Observations and inanities by a second-shift assistant supervisor in the Puppy-Grinding division of the Evil Atheist Conspiracy® (our motto: "Sure it's cruel, but think of the jobs!"), your host, Brent Rasmussen.
Sorry, but no, I don't support the troops
The problem with the current 'support the troops' mentality for me is that, simply enough, it works for every country and war no matter what the circumstances.
For Germans in 1940, it worked for the heroic defense of the fatherland from the French, where the troops, under civilian control, changed the enemy regime to a friendly ally, despite the efforts of insurgents and dead-enders like the terrorist Degaulle.
For Germans in 1914, it worked for the troops instituting the civilian policy of terrorization of occupied populations in order to secure rear areas from insurgents.
In 1956, it worked for the Red Army in restoring the lawful government of Hungary. And so on before and after.
It separates the moral consequences of participation from the actions participated in.
And if those examples seem out of line, remember this: they are MORE justified than the current conflicts they mirror because the bulk of troops in those examples were conscripts who had no choice at all, rather than well-paid volunteers and professional mercenaries, who participate willingly. (Albeit some less than others.)
'Support the troops' as used today, is no more than "It's okay because it's us doing it."
So, no, sorry. I really cannot support the troops. I wish I could. But they aren't defending me over there. They're just the heel of an American boot on somebody else's face.
I don't blame the heel so much as the foot, but I don't think it deserves any parades, either.
Steve "Being depressing again" James
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