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Title: There Are Too Many Veterans
Source:
Lew Rockwell
URL Source: http://www.lewrockwell.com/vance/vance126.html
Published: Nov 12, 2007
Author: Laurence Vance
Post Date: 2007-11-12 06:41:23 by Ada
Keywords: None
Views: 2740
Comments: 251
We have too many veterans. We have too many living veterans. We have too many dead veterans. We have too many wounded veterans. We have too many disabled veterans. We have too many veterans who have fought in wars. We have too many veterans who have never fired a shot. Any way you look at it, we have too many veterans. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day – a day to commemorate the signing of the armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month that ended fighting on the Western Front in World War I, "the war to end all wars." A few years after World War II, the holiday was changed to Veterans Day as a tribute to all soldiers who fought for their country. Veterans Day has now become a day to honor, not just those who have served in the military during wartime, but those who have served during peacetime or are serving now. It has also become a day – even though we have Armed Forces Day – to recognize all things military. Why? Why do most Americans hold veterans and current members of the U.S. military in such high esteem? Why is there such a military mindset in the United States? One reason people feel this way is because they falsely believe that those who serve in the military are somehow defending our freedoms. They are convinced that it is the military that stands between a free society and subjugation by some foreign power. They think that it is because of the military that we still have our First Amendment rights. It is inevitable that whenever I write about the military I receive an e-mail or two from a current or former member of the military who closes his rebuke (which usually argues that I have the freedom to write the "trash" that I write because of the U.S. military) with this simplistic cliché: "If you can read this e-mail, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a Marine." Has anyone ever thought this through? Are we are supposed to believe that the German army that couldn’t cross the English Channel to invade Great Britain and make its population speak German was going to cross the Atlantic Ocean to invade the United States and make us all speak German if it wasn’t for the Marines? Or was it Japanese that the Marines kept us from speaking? Or perhaps it was Spanish because of the tremendous threat we faced from Spain during the Spanish-American War? Were we in danger of having to speak Russian during the Cold War? Looking at the history of U.S. military interventions, there is one thing we can thank the Marines for: We can thank the Marines for helping to carry out an evil, interventionist U.S. foreign policy. Thanks a lot, jarheads. Semper Fi and all that jazz. Our freedoms, our liberties, and our Constitution that all Marines swear to uphold are under attack by our government. The state is a greater enemy than any foreign country or ruler. If the Marines are to really defend our freedoms, then they should be deployed to Washington D.C. After they oversee the closure of most federal agencies and expel the bureaucrats from the city, they can protect the Constitution (with fixed bayonets) from its daily assault by the members of Congress. In that case I would even say with you: "The few, the proud, the Marines." Another reason the military is held in such high esteem is that most Americans wrongfully assume that the military is actually engaged in defending the country. They don’t know about the hundreds of U.S. military bases on foreign soil. They don’t realize that there are thousands of U.S. troops stationed abroad to defend other countries. They have no idea that the United States has troops in 150 different regions of the world. Instead, they think that it is because of the military fighting terrorists "over there" that we don’t have to fight them "over here." The threat of a conquest of America by foreign invasion is nonexistent. And if we were attacked with nuclear weapons, even the Marines would be helpless to defend us. Although the purpose of the U.S. military should only be to defend the United States from genuine attacks and credible enemies, it has primarily been used to intervene in the affairs of other countries. When all of the troops come home and start guarding our borders and patrolling our coasts then, and only then, can we say that the military is defending the country. Even the Coast Guard, which actually patrols our coasts, is tainted – thanks to another unconstitutional, unwinnable war that the government is engaged in that is more destructive than the "enemy" we are fighting: the war on drugs. Still another reason for the military mindset is that members of the military are viewed as "public servants." Members of Congress like to brag about how they have been in public service their whole life. Some policemen and firemen have jumped on the "public service" bandwagon as well. But if you want to be a policeman or a fireman, fine, just don’t expect us get excited about the fact that you have a job. And plenty of jobs are just as dangerous. Veterans are looked upon as special because they "served" in the military. It didn’t take any special education, experience, or accomplishments to land a job in the military – they just signed on the dotted line. We don’t bestow any special honors on bricklayers, mechanics, and accountants; yet, we see plenty of bumper stickers that say things like: "My son is in the Air Force." We never see "My son is a plumber" or "My son is a garbage collector" or "My son is a waiter"? And why not? The people in those occupations don’t drop bombs on anyone. They "serve" some important needs of society. Shouldn’t we honor them as least as much as soldiers? It is unfortunate that some of the most vocal defenders of today’s military are Christians. It is even worse that churches fawn over current and former members of the military on Veterans Day. In response to my recent article "Should Anyone Join the Military," I was chastised by two detractors. The first asked if I could read the Old Testament and still say that no one should serve in the military. I was also told that God instructed the Jews and others to destroy people. It is not hard for me to read the Old Testament and still say that no one should serve in the military. America is not Israel, and the U.S. military is not God’s army. And telling me that God instructed the Jews and others to destroy people is like telling George Bush that he is the decider. There is no denying that God instructed the Jews and others to destroy people. But George Bush is not God, America is not the nation of Israel, and God didn’t command the U.S. military to kill anyone. My other detractor appealed to Alphonsus Liguori and maintained that as the sword maker has no control over the product, so "the soldier does not commit an actual sin unless he chooses to break a moral law while in the military." It is "the leaders or military officers who sin when they issue immoral orders." Military service is "morally neutral." But what kind of morality is this? It certainly isn’t Christian. What kind of morality says that it would be okay to kill someone in an unjust war in his own country who was no threat to you or your country because you are wearing a military uniform? Oh, I forgot: Just don’t break a moral law while you are killing him. It is high time that Americans stop elevating members of the military to a position of honor. It is long past the time when veterans have done anything honorable. We should abolish Veterans Day. And because of our shameful foreign policy and militarism during the twentieth century, we should abolish any Armistice Day celebration as well.
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#212. To: FormerLurker (#204)
Yes. As for the smoking pot, I'll leave that to your unemployed Army buddies after they get fired.
You KNEW, as you HAVE KNOWN. For the past 50 years. Understand it yet? Do you wish me to state it differently, perhaps in a slower rhythm?
Sounds like you are describing how millions live in such places. That's the point you two dipshits. Small military towns have those problems out in the middle of nowhere.
No, KNOW as in KNOW present. We K-N-OW. At least I do. Apparently the verdict is sill out on you.
Don't know anybody in the Army, but once a Marine always a Marine. Don't worry, we'll leave you with your crack pipe and your ho's.
Nah, I try to stay away from Ft. Benning.
You certainly must. You lived it and don't deny it exists.
You appear to be claiming that ALL people that have joined the military over the past 50 years are assholes that wish to kill innocent people that have not attacked us. That we have bombed countries that have not attacked us may have been going on for 50 years or so, but for how long have YOU known about it? How do you expect young people over the past 50 years to have KNOWN what isn't that obvious to many still today, and was certainly not obvious decades ago?
You and Burka remind me of misfits in the military, spent three years, finally made PFC and then blame it on the military when some local church lady gave you the clap. I knew you been around that scene before, it shows.
Are you hitting the hard stuff and seeing double while talking to yourself in the mirror?
That's the way it's been, since the world began. If you've picked your pricing, your product, your location, and your 'amenities' correctly; you should do well. If any come up short, so may your balance sheet.
I don't claim to be a mind reader like you apparently do. I just watch what they do and make conclusions that way. Sure seems like they do an awful lot of it for a group of people who don't want to do it.
You see, nothing in the military reminds me of anything as I wasn't raised feral and didn't see the military as anything but a downward path so never joined. You on the other hand admit to first hand knowledge.
Joined? I got news for you young man. I go back to WW2 and we were INVITED to someone elses war. Your condemnation of the military, something you never lived but seem to take great pride in demeaning, shows a total lack of character.
is on a solid rock foundation of 5000 years of known human history. Thanks for noticing.
The military doesn't decide they are going to bomb a nation one day and start doing it the next. It is those you have elected to Washington that decide to bomb a country, and USE our military to carry out their dirty work. Those that serve in the military, along with the general population, are told of some urgent need to do so in order to "protect our country".
I could also tell you about "some urgent need" to place your life savings in my Nigerian bank account. That doesn't mean we don't get to call you a dumbass if you do it.
You're supposed to collect the money from them SOP, not give it to them. Is that why you're so bitter, you sent your life savings to Mr. Umbuta at the Bank of Nigeria? I was wondering where all that money came from that he sent me... LOL
Thanks for noticing. Odd, I have never seen or heard that before, just from you. Most countries I know of have military now and in the past. Sort of a necessary program for survival.
you sent your life savings Hmm. Exactly the opposite of the tenor I posed. You have trouble with possessives now as well as tenses. Must be rough not grasping the rudiments of your native language.
Was that part of the debate? Do try to follow along old man or the nurse will send you to bed without your pudding cup.
I still think your hatred for the military is based on a bad personal experience. Like I said afore, misfits are misfits whether in the military are here on 4um spouting their hatred, little men if you will. Worst kind.
Yawn.
You can think the Sun revolves around the Earth for all I give a shit. The problem is you haven't even made the attempt to dispute a single assertion I've made about the character of a standing army. And we both know why that is. All you're left with (in fact all you started out with as usual) is a personal attack. It may amuse you, (hell, your lame attempts amuse even me)but it won't make you right.
You finally admit something is amiss, all you have is assertions of your personal opinions which are based on hate. All of which are not accepted by those that can see your rank hatred.
You are the weakest debater on here I swear. Whether I hate or love the military my observations stand undisputed by you for a simple reason - you can't do it. By the way, another common thread through history on standing armies is higher levels of homosexuality than the general population. It's a regular queer smorgasbord. I bet you REALLY noticed that in there didn't you?
You must find such things fascinating. Apparently, the fact that you were too chicken shit to join leads you to find all sorts of reasons why those that did join are somehow fucked up and less of a human than you are. That, or you're feeling that you missing out on some action. Perhaps you should give Jeff Gannon a ring, he might be able to give you what you apparently desperately need.
Actually the military is often a coward's way out for people who can't hack it in business, work or family life. They want to go somewhere where life is regimented, discipline is external instead of self, and all life necessities are provided. That's why military towns resemble the dysfunctional lifestyle found in a typical poor rural trailer park or inner city gubmint housing. They aren't less human, but they sure as hell aren't to be put on a pedestal for worship as you do. You must find such things fascinating. I find alot of history fascinating. Should I only look at the things that aggrandize the standing army? Truth be told there aren't many. That, or you're feeling that you missing out on some action. Perhaps you should give Jeff Gannon a ring, he might be able to give you what you apparently desperately need. When you can't debate the obvious...yada,yada, yada.
You're the one guilty of playing the fag card first.
I'm not playing any "card". No more so than if we were talking about prison conditions and it was brought up there. From Spartans to Jannisaries to the Royal Navy, sodomy has been a prevalent aspect of military life. Don't ask don't tell, who are they trying to kid? Every once in a while the NIS or CID will harass a few queer bars in Norfolk or Fayetteville just to look like they are doing something about it, and then with a nod and a wink it's back to cornholing as usual.
My guess is that people in the military went from being the most enthusiastic supporters of the war to the most disillusioned. I'm not surprised by the high support they're giving to a libertarian, anti-war candidate after 4 years of being burned out by neocon wars.
I have an idea. You can test your theory by conducting a survey of military personel in bars near Camp Pendleton, or Camp Lejeune. Go up to a table of Marines, and ask them if they would be interested in some gay sex. Let me know their answer...
whack, kapow, thump, teeth all over.
It'd certainly be fun to watch... LOL
Another idiot that thinks outwardly macho bravado is the opposite of homosexuality. Since you seem to love the military so much though, maybe you should try to really love them. The Marines you're looking for hang out at the Boom Boom Room and the Brass Rail. The gay porn producers who are looking for in-shape masculine tops have been recruiting military at those places for years. I wonder if that's where they picked up Ann Coulter's buddy Cpl. Sanchez (aka Rod Majors) and the Marine Captain turned gay porn star, Rich Merritt. From what I've read, globe and anchor tattoos are quite prevalent in the business.
Looks like you know where to find them, eh Smokin? You must be a familiar face there...
Yeah, you so witty. Wellpers, I'm pretty much done. My point has been made without refutation, so there's no reason to continue. Bump away.
Yep, you've made it quite clear that you know where to pick up fags.
I guess by that reasoning you're a porno addict based on your comments about porn here the other day. Also, everyone on 4um must be a corrupt, queer, gubmint official since so many are knowledgeable about those things too. Yeppers, the only way someone can learn about toe-tapping fags in the airport bathroom is by being a toe-tapping fag.
Huh? Please, ask the nurse for more meds. Did they forgot to give you your weekly shock therapy this week? If you say so. I bet you know a LOT about toe-tapping, eh?
And BTW bud, what do you suggest, that we do away with ALL of our military
#213. To: SmokinOPs (#209)
You got your tenses mixed up there, bub. Work on that and it will make sense.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#214. To: FormerLurker (#210)
That's rampant in many large cities.
#215. To: FormerLurker (#213)
You KNEW, as you HAVE KNOWN.
#216. To: SmokinOPs (#212)
Yes. As for the smoking pot, I'll leave that to your unemployed Army buddies after they get fired.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#217. To: FormerLurker (#216)
Don't worry, we'll leave you with your crack pipe and your ho's.
#218. To: Cynicom (#206)
Lots of people have jobs and travel but you two seem to have a rather intimate relationship to that life.
#219. To: SmokinOPs (#215)
No, KNOW as in KNOW present. We K-N-OW. At least I do. Apparently the verdict is sill out on you.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#220. To: SmokinOPs (#214)
That's the point you two dipshits.
#221. To: SmokinOPs (#214)
That's the point you two dipshits.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#222. To: FormerLurker. all (#208)
It's all about people trying to make money off those who they view as potential clients, or suckers, depending on the business.
#223. To: FormerLurker (#219)
(Edited)
You appear to be claiming that ALL people that have joined the military over the past 50 years are assholes that wish to kill innocent people that have not attacked us.
#224. To: Cynicom (#220)
(Edited)
You and Burka remind me of misfits in the military, spent three years, finally made PFC and then blame it on the military when some local church lady gave you the clap.
#225. To: SmokinOPsand didn't see the military as anything, but a downward path so never joined. (#224)
and didn't see the military as anything, but a downward path so never joined.
#226. To: Cynicom (#225)
Your condemnation of the military...
#227. To: SmokinOPs (#223)
Sure seems like they do an awful lot of it for a group of people who don't want to do it.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#228. To: FormerLurker (#227)
Those that serve in the military, along with the general population, are told of some urgent need to do so in order to "protect our country".
#229. To: SmokinOPs (#228)
I could also tell you about "some urgent need" to place your life savings in my Nigerian bank account
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#230. To: SmokinOPs (#226)
is on a solid rock foundation of 5000 years of known human history.
#231. To: FormerLurker (#229)
You're supposed to collect the money from them SOP, not give it to them.
#232. To: Cynicom (#230)
Most countries I know of have military now and in the past.
#233. To: SmokinOPs (#232)
#234. To: SmokinOPs (#231)
You have trouble with possessives now as well as tenses
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#235. To: Cynicom (#233)
(Edited)
I still think your hatred for the military is based on a bad personal experience.
#236. To: SmokinOPs (#235)
#237. To: Cynicom (#236)
#238. To: SmokinOPs (#237)
By the way, another common thread through history on standing armies is higher levels of homosexuality than the general population. It's a regular queer smorgasbord.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#239. To: FormerLurker (#238)
Apparently, the fact that you were too chicken shit to join leads you to find all sorts of reasons why those that did join are somehow fucked up and less of a human than you are.
#240. To: SmokinOPs (#239)
When you can't debate the obvious...yada,yada, yada.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#241. To: FormerLurker (#240)
You're the one guilty of playing the fag card first.
#242. To: lodwick (#199)
Excellent point - all I know is that as a percentage of donors, the military give more to RP than anyone else
#243. To: SmokinOPs (#241)
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#244. To: FormerLurker (#243)
#245. To: Cynicom (#244)
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#246. To: FormerLurker, Cynicom (#243)
I have an idea. You can test your theory by conducting a survey of military personel in bars near Camp Pendleton, or Camp Lejeune. Go up to a table of Marines, and ask them if they would be interested in some gay sex.
#247. To: SmokinOPs (#246)
The gay porn producers who are looking for in-shape masculine tops have been recruiting military at those places for years.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#248. To: FormerLurker (#247)
Looks like you know where to find them, eh Smokin? You must be a familiar face there...
#249. To: SmokinOPs (#248)
My point has been made without refutation
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
#250. To: FormerLurker (#249)
Yep, you've made it quite clear that you know where to pick up fags.
#251. To: SmokinOPs (#250)
you're a porno addict based on your comments about porn here the other day.
the only way someone can learn about toe-tapping fags in the airport bathroom is by being a toe-tapping fag.
You appear to be a major trouble maker...and I'm getting really pissed. - GoldiLox, 7/27/2006
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