If you missed the news last night, as part of our rushed withdrawal from the region, the US had to bomb its base between Ain Issa and Kobani yesterday. The experts are pointing out that with no real plan, and no way to maintain the safety of the base, it was going to fall into enemy hands. Those experts who will comment openly are pointing out that this looks a lot like our rushed exit from Vietnam and that it takes a lot of bumbling to get to a place where you are forced to destroy your own munitions and equipment to keep them from hostile forces.
One talking point that came up in 2016 when Trump was elected was that he was very likely to make the world less safe. And a lot of right-wing folks said, “No, Trump is tough, he will make the world safer.” Uh-huh. I’m a pacifist and have long felt we should lower our worldwide military forces. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that lowering our military presence would include this fiasco.
Remember the “These Colors Don’t Run,” bumper stickers so many right-wing folks sported on their cars? Apparently, they do run or at least retreat with no plan, but only with the right leadership. I live in Texas where the “Come and Take it,” over a cannon bumper sticker is all the rage. A remnant of the war against Mexico where Texas fought at San Jacinto. They had one cannon and dared the Mexican troops to come and take it. I’m guessing Come and Take it now means, “After we’ve abandoned our allies, you can come and take what you want.
When bravery is just words and bravado, and it doesn’t remember the real heroes who have fought and died for this country, this is what you get, empty words, and empty promises.