Quote Originally Posted by scalabrine:
We don't have to have the condemnation of a talking head on television be the focal point of the conversation but again, it can start it.
The 'hero' label to me isn't about a general assessment of their service.
It appears to more feigned gratitude than anything. How in the world is putting 4 mini-American flags in your flower bed by your walkway in recognition of servicemen and women helping anyone other than inflating your own self-importance with regard to your alleged level of patriotism?
Handing out medals and hearts and conducting ceremonies with grand pomp and circumstance, and having F-16 flyovers at sporting events, in addition to 15 seconds of raucous applause when a group of Vets or servicemen and women is shown on a Jumbotron at a sporting event, or the recognition of a military member at the State of the Union address while both parties give a 45 second standing O all gives the illusion that "America appreciates your service."
They very well might...in word and applause only. But it's quite futile only providing a short-lived recognition which disappears quicker than than a lightening bolt.
Take the slashing of education funding for Marines under the GI bill as an example. Didn't know about it? You shouldn't. It won't lead a newscast or make it to Yahoo's front page. It's a story you would have to seek out.
Most who go into the military not only see it as an avenue to serve the country, but also recognize the long-term benefits of the subsidized education it provides. I think that might be the single greatest benefit provided to a Vet upon returning home.
So when budget cuts come up in Congress, what do they slash? Funding for the war which is already a decade old and could easily go two decades which is completely directionless already? Of course not. They go after the Vets and slash their tuition assistance. What a surprise...
Why is Congress giving standing ovations when they are more than willing to pull the rug out from under Vets with unfulfilled promises which was one of the reasons they signed up in the first place?
And where is the public outrage? There is none. Again, it gets barely a mention by the media establishment. It's not as heartwarming a story as the Vet who surprises their child in a kindergarten class which will lead a broadcast on a day like today. It is only Vets who protest the cuts that notice since it affects them directly.
Is tuition assistance for higher education, the key to a Vet's autonomy post-war to purchase a home and raise a family and "live the American Dream" after they serve, supposed to be categorized under 'shared sacrafice' when it is slashed, all the while the same members of Congress are looking to cut the highest tax rates and funnel billions into the coffers of the wealthiest of the mega-rich (for what exactly? trickle-down benefits?)?
That's preposterous. Vets get a pittance already when you observe that their 'assistance' is nowhere near the regular cost of modern day college expenses. Their 'salary' is also an abomination of earnings.
So please, the hero label is a sticker on a chest and nothing more. There are unspoken, unreported funding problems that underly a lot of the modern Vet misery after the war effort is long over or their service is completed.
Here's an idea. Every time someone uses the term 'hero' bring up an issue like the above. There are plenty of other issues to discuss and Vets themselves will be more than willing to share them with you if you just ask.
Leave the "Hero" singsong to Mariah Carey...
This is just
disgusting, IMO.
YOU are the epitome of of everything that is wrong in my country.
You are such a coward, that not only won't you put on a uniform, you won't even answer the hero question directly, instead you shuck-n-jive with all of this political nonsense, when this has nothing to do with politics per se, but everything to do with gratitude and respect for these brave wounded veterans,
Does respect cost anything?
Sickening.
You make me want to puke.
Tell the parents of those soldiers
being shipped home in metal caissons that their children were not
heroes, or tell a five year old boy as he looks down at his fathers flag
draped casket the same.
Sign on the dotted line and put on the uniform, or
shut the fuck up!
You simply do NOT understand ( or maybe you do) what the military is about, or who these military people are that serve.
There seems to be Zero
respect for the sacrifice and service of these brave men and women, who risk their lives EVERY SECOND of everyday, again, to keep your family safe from the bad guys and gals in this evil, twisted world, who would just as soon shoot your baby daughter or son in the face to prove a point, then walk by them peacefully.
It's about
RESPECT. Do you do realize freedom is not free?
And about the educational benefits being taken from the Marines.
You are correct about that.(Marines can still use their post 9/11 benefits or Montgomery GI bill bennies)..benefits for EVERYONE have been slowly eroded under the
current administration. No cost of living adjustment for 3 years for social security recipients or anyone on disability. This administration is hell bent on QUADRUPLING Tricare benefits for ALL retirees. This was a benefit that was supposed to be FREE, and now they want to stick it to the retirees..all under THIS ADMINISTRATION who got elected because they care so much for the people...lmao!!
Thankfully, there was a small COLA increase this year.......just so happens to be election year.
Coincidence?
Don't think so.
FYI it's : 
is a result of our failed education system. 
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