Daily Reminder that soldiers, no matter what war they fought in, no matter what that war was about, should be respected.
These people at least thought they were doing something to help America. When we talk about the system and how it indoctrinates, remember that the soldiers you disrespect were indoctrinated and went through hell because of that.
Specifically, I’m going to mention the Vietnam War. Completely tragic and awful on both sides, but you know what? Both sides were victims, manipulated to do stuff no person should have to do by the people in charge. I’m saying this after visiting several war memorials and watching soldier’s families leaf through the books that list the victims of the Vietnam war. After being in Arlington cemetery and hearing the gunshots of a soldier’s funeral.
We need to, as a nation, realize that America still has a long way to go, but that it is a better place to live than most other places. We need to be critical of the people in charge, rather than their victims, and be aware that they had very little say, likely poor and just wanted to get through college or not smart enough to go into a more normal line of work when they hit 18. Maybe they were a bit of a delinquent as a kid and their parents thought it would be good for them, accidentally putting that kid through more than anyone should ever have to go through.
Keep in mind PTSD, known during WWI as shell-shock. Be aware that (and a lot of people are self-dx PTSD on this website, I know) PTSD in soldiers can make them lose it. They’re haunted. They’ll never be quite the same person ever again.
Lets try to be more empathetic towards the people who, frankly, where the victims in their situation while still recognizing the atrocities the United States has committed.