Cpl. Aaron Mankin: "Our Story"

[babylonsister]

This soldier told part of his story on Rachel Maddow last night; very moving.

Cpl. Aaron Mankin spoke at IAVA's Sixth Annual Heroes Gala on Tuesday, November 13th in New York City. Aaron, IAVA's 2011 Veteran Leadership Honoree, is an Iraq Veteran and spokespman for UCLA's Operation Mend. Visit IAVA.org to learn more about how you can support vets like Aaron: http://iava.org

[dotymed]

1. I support our troops.

I think that the best way to do this is to keep them out of harms way. Destroying so many young lives, their families and the "collateral damage" of innocent civilians mainly for corporate power and wealth is a travesty. I have mixed emotions about the popularity of our military. They are sacrosanct in our society. "Support the troops" is the most popular belief in America and yes, we must support these individuals.
We must also question why are they called on to sacrifice everything. Extending empire, creates many more enemies against America, yet it allows the wealthy to profit even more. My 16 y.o. son can not wait to join the Marines. He see's the glory and the nationalistic call is strong for this generation even though IMO, we are not defending ourselves or other peace loving people, we are expanding empire for greed and power.
If this was a time when defense was called for, I would worry, but understand. To me it seems like (as usual) we are fighting for the wealthy to profit on our children's sacrifices.
Give peace a chance and our average people the opportunity to prosper through fair (not free) trade. America must join most of the other 1st world nations who are concentrating on how to improve the lives of their citizens, not how to profit for the wealthy...
Smedley Butler knew, but his knowledge is kept from the public view.

[proReality]

2. Your comment deserves a standing standing ovation IMO.

Well said! Thank you.