Rememberance Day.

[silveradept]

One of those things that I recall - today is officially the day that one remembers those persons, living or dead, that have been sent to the fields of combat in the military’s service. Whether in declared wars, undeclared actions, or wars that officially ended a while ago, yet are still being fought, the class of “Veteran” is one that often carries with it some respect. At the same time, I’ve been told that I had no right to protest the existence and the continuation of those wars because I have never experienced them firsthand.

I never want to experience them firsthand. Because I believe that this particular war isn’t just. The funny thing is, were I to be pressed into service, my belief in the injustice of the war would not be sufficient reason for me to not have to serve. It might get me put somewhere away from the shooting lines (in theory), but unless I can demonstrate a complete aversion to killing, through religious or philosophical reasons, or by possibly failing psychological examinations. In the same way that I can’t demand that my tax monies be put to nonwar purposes, I can be forced to fight in a war I don’t believe in the rightness of. For 1.5 more years, anyway. And then I pass beyond the age of the draft-eligible.

I respect the people who have gone to combat, regardless of the reason or legitimacy of the conflict. They regularly were put in places where their survival was not guaranteed. In that sense, I support the troops, while opposing the things that send them away to possibly die, opposing the politicians who send them out to possibly die, and opposing the huge amounts of spending for those conflicts that could be put better to use in fixing the country’s domesitc problems, like the millions of people without health insurance, or the millions of children without schooling. If you’re going to frag “preferential treatment”, be very goddamned sure that the people who were being assisted by it really do have an equal chance.

So, I guess the message is, I support the troops. Whether you support or oppose the war, keep in mind that these are people who are living and dying because of our decisions. The culture of life that people want to inculcate in us all should also include respect for the lives of those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way.

Less depressing topics to follow, we assure you.

Comments

[annaonthemoon.livejournal.com]

I think the hardest thing for some people to realize is that you *can* support the troops without supporting the war. I get told, as well, that if I don't support the current war, then I don't support the troops. I do. I'm glad we have those folks willing to put their lives on the line to defend us. I might not agree with what they are currently fighting, but I still support those men and women who are currently serving, or who have served in the past.

[2dlife.livejournal.com]

What's bigger support than wanting to see them come home alive?

[silveradept]

Wanting them to live in a world where they never have to go in the first place, because everyone gets along?

[2dlife.livejournal.com]

Ok, making the very good assumption that time only goes forward...

[silveradept]

No, I get that - I mean for a future like that to arrive soon.

[sharpsight.livejournal.com]

M) What happens if you get drafted, but refuse to take or fire a weapon?

[silveradept]

You get put in signal corps or some other "non-combat" role, most likely. Only if you can demonstrate a consistent conscientious objection to killing, war, and violence of all sorts are you given that exemption.

[sharpsight.livejournal.com]

M) What if you can't, but you still won't: if you won't fight, not because you don't think violence and killing are justified in some cases, but because you disagree with the morality of a war you're being ordered to fight in?

[silveradept]

You get sent to war. Disagreeing with the morality of the war, last I checked, is not sufficient grounds to be exempted from the draft.

[sharpsight.livejournal.com]

M) And then when you refuse to take, hold or fire a weapon?

[silveradept]

If they can, they will put you somewhere where you will not need to take, hold, or fire a weapon, but will still support their war efforts. If they can't, then you're likely going to spend the war in jail.