If you don't buy a Buddy Poppy or buy a veteran a drink while you listen to her story, or pray at the grave of a fallen soldier, you can still have an interactive Memorial Day!
I got this comment in response to a post on my other blog about the disconnect between citizens and volunteer-armed forces-
"...What I don't get is why, if soldiers know that they are fighting a meaningless war that involves the maiming and killing of innocent people, (themselves included), then why don't they just lay down their arms and walk the fuck away?"
Actually a good, if simple question. Is there a simple answer?
This morning, I got this oily letter in my work email- (edited to prevent possibly fatal levels of insult to intelligence)
"An Armed Forces Memorial Day Message from the Secretary of Defense"
"Military service has always been one of our nation's most noble callings. America has long been the defender of liberty- the country who has stepped forward to defend those who could not defend themselves. This was true from our country's early days at Lexington and Concord, where the earliest citizen soldiers defended their farms and homes, their new country, and the cause of freedom.
"In the years that followed, U.S. forces have been freedom's champion....to today, in places like Kabul and Baghdad.
"...this new war we face has required the military to adapt its thinking, and challenged us to prepare in new ways.
"..our country is proud of every member of our armed forces - volunteers all - and we are deeply grateful to those who have sacrificed to the cause of liberty.
"May God bless every one of you, may God bless your families, and may God bless our wonderful country".
Donald Rumsfeld.
Is it just me, or do some of you feel like that piece of kiss-ass condescension begs a few logical questions?
Please give me some responses I can include in a reply to Rummy's friendly letter to my civilian comm center. Just so I can tell him we're not all Chickenhawk jock-sniffers.
"Deeply grateful for his sacrifice", the Army's fuck-ups cause the death of Pat Tillman, followed by a bunch of bullshit
"Tillman's mother and father said in interviews that they believe the military and the government created a heroic tale about how their son died to foster a patriotic response across the country. They say the Army's "lies" about what happened have made them suspicious, and that they are certain they will never get the full story."
God bless your families.
Support our Troops-
Veterans to Impeach Prez AWOL
Amnesty International's US Chief says, treat Rumsfeld like Pinochet
Think about the unseen, the misunderstood, the objectified wounded, as you celebrate Memorial Day.
