Veterans demand responsibility

I am a Veteran, however, I have never been one to participate or advocate these "Pet a Veteran" occasions. I always found that the participants, while well meaning, were essentially disingenuous and hypocritical. Most of these same people were the very ones who cried out the loudest to send our young to war, oftentimes, for dubious purposes and motivations. During the runup to a conflict, a lot of these folks were more than willing to place your children in this horrible danger. Then after the fact, they come to the parade and wave flags and weep at the poignancy of the moment when the honor guard carries the flag past them. Then they go home, satisfied that they had properly honored the Veterans. The citizen’s lives go on. However, the Veterans who died are still dead. The maimed and horrifically injured Veterans are still maimed and injured. Their lives go on sort of! I may hear: "So, you are telling me we can never commit our citizens to War? What would you have us do?" My answer is "Don't be stupid! Think before you speak." World War II required a complete national commitment. Our survival was at stake. Of course we commit whatever resources are required to prevail. A clear-cut decision was required and the cost of lives and treasure would simply have to be borne. Another example: The Civil War, horrendous in its toll in lives, the lives that were lost were our own citizens no less. Do I think the Federal Government needed to commit whatever resources that were needed to preserve the union of the United States of America? Yes, absolutely, yes. The preservation of our union required that supreme act. Our Revolutionary War is perhaps the most pristine example of a purpose that is higher than oneself with regards to war and the attendant casualties. We committed the necessary lives and material to form this precious entity we call the United States.

So, you see I don't advocate war, but there are instances where it is justified and necessary. The three examples I just mentioned, it seems to me, verify that claim. So, you ask me: "Why are you against honoring those who served with a parade and recognition?" I reply: "I do not object to the expression of thanks." I object to the fact that the very same people who line the parade route, did not line the streets when our military were placed in foolish, immoral, and illegal jeopardy. I cite Vietnam and Iraq. There are many more instances, but those two will do quite well for my purposes here.

During Vietnam, there was widespread protest. It is important to note that the protest came primarily from the young. Typically, not the folks you would see waving the little American flag as the Veterans day parade units went by. In fact, any of the protesters who might show up stood a good chance of getting their ass beat and/or arrested. Again, the people waving the flags sniffed their noses and muttered "Damn Hippies". I submit the following question. "Who were the loyal Americans in this instance?" It is a good question because it can be answered in terms of emphasis and degree. Was it Mom and Pop waving the flag or those "Damn Longhairs"? I submit to you that it was those "Damn Longhairs". Why? Because they risked something for what they felt was right. It is that simple. Mom and Pop herded their kiddies’ down to the parade and when the festivities were completed, then they all went home. They were all filled with self congratulations and patriotism. They took from the festivities. They gave nothing! 50,000 Americans, in the case of Vietnam were still dead and I can't even talk about the wounded, injured and maimed.

Where was mainstream America during the ramp-up to Vietnam? I realize participation in this conflict was a gradual slope. But where was Mom and Pop America before the dizzying speeds were reached? Those "Damn Hippies" had it right. Remember how we treated them? Our Vietnam Veterans deserve so much and received so little. This national disgrace ranks up right alongside the fact that we were even in the war.

This brings me to the present. Here we are losing lives in a country called Iraq. Huh! I am not even going to get started on the immoral/illegal..... aspects of this debacle. It is already documented that this Administration led by bush is an abject failure. History will record the crimes of this man and his cabal. Where I want to go again is : Mainstream America, where are you? You had every opportunity to say no to this substandard, in the extreme, President. Here again, you marched in lockstep and to date nearly 4,000 of our youth are dead and tens of thousands maimed and wounded. It is obvious to the world that invading Iraq was and is an obscenity. Yet, you will be down on the street waving the little flag as the kid motors by in his wheelchair. Why weren't you out in front of the Whitehouse at the beginning of this fiasco? Why aren't you right now beleaguering your elected representatives to end this immoral adventure in Iraq?

Just some good advice: If you truly honor the Veterans and service men and women, protect them as the precious national resource that they are and insist loudly and authoritatively that they be used only under the most righteous and necessary circumstances. Do something for them other than filling yourself with patriotic zeal, at their expense, during a Veterans Day parade.

As a Veteran, I want, very much, the thanks of my fellow citizens, but, I am simply arguing that I want that thanks to be genuine, heartfelt, and committed. Citizen, Don't use me to satisfy your conscience. I am not yours to use. As a Veteran, I was an active part of our Democracy. I want you to become an active part in our Democracy in all circumstances that apply to the use of this precious resource. Sucking up the atmosphere around a Veteran is not getting involved, it is theft of their soul.