Reposted From Facebook

[slightlv]

32. I agree with much of what you say, Raven..

especially about serving not being political. It's about feeling the need and desire to serve the country, itself... the essence of what it is; the hopes and dreams of its people and those who founded the nation.

I served in the Air Force in the 70-80's. I've been connected to civilian service, directly or indirectly, since I left active duty. None of it is easy, and it's been made worse by elections since the country elected Bush, jr. Only then did I see it really begin to be political. When I was active duty, I think many of us were idealistic as to why we were there; we were young and all across the political spectrum, but politics wasn't as important as serving the country and its people, and carrying on proud family traditions.

During decades working contractor positions I never really saw politics overtly raise its head. It was about the work we were doing, the mission. It wasn't until trump raised his head to run for president that I saw the people I worked with divide into 2 or more different camps. That's when I began to think I was seriously outnumbered in the way I thought and believed. I couldn't believe people I'd worked with for a decade or more actually could think of healthcare (as an example) of being a privilege instead of a right for every citizen.

I think the military has suffered since trump first got into office. I can see now, looking back, how the Service, as a whole, has been hurt since the days of Reagan. And I lament it. I also actively speak against active duty to any young ones who talk to me about it. It's not worth it in today's America. Everything idealistic and worth fighting to retain has been, or is now being actively stripped from us. Even more than the 70's, wars today are fought against leaders and for the right to rape another country's resources. They aren't fought to allow democracy to flourish. The only exception to that I see is Ukraine. Ukraine is the good fight, and shame on trumps maladministration for putting us on the wrong side of history.

Both liberals and democrats... and those of various other types of political persuasions... have served in the military. They've done it to carry on and serve a cherished ideal. Shame on trump, miller, and others who denigrate our soldiers, our veterans, and our military itself by having them carry out "missions" that aren't in their interest, nor in the interest of the American People. What they do now is only for the glory and beatification of one cult leader... trump. And I declare a pox on him!