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It's not a popular thing to say in most circles of musicians, and won't win any popularity contests, but thank you all.

I've got a cousin and a few brothers-in-law that served in Iraq/Afghanistan. It cost them a lot.

My cousin just had a kid and now he has to go to Afghanistan for 8 months. Sucks hard. I come from a military family though I'm not military myself. Lots of respect for those men and women.

While I hate our countries imperialist military strategy, you can't hate on the people that sacrifice so much for a government that usually ends up fucking them over. I have to respect that.

Yeah, it's a thankless job for sure. Veterans are people. They only do what the big brass tell 'em to. They're pawns in a game.

Is it mandatory to join the military in the US? Just curious.

UglyCasanova wrote:Is it mandatory to join the military in the US? Just curious.

No. Which is why I have some conflicted feelings about Veterans Day, although not about the Veterans in particular.

UglyCasanova wrote:Is it mandatory to join the military in the US? Just curious.

Yeah we're just supposed to sign up for Selective Service when we are 18 in case there is a draft in the future or some shit like that. I'll rot in jail before I join the military unless it's fighting killer insect aliens or some shit.

Wes Mantooth wrote:I'll rot in jail before I join the military unless it's fighting killer insect aliens or some shit.

Yuss!

My brother was in Afghanistan, and I do respect the work they put down there. It's fucked up that veterans often end up on the fringe of society (my brother didn't, though).

Eivind August wrote:

Wes Mantooth wrote:I'll rot in jail before I join the military unless it's fighting killer insect aliens or some shit.

Yuss!

My brother was in Afghanistan, and I do respect the work they put down there. It's fucked up that veterans often end up on the fringe of society (my brother didn't, though).

Mhmm

We love to 'remember' and 'honor' our veteran's but when it comes to providing resources (mental, social, financial) we don't do much since ya know, "It's my hard earned my money, I won't let the government STEAL from me! But thanks for risking/ruining your life for me, I'll grill you a hot dog."

America is full of human garbage and I'm certainly part of that in a lot of ways.

On the other hand, it's hard to talk about personal accountability in this situation because it's an all volunteer affair.

D.o.S. wrote:On the other hand, it's hard to talk about personal accountability in this situation because it's an all volunteer affair.

Yeah very true. I do think the military should be held accountable to make very apparent the consequences of joining any branch. It's not all valor and heroics and then you come back and get exactly the job you wanted. Recruiters are scumbags, and if I ever get solicited about the military I just tell them I'd rather kill myself so they leave me alone.

Wes Mantooth wrote:I'll rot in jail before I join the military unless it's fighting killer insect aliens or some shit.

Sudden urge to watch Starship Troopers .

Wes Mantooth wrote:While I hate our countries imperialist military strategy, you can't hate on the people that sacrifice so much for a government that usually ends up fucking them over. I have to respect that.

Please don't lump Veterans in with the government. We don't sacrifice "for the government" We certainly don't put our asses on the line "for the government" Most military have a better understanding of exactly how fucked up the politicians are as the boneheaded shit they do can have immediate and deep repercussions. Nobody who has had their pay stop while being expected to continue to go out on combat patrols because congress cant pass a fucking budget is going to be a fan of the government.

Our military is a service the government provides for it's citizens, similar to roads or education. If you don't put teachers and road crews in the same category with politicians then don't do it to us.

That's part of the disingenuous nature of Veteran's day, though right? The same propaganda mechanisms that would put soldiers beyond teachers and road crews is the same one that lead to the celebration of Veteran's Day in the first place, and the incredible benefits that the soldiers receive beyond the civilian citizenry, and even if you're looking at the military as a public service, as it were, it would seek to put the military first among equals, for better or worse.


(Obviously you're still a rad dude, which I don't think needs to be said but might need reiterating if anyone takes that idea in the wrong way).