Yeah, I don't SEE a "military worshipping culture".

[cherokeeprogressive]

To give this post a little context... I'm referring to posts concerning the handful of Soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. How in the world does the fact that a handful of Soldiers who stand watch over a grave constitute a "military worshipping culture"?

We've seen time and time again the mention that less than 1% of Americans serve in the country's armed forces at any given moment. And we've seen time and time again that the number of living veterans adds up to something less than 10% the current population.

At this point in time, I'd venture that there isn't a single servicemember who got to where they are after being involuntarily drafted. That means... IF this country were EVER subjected to attack, the people who would stand up against the first wave of the attack are there because they chose to give their time and possibly their LIVES in defense of those who don't have the wherewithal to defend themselves against others who consider the United States to be a sworn enemy.

Detractors might say they're ONLY there to get out of Podunk, or to get college educations. That's so narrow minded a view as to be laughable. If they're ONLY there to get out of Podunk, or to get a free education, WHERE ARE THE DESERTERS? Why aren't there THOUSANDS more of them? WHERE are those people who, when faced with the possibility of being on the receiving end of an enemy strike, or even the possibility of one, who hop a bus to Canada to avoid the danger using the excuse "I only wanted a degree"? Would YOU, if faced with dodging mortars, gunfire, IEDs, ambushes, or worse, would YOU get on that bus that takes you to the airplane that flies you directly to the place where those things happen? Well there are people who do. And, they're VOLUNTEERS.

EVERY person who volunteers for military service today EVEN IF IT'S A TRADE OFF knows their future MIGHT involve putting their life on the line for something larger than themselves. The fact that there are so many volunteers speaks to what a small segment of our population thinks about the country they live in.

So, here's my bottom line... Haters of the military CAN'T have it both ways. They CAN'T say there's a culture of military "worship", AND talk in the next breath about how badly we treat Veterans in this country. NOR can they say, when shown a picture of Soldiers walking a post 24/7/365, day - night - in inclement weather - guarding one of their brethren that IT'S a symbol of "military worship".

Those Soldiers who walk their post at The Tomb do it because they feel a kinship with who's buried there. They're sending a message to those who HAVE served, and those who MIGHT serve. There are 10,000 applications for that duty for every 1 person selected.

Their message is this... This I Do; I Would Do For YOU, My Brother or Sister, As I KNOW You Would Do For Me.

That's a small group of people who would give their time and possibly their lives for their countrymen/women. Less than 1%. We as a nation don't worship them... In fact, we hardly give them their due at all.

[Arctic Dave]

1. Ummm, OK?

Piss in the Cheerios?

[Confusious]

2. Miss the posts? nt

[eqfan592]

3. You not been around for a few days?

Some folks revealed themselves to be serious ass hats when it comes to our service men and women recently. Really disgusting stuff to be honest.

[Arctic Dave]

5. At work and focused on the storm.

Did I miss the asshat contest?

[eqfan592]

6. lol, yeah, and it was a pretty major contest at that. I don't have any links handy...

...but if you search around for tomb guards you'll find what's being talked about.

[The Straight Story]

4. My perspective

For whatever reasons (and there were a few) my son joined the army.

He, his wife, kids, moved to Ft Hood. Did his training. Had a son, and a few months later deployed to Iraq.

These people gave up at least 4 years of their lives - families, freedoms, etc for a small pay. Others serve in their own ways, like congress, etc. But few serve their country like those in the military.

You lose a lot for that time. No idea where you are going, no control over your own life, long hours, and you could easily wind up dead or injured (physically/mentally).

Yes, most people have jobs. Come home at the end of the day. Can quit if they don't like. Move where they want, etc.

When you are in the military you lose those freedoms and choices and commit to serving others.

Whether in war, rescue/aid operations, guarding some outpost or embassy, etc.

How many others would say 'hey, take me, I am gonna serve you and your needs totally for years'?

I respect most all occupations, the hard work people do, and the choices they are able to make. I do so more for our military because they give up something most don't want to for country.

Time and freedoms.

[pipoman]

11. Mine joined the Marines when he was 17

I had to sign his recruiting papers...one of the hardest things I have ever done. He went to basics 30 days after turning 18 and graduating from high school. He has earned a lot more than a paycheck. He left sort of part of the "wrong crowd", not very athletic, and destined for community college. He was a good kid, just no focus...except his desire for more..that is why he joined. He is waiting to hear if his reenlistment has gone through, otherwise his enlistment ends in January. Now if he gets out he wants to use his GI Bill at UCLA, runs 5 miles a day because he likes it, and wakes up every morning at 5am. It has made him a better adult. OTOH, he spent his entire term working in a finance office in North SD County..I may feel differently if a deployment had resulted in my loosing him either to death or to emotional issues.

[defacto7]

7. Thank you....

Great post.

[LadyHawkAZ]

8. I think there's a difference between worshipping

the idealized Rambo image of "military" and worshipping the real thing. It's the only thing I can think of that explains the disconnect between the American glorification of soldiers and the reality of how badly we treat them.

[Rowdyboy]

9. I have nothing but respect for those who serve...I was lucky enough to spend some time at a party

last Saturday night with a young man home from his third tour in Afghanistan. He's a class act.

[pipoman]

10. How is this different than

bitching about climate change while driving 20 miles to eat dinner? Or fly to a business meeting? Bitching about US government corruption while cheering Castro or Chávez? Profess undying support for liberal interpretation of civil rights/liberties....except for those rights they dislike..Complain about the other party's love of war, but have no critique of their own party's participation in the same...and on and on..what you are describing is only another hypocrisy.

[hfojvt]

12. we need to worship them more then?

Hoo-rah!!!

War is awesome!!!