So, A. Whitney Brown has raised a bit of a stink over his diary. The crybabies at LGF have gotten themselves worked up into quite the jingoistic hissy fit over it. I'm sure they'll try to make an even bigger deal over it than they did that stupid "KILLITARY" diary that was posted a few days ago. But the losers at that site aren't the subject of this diary, not directly at least. No, the subject is the use of the term "Support the troops." Both sides do it, and both sides are wrong when they do it. If you're not family, or close friends with someone in the military, it's not possible for you to support the troops. You're simply not in a position to actually do anything for them. I know it feels good to say it, but it doesn't mean a damn thing.
So, what does that phrase even mean, and where did it begin? I remember clearly when I first heard that phrase. It was during the Gulf War, way back in 1991. The protesters of that war were using that slogan, wanting to make a clear distinction between their disapproval of the war, and any feelings towards those in the military. Pretty straightforward, as far as that goes. Since that time, the phrase has gotten so overused, whether it's protesters, counter-protesters, some shit for brains asshole on talk radio, or a politician. Every discussion about the war in Iraq seems to have to start with the person proclaiming their support for "The troops." I really don't give a fuck how you feel about the troops. And by and large, most of those in the military don't much care either.
Anymore, that phrase, whether used on the left or the right, for the war or against it, is nothing but a shield. That's not exactly a courageous way to start an argument, hiding behind a group of people so many in this country idolize, hoping to avoid any criticism of your statements. And I'm doubtful many in the military appreciate people using them as a shield, as cover for whatever arguments someone makes. If your argument is unable to stand on its own, then your argument isn't worth shit. Get a spine, and face up to that.
Obviously, like any other member of our society, they should be cared for when they're in need. Whether it's medical care, or psychiatric, or making sure their families aren't living in poverty. Nobody in this nation deserves any less, whether they're in the military or not. Those in the military aren't privileged members of society, they, no matter how you slice it, chose to join the military. Does that make them anymore special than America's plumbers, electricians, locksmiths and mechanics? How much worse would your life be without them? Or how about the farmers and ranchers, without whom we wouldn't have food? The doctors, nurses, and others who work in the medical field? Where's the statues honoring their tireless efforts to keep Americans healthy and alive? What of the artists, the musicians, the writers? I dare say the world would be a lesser place without them. What about the difficult work of the sanitation workers, and postal employees? Well, you get the point.
Yet, of all the occupations people choose, it's the one that involves large scale death and destruction that is so revered in our culture. Certainly it's a necessity to have a military in this world, but does that make the task the military is designed for any less evil? I think no less of those who choose to join the military, it's a choice I myself once made. But it doesn't make them anymore privileged, or special, than any other occupation, many of which contribute far more to our society than those in the military. That's not a slam against anyone in the military, it's just a fact. When was the last war where our freedoms, and our nation, were actually threatened? It's been quite some time, regardless of the proclamations from Michelle Malkin and the other bedwetting Republicans.
As for courage, well, it takes far more courage for the average Iraqi to go about their daily life than it does to follow orders. If you want to honor courage, maybe you should start with the courage it takes to be a schoolteacher, willing to teach girls in a muslim country. Those teachers can't call in for reinforcements, they can't call in an airstrike, they don't have superior firepower, or training, or body armor. They're just trying to do what's right. The same goes for the many aid workers who go to places like Iraq, Congo, Sudan, and other places. Yet you don't see anybody putting a bumper sticker on their car that says, "Support Doctors Without Borders."
As for your support of the troops. Ask yourself what you really do for them the next time you're about to say that phrase. Do you work to help their families? Are you a family member? Are you there to help the grieving widows, orphans, and parents? Are you working to help rehabilitate a soldier maimed in the line of duty? Are you an entertainer, volunteering with the USO to entertain those who are deployed? It's an easy statement to make, but how many of us, on both sides of the aisle, actually do anything to warrant the claim? I know that I don't, it's not something I'm either ashamed or proud of, it simply is what it is.
So yeah, very few in this country actually do a damn thing to support the troops. It just, for whatever reason, makes them feel good to say it. Perhaps, if you respect them so much, you should just knock it off.