General Discussion

Hulk

(6,699 posts)

142. Amen...right on!

Mon Nov 10, 2014, 06:26 PM

Nov 2014

I'm a disabled Vietnam vet. I am no hero. I was drafted and wanted no part of being killed, or killing or harming anyone else on the other side of the world for worthless, conjured up reasons. I don't even want your "thanks for your service" disclaimer.
I agree 100% with this piece. Many have done "heroic things", but we are not heroes. Many have done atrocious things. I saw water boarding first hand when we passed through villages and we were not heroes. That was before I even heard the term "water boarding". It was simply referred to as extracting information from suspected VC. Heroes?
And I actually fear the police today, with all the terrible recent videos I've seen; and I'm white. I can only imagine how terrifying it must be for minorities and people of color.
Absolute buy shit, how we idolize military and the police. I admire the good ones and curse the bad ones. No way to see the difference by looking at a person on the outside.
Good article.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

248 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

You don�t protect my freedom Our Childish Insistence on Calling Soldiers Heroes [View all] UglyGreed Nov 2014 OP

It's not childish on the part of the politicians who put our military in harm's way again and again. merrily Nov 2014 #1

it is not UglyGreed Nov 2014 #3

I agree, but the necons of both parties abolished it and will not reinstate it merrily Nov 2014 #4

The draft hasn't been abolished atreides1 Nov 2014 #34

I think it is dotymed Nov 2014 #67

+1000, nt adirondacker Nov 2014 #165

i agree. it would solve a lot of problems, but only if the rich are included. n/t. okieinpain Nov 2014 #84

They would just mow down the protestors. ZombieHorde Nov 2014 #172

Why do we have military acadamies? olegramps Nov 2014 #71

Excellent points. Please consider making that post an OP for merrily Nov 2014 #96

I wholeheartedly agree. Le Taz Hot Nov 2014 #2

Also, a lot of them sign up as kids. But, I don't think they are the OP's target anyway. merrily Nov 2014 #5

...kids that mostly have not reached emotional maturity. L0oniX Nov 2014 #61

Yup. Very little sense of their own mortality and ramifications of dying at age 19, too. merrily Nov 2014 #98

Using the word "Hero" to describe anyone in the military Bettie Nov 2014 #6

So now there are NO heroes in the military? As dumb as claiming all are pipoman Nov 2014 #42

No, there are heroes in the military Bettie Nov 2014 #46

No, here's what you said. ... pipoman Nov 2014 #51

By anyone, I meant Bettie Nov 2014 #59

Difference is, you have to put words in my mouth to dismiss me, pipoman Nov 2014 #66

And yet others seemed to understand quite easily Bettie Nov 2014 #87

And you are in obvious lockstep with the OP...nufsaid... pipoman Nov 2014 #90

In that I don't believe just putting on a uniform makes one automatically a hero? Bettie Nov 2014 #153

I understood, for what it's worth :) arcane1 Nov 2014 #151

Thanks... Bettie Nov 2014 #209

No, he didn't state that liberalhistorian Nov 2014 #143

It's a stretch to interpret the comment the way you did. Fail. Scuba Nov 2014 #202

It is overlooking ambiguity not to interpret it that way pipoman Nov 2014 #206

I'm a veteran. Your analysis of this thread sucks. Scuba Nov 2014 #208

Even some vets hate kids trying only to better themselves i suppose... pipoman Nov 2014 #217

That's not what this thread is about, ergo your analysis still sucks. Scuba Nov 2014 #218

Or the police, or fire fighters or Skidmore Nov 2014 #57

Thank you for understanding my point Bettie Nov 2014 #60

Someone in the military was treated extraordinarily? When? Where? cherokeeprogressive Nov 2014 #76

10% discount at Lowes.... Oktober Nov 2014 #103

Hero's: football players, race car drivers, Olympic medalists ...yep the word has been hijacked. L0oniX Nov 2014 #58

Thanks to you as well Bettie Nov 2014 #62

to me, there is heroism in the military heaven05 Nov 2014 #121

Saw and heard plenty of gunfire The Wizard Nov 2014 #167

When I went to Vietnam as a very junior infantry officer Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2014 #199

The Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart and Vietnam Service Medal sum it up pretty well pinboy3niner Nov 2014 #201

I don't remember the number of my OCS class, Fortinbras Armstrong Nov 2014 #213

OCS classes were numbered by date pinboy3niner Nov 2014 #214

+1000 heaven05 Nov 2014 #204

I nominate Scientists and Peacemakers to replace Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #7

war is an extension heaven05 Nov 2014 #10

Actually it was Clausewitz, not Sun Tzu who said war is politics by other means? independentpiney Nov 2014 #47

actually, you're right heaven05 Nov 2014 #50

Hope I didn't come across as pedantic independentpiney Nov 2014 #109

nope heaven05 Nov 2014 #114

And all of the devices of war pipoman Nov 2014 #70

You're doing exactly what you falsely accused another of doing up-thread. Marr Nov 2014 #86

Maybe you can provide a list of actual scientist heroes. .. pipoman Nov 2014 #91

That is literally the dumbest request for a citation I've ever read here. Marr Nov 2014 #94

The vast majority of scientists pipoman Nov 2014 #100

First, I reject that insult to scientists in general. Marr Nov 2014 #105

It's telling that you "reject that insult to scientists" pipoman Nov 2014 #128

Where did I insult anyone? Marr Nov 2014 #129

What do you do about those scientists who create bigger and better death machines? Skidmore Nov 2014 #55

As I replied to the other poster Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #80

+1 L0oniX Nov 2014 #56

Yeah, because all scientists and "peacemakers" pipoman Nov 2014 #69

It's a lot easier to determine what scientist Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #78

Damned few vs most pipoman Nov 2014 #93

Do I really have to answer that argument? Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #101

Lol....90 I see... pipoman Nov 2014 #116

As if whether they were high school drop outs or not mattered Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #144

My point from the beginning has been the complete silliness of the assertion that pipoman Nov 2014 #174

You think they're heroes. Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #179

No, I think most are honorable and some are heroes pipoman Nov 2014 #205

Would you even be alive today Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #211

Obviously you weren't in Berlin, or Hawaii trying to run away pipoman Nov 2014 #216

Maybe you're right Shankapotomus Nov 2014 #224

"As in most scientists are chasing dollars throwing morals to the wind..." I'm sorry, that's.... Humanist_Activist Nov 2014 #159

What is idiotic is pretending scientists, for the most part pipoman Nov 2014 #177

Holy fucking shit, you just keep digging, this is hilarious! Humanist_Activist Nov 2014 #225

Just Part of the Plan just us Nov 2014 #8

When you see a brigade of troops coming home from Ebola duty in Liberia, be sure to tell them that brooklynite Nov 2014 #9

they are to be commended heaven05 Nov 2014 #11

Another point, people in the military don't give up their lives in the service WHEN CRABS ROAR Nov 2014 #171

The people in the military are far closer to heroes Lurks Often Nov 2014 #12

You are right on both counts. On the draft being re-instated I hope you are right. Obviously, those pushing still_one Nov 2014 #23

Not only does a draft NOT keep us out of wars Lurks Often Nov 2014 #30

what it does is get more than a handful of families involved belzabubba333 Nov 2014 #40

Since the Selective Service Act of 1917 created the draft Lurks Often Nov 2014 #110

we dont know how many wars the draft kept us from, we have alot more now without it belzabubba333 Nov 2014 #111

You've failed to prove that the draft DID keep us out of a war Lurks Often Nov 2014 #119

When I served my experience was that the "US" guys (draftees) Ron Green Nov 2014 #234

Excellent point pinboy3niner Nov 2014 #236

Possibly, although that is something that is likely to be subjective Lurks Often Nov 2014 #241

yes but not as much as our emts or firemen or police (yea some police dont deserve that) belzabubba333 Nov 2014 #113

Yuk! I wish I had skipped over this OP. yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #13

You are right, it is pathetic. still_one Nov 2014 #25

...^ that 840high Nov 2014 #32

I agree. Poor taste. NT Adrahil Nov 2014 #43

Precisely - It's Because of Vets Day otohara Nov 2014 #73

What until Congress takes way COLA, VA compensation for retires and TRICARE increases yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #95

What do you disagree with phil89 Nov 2014 #104

It utter disgusting and full of exaggerated lies yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #108

This ^^^^ ctsnowman Nov 2014 #197

thank you. eom ellenfl Nov 2014 #14

Posting the day before Veterans day leftynyc Nov 2014 #15

Agreed. FailureToCommunicate Nov 2014 #17

Precisely the best time to make this point. earthside Nov 2014 #35

Well said. Ink Man Nov 2014 #68

Heroism is in the eye of the beholder. cherokeeprogressive Nov 2014 #16

Thank you. ScreamingMeemie Nov 2014 #18

General Smedley Butler had it right. Fuddnik Nov 2014 #19

You can't have it both ways... ScreamingMeemie Nov 2014 #20

No American soldier has laid down his life for our country since 1945, or maybe 1952. Maedhros Nov 2014 #146

Exactly. ncjustice80 Nov 2014 #148

. stevenleser Nov 2014 #21

As a vet, it's my experience that vet's shun hero worship HereSince1628 Nov 2014 #22

I can't believe it is November... actslikeacarrot Nov 2014 #24

Calling everyone a hero diminishes those that truly are worthy of that label I would think Baclava Nov 2014 #26

Agreed. LP2K12 Nov 2014 #39

And its no pleasure to work with ... DrBulldog Nov 2014 #27

I Have The Opposite Situation ProgressiveJarhead Nov 2014 #52

Semper Fi Gyrene n/t DustyJoe Nov 2014 #75

THANK YOU Skittles Nov 2014 #186

It does have the affect of inhibiting emotional maturity developement... L0oniX Nov 2014 #53

I am now repelled everytime I see camo being worn ... DrBulldog Nov 2014 #28

sounds like you're the one who is "messed up" Skittles Nov 2014 #187

I am now repelled by your comments here. GGJohn Nov 2014 #212

Kicked and recommended a whole bunch! Enthusiast Nov 2014 #29

I believe that the "greatest generation"... Nitram Nov 2014 #31

Oh they think everyone should be under military control ...I've heard them say it. L0oniX Nov 2014 #49

I agree completely with this. alarimer Nov 2014 #33

yeah we had heaven05 Nov 2014 #161

And it's all superficial. alarimer Nov 2014 #220

+10 heaven05 Nov 2014 #221

I am not a hero... LP2K12 Nov 2014 #36

Do not apologize sarisataka Nov 2014 #79

^THIS^ DustyJoe Nov 2014 #81

It would be interesting to see what would happen if a candidate for office in a swing district or Freddie Stubbs Nov 2014 #37

A peacenik on the Death Star? (My fav: No fighting in the war room.) L0oniX Nov 2014 #48

A blogger seeking attention by being "edgy" aikoaiko Nov 2014 #38

We tend to fall for simplistic narratives. ( The left does it too, btw.) Smarmie Doofus Nov 2014 #41

The military is only one pillar intended to keep us free. Orsino Nov 2014 #44

I wish it would keep us free from the super rich. L0oniX Nov 2014 #63

Amen dotymed Nov 2014 #99

+1 Wow ...someone who thinks like me ...only he doesn't go far enough. L0oniX Nov 2014 #45

Fixed it for you Lurks Often Nov 2014 #130

So because there are wars we need to be involved in them since there never is any peace anyway. L0oniX Nov 2014 #131

Try not to put words in my mouth Lurks Often Nov 2014 #134

I am not a hero CRK7376 Nov 2014 #54

you may not consider yourself as such, but you are. You gave service to your country. Thank-you still_one Nov 2014 #64

Thank you!!! Peacetrain Nov 2014 #124

Very few men and women in Congress will have heroes as sons and daughters KansDem Nov 2014 #65

disgruntled author DustyJoe Nov 2014 #72

This is the kind of mindless drivel pipoman Nov 2014 #74

Well said, sir. n/t cherokeeprogressive Nov 2014 #77

"Forced troop worship and compulsory patriotism must end" onenote Nov 2014 #82

Have you been to any sporting event recently? alarimer Nov 2014 #123

Yep. Partial season ticket holder for Washington Nationals onenote Nov 2014 #126

How many people are arrested annually for not rising for the anthem or taking a moment to Nuclear Unicorn Nov 2014 #137

Heaven help you what? Oktober Nov 2014 #175

i don't think it's worship, more like respect. n/t. okieinpain Nov 2014 #83

"Forced troop worship sarisataka Nov 2014 #85

I do not know you personally UglyGreed Nov 2014 #107

Individual judgment is very good sarisataka Nov 2014 #117

Right on, and I ask who is pushing this hero label bahrbearian Nov 2014 #127

How would you feel if one UglyGreed Nov 2014 #115

I would not assume all vets are like that sarisataka Nov 2014 #118

You see UglyGreed Nov 2014 #120

The freedom to question our leaders sarisataka Nov 2014 #125

I promise you UglyGreed Nov 2014 #141

^You guys^ beam me up scottie Nov 2014 #163

"I volunteered to..." Intentions don't always match the outcome Taitertots Nov 2014 #152

I do think sarisataka Nov 2014 #155

I am very uneasy that members of the Armed Forces are now "Warriors". hedgehog Nov 2014 #88

You can always count on a blogger to shit on every holiday each year. Inkfreak Nov 2014 #89

I show my respect for veterans by voting JEB Nov 2014 #92

Well aren't you the leftiest Lefty in Leftyville? Throd Nov 2014 #97

and I'm left handed UglyGreed Nov 2014 #106

Well.. That was full to the brim with whining.... Oktober Nov 2014 #102

Does anyone actually believe this? LittleBlue Nov 2014 #112

You must first protect your person, before worrying about "freedom" ileus Nov 2014 #122

Just when I think DU can't sink any lower ... NanceGreggs Nov 2014 #132

My God, we can give them that after all we put them through, can't we? I also grahamhgreen Nov 2014 #133

"70 years since we fought a war about freedom"... even longer since soldiers saved OUR freedom paulkienitz Nov 2014 #135

I'll wager the lowest performing honorably discharged soldier Nuclear Unicorn Nov 2014 #136

You have given me the courage swilton Nov 2014 #138

It always has struck me that the peace-makers do it for nothing . . FairWinds Nov 2014 #139

I was a teenager during the Vietnam War. lark Nov 2014 #140

Amen...right on! Hulk Nov 2014 #142

One of the 14 Signs of Fascism blkmusclmachine Nov 2014 #145

Getting pretty damn close JEB Nov 2014 #169

One of the best pieces I've ever read on this subject: silverweb Nov 2014 #147

My heroes are teachers, nurses, and librarians RufusTFirefly Nov 2014 #149

It has always been thus. DeSwiss Nov 2014 #150

This is one of the main reasons UglyGreed Nov 2014 #173

This is a bunch of crap. Separation Nov 2014 #154

They still sign up knowing what they may be ordered to do phil89 Nov 2014 #156

many of the most self-rightous sarisataka Nov 2014 #157

That is one great thing about this country, you don't have to do shit Rex Nov 2014 #158

Another overlooked point sarisataka Nov 2014 #160

Another false stereotype still touted since Vietnam. Separation Nov 2014 #166

Thanks for that perspective. Union Scribe Nov 2014 #189

The military definitely protects our freedoms by deterring attack. Vattel Nov 2014 #162

I know I'm going to UglyGreed Nov 2014 #181

This article nails it mwrguy Nov 2014 #164

Is my 10% discount at Lowes just too much for you? Oktober Nov 2014 #176

I'm glad you UglyGreed Nov 2014 #195

Veterans must be so happy we give them the privilege to be homeless, no mental help, and chrisa Nov 2014 #240

Which is it, "preferably a white man" or the usual "military preys on minorities"? 7962 Nov 2014 #168

A fair number of the what job cops were in the military. That's the sad part. nt kelliekat44 Nov 2014 #184

K&R valerief Nov 2014 #170

To the complaints about UglyGreed Nov 2014 #178

veterans are treated like shit in this country JI7 Nov 2014 #182

The government UglyGreed Nov 2014 #190

really ? this reminds me of wingnuts complaining about Happy Holidays JI7 Nov 2014 #180

Please UglyGreed Nov 2014 #191

Right Wingers are sadistic by nature... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2014 #183

TRUTH!! nt kelliekat44 Nov 2014 #185

As Terry Pratchett once said. Rye Bread Pizza Nov 2014 #188

Well do UglyGreed Nov 2014 #192

By the way UglyGreed Nov 2014 #193

"since we fought a war about freedom" bhikkhu Nov 2014 #194

My father was UglyGreed Nov 2014 #198

As a Vet "Hero" is over used, way over used IdiocracyTheNewNorm Nov 2014 #196

You don't protect freedom by demeaning soldiers either Android3.14 Nov 2014 #200

People UglyGreed Nov 2014 #203

Weird strawman Android3.14 Nov 2014 #223

I'm a weird Fella UglyGreed Nov 2014 #230

Let me add UglyGreed Nov 2014 #210

Here you go, a little bit of pity Android3.14 Nov 2014 #222

I have found sarisataka Nov 2014 #227

You might want to consider your words. Android3.14 Nov 2014 #228

I understand the words sarisataka Nov 2014 #231

The word that goes here is "hypocrite" Android3.14 Nov 2014 #235

Talking about character flaw UglyGreed Nov 2014 #237

We are each the victims of our childhood Android3.14 Nov 2014 #238

First this is on going on UglyGreed Nov 2014 #239

Hmm. Android3.14 Nov 2014 #242

With my father UglyGreed Nov 2014 #243

Unsure if we actually met Android3.14 Nov 2014 #244

I wish I had such a vivid UglyGreed Nov 2014 #245

Here you go Droid UglyGreed Nov 2014 #246

I'm guessing you offer it as proof that your father was at Nuremberg. Android3.14 Nov 2014 #247

You are trolling now and have UglyGreed Nov 2014 #248

Thank you sarisataka UglyGreed Nov 2014 #232

You are welcome sarisataka Nov 2014 #233

It is my reality N/T UglyGreed Nov 2014 #229

I never considered myself a hero JonLP24 Nov 2014 #207

Four years in the Corps... Bigmack Nov 2014 #215

I'm grateful to the men and women who have served in our country's armed forces. dawg Nov 2014 #219

I will have to agree. :( LawDeeDah Nov 2014 #226