The rest of the world calls November 11th Armistice Day, celebrating the end of one of the truly most senseless conflicts of all time. But we in America celebrate those who participated or are prepared to participate in those conflicts that serve to gratify someones whim and love of seeing the little people killed in large numbers. I just need to make a point that wars are almost always started because someone wanted to start it, and then claim that someone else did or they were victims of circumstance. George w bush was only the latest in a long line of villains attacking others for fun and profit, certainly not a feature of American exceptionalism.
But, I'm supposed to be thanking people today right? So here goes. First, I am thankful for ft knox and its ability to turn even the greatest patriot into a complete cynic in less than three years. Second, I am thankful for the American school system, capable of creating a large enough pool of temporarily insane people to sign their names on the dotted line year after year so that I didn't have to go back, as I am sure that someone is thankful that I signed my name too in a fevered and temporary loss of common sense. I am thankful for facebook, which made it possible to reconnect with lots of great guys I didn't think I would ever talk to again, there are a few presently unaccounted for but eventually I hope to shoot the breeze with them again. I am thankful for the American propaganda system which simultaneously inspires enough cannon fodder to show up and prevents a critical mass of them from ever realizing what a scam it is. That system also ensures that few ever complain too loudly about promises broken, lies told, or benefits that magically disappear at the pleasure of politicians. Finally, I am thankful for Rambo, who taught me the meaning of "expendable".
I am certainly thankful for the freedom to express my thoughts, which has less to do with the sacrifices made by myself and other soldiers than is popularly thought (I would love someone to explain that knee-jerk reaction meant to silence the freedom of others, not argue any rational point). I am thankful as well for the opportunity to go to college and get a degree (or three) provided by the GI Bill, though there were other ways. And I am happy that a few people thanked me for service, even if I feel that somehow my service didn't count. That's the end all of course, my service made me cynical about these popular myths and therefore erased the fact that I served for those who would rather bully anyone who disagrees with them and show that it really is contingent on you believing the right things. Just another way unthinking right wing morons can separate you from that honorable club of chicken hawks who shout the right slogans but really stayed home to steal your girl while you slogged for Uncle Sam. It is my right as a veteran as much as any other veteran to be angry. That is what our service bought us, and if some cretins want to use that right to cover for cowards and chicken hawks, so be it. This is my opinion and I hope it doesn't bring down the guys I know who are still serving, my hat's off to you guys because I know for a fact how hard that life is.
