General Discussion

alarimer

(17,146 posts)

220. And it's all superficial.

Tue Nov 11, 2014, 12:42 PM

Nov 2014

We are not doing what we need to do to support returning veterans. Not enough in money or resources for treatment, for education, for whatever it is they need.

They are being denied healthcare in many states that didn't expand Medicaid, if they are not eligible for the VA or TriCare.

Unemployment is 20% among veterans. And while some companies have made efforts to hire them, they also have to compete against people with college degrees or may not have the right kinds of experience in certain fields.

And then of course there are companies that exploit all their workers, like Uber and the new tech companies. Uber has made a big push for hiring veterans, promising $30-40 an hours. What they don't say is that is before their expenses like gas and insurance (you have to buy a commercial insurance plan, which is expensive). So it's more or less minimum wage in the end.

Politicians (especially right-wingers) make a big show of "supporting the troops" but then cut taxes and programs that actually help.

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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