on the active ingredient in marijuana, and I do not believe the Legislature intended to complicate enforcement of our ingestion statute in this way.”
When they get a little older, they will see that they are pledging allegiance to a system where adults are divided into groups of first and second-class citizens.
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?
Undeclared/unwon wars that never end
Absent any military emergency, national emergency, draft, or declaration of war- the people of South Dakota need services in the Middle East:
“The unit first deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013.”
Hey- smaller government conservatives:
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
How about the freedom to legally grow Industrial Hemp?
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, 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.
Certainly, Americans do not live in a free and honest society.
American culture is good for dividing adults up into groups of first and second-class citizens.
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?
We’re often told that The Troops are in distant lands fighting for American rights and freedoms, and that we should thank them for defending our freedoms.
The reality is that freedoms may come and go.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions,” Shanahan said, and “our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
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.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
Hometown Pride
Local paper in a military town-
About two years ago, hometown pride was running high when they posted:
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?
Secretary Shanahan,
Freedoms come & go.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, semi automatic rifle sales, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.
With all this talk of freedom- would it be OK to grow a marijuana plant in the back yard?
Can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, 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.
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
The Joint Chiefs of Staff indicate that wars are for freedom.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, hemp farming, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, The Dept. of Defense, jet noise over Coupeville, 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.
“The US Drug Enforcement Administration said in its 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment, however, that Mexican transnational criminal organizations transported illicit drugs into the US across its southwest border using varied methods.”
“The most common method employed by these TCOs,” it said, “involves transporting illicit drugs through US ports of entry in passenger vehicles with concealed compartments or commingled with legitimate goods on tractor trailers.”
With such an impressive handle on US Dept. of Homeland Security performance- why do heroin-trafficking cartels continue to move product into local communities?
Each year, at the Super Bowl, the US Dept. of Homeland Security promotes their own image Re: preventing criminal activity. Why do these impressive capabilities fail to keep meth and heroin trafficking cartels from moving product into the US?
The open attitude about sports reporting does not cross over to stories about the US Dept. of Homeland Security, big drug busts, The Troops, the War on Terror or local water quality.
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.
The strip club is another of many examples where freedoms may come & go- completely unrelated to military operations/US Troops in distant lands, jet noise over Coupeville or the Sound of Freedom.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing? Some invading force wearing military uniforms could dictate events without facing resistance?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
US Armed Forces:
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
Plenty of questions here that don’t get asked. Not asked by veterans, newspeople, school teachers, and maybe school students.
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea to children that The Troops are in distant lands- fighting for American rights and freedoms- as if the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization.
In Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
Love to see a student ask: If The Troops fight for your right to sit, stand, kneel, etc.- why were black people still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory?
Love to see a student ask: If the wars aren’t won- how can they protect our freedom?
Love to see a student ask: Whatever happened to lessons about Armistice Day?
When the US Armed Forces are sent to Lebanon, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Vietnam, etc.- how is that defending the US Constitution– or our rights and freedoms, or our physical security?
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Is post-Vietnam guilt OK with undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
How do The Troops defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
It took a constitutional amendment to prohibit the sale of a glass of wine- why no constitutional amendment to authorize a federal prohibition of marijuana?
If veterans fought for our right to vote- how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
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.
Meet a veteran who isn’t shy about going out & grabbing a couple free meals- it’s a proud thing:
US foreign policy goals and objectives are mapped out at the very highest levels of government.
Ask yourself- is there someone at the table- in those high level planning sessions- who makes sure that military operations overseas include a mission to protect American rights and freedoms?
Does someone make sure the mission is to defend the constitution?
Is there anyone who verifies that the mission is to protect our physical security?
How does the executive branch of government defend the constitution via US foreign policy?
Back home- freedoms come & go:
Legal marijuana, concealed carry of handguns, federal minimum drinking age, interracial marriage, gay marriage, voting rights, etc. None of these are linked in any way with The Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Troops, or the outcome of military operations in distant lands.
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.
The free and well armed people who populate the North American continent could be forced to speak a language not of their choosing by people wearing military uniforms?
Doubt it.
Please see Operation Sea Lion.
The world’s most modern & powerful military force has had their hands full for years now in Afghanistan.
You don’t have to look too far to find comments that refer to the troops as “heroes.”
Some are.
No one who has done time in an average military unit would be comfortable with everyone present being called a hero. Some units would be the exception, but for most people who have done time over the years, calling everyone a hero would have no connection to reality.
Reality, and an honest understanding of why we send The Troops to far away places isn’t what we’re about though.
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.
Stop with the glorification of undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands.
The NRA tells us that contacting elected representatives and voting is the way to protect gun rights. What role do The Dept. of Defense & The Troops play here?
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?
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.
Why do we pretend that the US Armed Forces function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our physical 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.
Many veterans claim to have served to protect American rights & freedoms.
How does this work?
Black people were still riding at the back of the bus after the big WWII victory.
Women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI.
Until July of 1971, 18 year old adults did not have full voting rights. Why didn’t US Military operations conducted in the 1940s, 50s & 60s get the job done on this?
With all this talk of American rights and freedoms can I take my 20 year old girlfriend (a responsible adult) down to the bar to order up a few beers for freedom?
Should we check with the Joint Chiefs of Staff first?
July 30, 2019 The Seattle Times
