kf7mjf wrote:Actually, I've been talking to a number of vets both peacetime, and combat, and examining the words of a number more, including men like General Powell, and I'm left seeing how fascist states and military dictatorships happen.
Your rant not only presupposes you have the right to speak for all military members, but also that you are entitled to additional consideration and privilege against offense because of your former military service.
What I see is the mindset of somebody easily conditioned, who cannot separate reality from images. It is no difference than watching Muslims get violent and angry over burning a Koran and represents the same basic mindset.
What I see is a very scary and unbalanced line of thought that will become violent when its ideas and symbols are challenged, and who wraps their justification in shallow patriotism and idolatry.
You also refuse to address veterans who think differently than you do. Why do you dodge the question? Is it easier to froth at the mouth and pound your chest while screaming how you are a vet and must be honored, than discuss why men with impeccable military careers disagree with you?
That was hardly a rant. It was focused, and ment to educated you. Clearly I failed, or you are to fixeated on your position to consider the view points of others.
In a classic delection of the actual subject of you gaining some insight to the mind of those who served in the military, you turn your argument into foolish personal jibes at what you consider "easily conditioned".
Obviously you have not met me.
What you see as "scary and unbalanced" (another personal jibe) is the type of thought that lead to the creation of the documents that you say you are supporting in your argument.
As to General Powell...you should learn to read subtext...it might make you a worthwhile writer one day.
Allow me to get you started...
For starters...Powell is a gentleman and very skilled in the use of tact...
Few Americans do such things and when they do they are subject to the rightful condemnation of their fellow citizens.
Translation: If you are an American...you don't do this. If you do, then you can expect that other Americans are going to make certain that you understand that this is not acceptable.
If it is a flag they own, I really don't want to amend the Constitution to prosecute someone for foolishly desecrating their own property. We should condemn them and pity them instead.
Translation: Stupid people, doing stupid shit, with something they own...should not be a crime.
We should let them know that this is not accepted behavior, and think of them as idiots instead.
You seem to have an ongoing issue with 'context'. As a writer, I am sure you have a dictionary... Please familiarize yourself with the word.
Powell's whole letter is in response to the idea that flag burning should be a crime. He simply says "no, it should not be a crime."
At no time does he say, or suggest, that someone burning the flag should not, as my Russian friend put it...be subject to a cunt punt.
