Are Soldiers Heroes?

[rdubwiley]

Last edited Thu May 31, 2012, 05:46 PM - Edit history (1)

Just like Chris Hayes, the word “hero” to describe fallen soldiers bothers me. It ignores how war has changed, and the fact is we don’t fight for anyone’s freedoms anymore.

[MrSlayer]

1. We fight to protect corporate interests.

And nothing more.

[rdubwiley]

2. That's mostly true

As I said, arms dealers lobby politicians, so we go to war for their interests.

However, there is also a religious factor; people want to go to war in the Middle East because they believe it will start the Apocalypse.

[MrSlayer]

3. Certain people may want that.

But people who are in serious positions of power don't believe in that nonsense.

[rdubwiley]

8. Well,

George Bush certainly is part of that category, and remember the Fellowship still exists, and they lobby constantly.

[nineteen50]

4. It is no longer a civilian army; it’s a job of choice more like a mercenary army.

[dotymed]

5. If we re-institute the draft and get rid of the deferments

wars will no longer be an incentive to the politicians. If their children or the children of the other elites have to risk their lives for empire, wars will become obsolete.
Unfortunately, with the killing from afar technology we have implemented, this may not be the same incentive that it was 20 years ago.
Sadly, (ironically) America and it's allies are no longer the only countries (or groups) that have drone specifications (probably even the drones themselves).
How long will it be before America is attacked by drones? I am very surprised (especially with the increasing drone usage in America) that with all of the people we have made into "our" enemies, we haven't been attacked yet. We know and the politicians and weapons makers know, that it is just a matter of time before this technology is used against "us."
How will "they" spin this? We have had a cavalier attitude about collateral damage (all of the innocents killed by these drone attacks). So when a country or group who has had enough innocent people killed by collateral damage, finally retaliates, how will "they" be able to convince Americans of our moral superiority? Many, many Americans are ignorant nationalistic sociopaths. But, IMO, deep down they have to realize that that other nationalities have the right to survival. Americans are not "the chosen people."
I am retired and in poor health. I hope that there is never another attack on American soil. But, I realize that this is not realistic. "We" have shown "them" the way. Hell, why blow-up an airplane when "they" (and "we" are making more "theys", every day) can fly an unmanned drone right into our neighborhoods? That would create much more fear.
Probably that is what "our" government wants. The more we live in fear, the easier we are to control. I really expect to see this in my lifetime (unfortunately). Anyone who thinks that the war-hawks did not foresee this, is deluding themselves. Just one step closer to marshal law and we have been getting closer to that daily, for at least the last 40 years. How great can a corptocracy be?

[Plucketeer]

7. We're in harmony!

You speak MY mind. Thanks!

[stlsaxman]

6. sorry but i refuse to watch this- and SOLELY for production value.

because you recorded this on your laptop mic and the sound level was so low- i turned it WAY up.

then you played the bumper video and nearly blew out my $800/per Mackie SR 626 Studio Reference monitors.

how 'bout posting the transcript so i can read what you have to say- i'd like to because you may have some very valid points to share.

Get an outboard USB mic and use the software with it to even out the audio levels in your videos, please. BONUS POINTS: you won't sound like you're on a phone.

[rdubwiley]

9. I think I'm going to improve it

I don't know why it's so quiet, but if you'd like, I can send you a link of the improved one, once I'm done.

[rdubwiley]

10. I fixed it

Hopefully the audio is better now.