Reply #11: Thanks for that post. Very useful. Many think of groups as monoliths [View All]

[JohnOneillsMemory]

rather than varied and diverse.

You're point about the family dynamics of joining the military is very important to remember.

Personally, I've known about Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers since I was 10 years old and wouldn't consider putting my life at risk or be told who the 'enemy' is by such a corrupt and lying chain of command. Ever.

I have a friend who is African American and retired military who voted for Shrub even though the Repubs have been taken over by KKK policies. But his father and uncle had been in the service and he bought into the 'strong on defense' bullshit.

There is also a culture of meritocracy within the military that gives the illusion of a just society. But the military is used to PREVENT DEMOCRACY at home and abroad. Quite the paradox. Nazis will promote Jews in the ranks as long as they are dutifully manning the ovens. Look at Condi and Colin.

It's very painful to admit that your government is abusive like a bad dad and people don't want to believe how fucked up our national family is. They desperately want to believe in all the patriotic propaganda about the US being Superman Jesus in a cowboy hat.