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cgod  ·  4305 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Thank You for Your Service
I have heard that there is absolutely no evidence that a Vietnam vet ever got spit on, put it in the compelling urban myth file. This claim was made by a source that I have found reputable, if you can find such evidence I would like to hear about it. That being said when you send kids to war they often do horrible shit, for real. Certainly people do things "reminiscent of Genghis Khan" when their job is killing people, hard enough to work a service job and not hate people and wish horrible things upon them.

If I didn't know that young people aren't equipped to judge the merits of taking a job wrapped up in jingoistic propaganda that entails murdering fellow human beings I would not care much for veterans, but I mostly see veterans as victims of brainwashing and empire.

While tending bar I have frequently bought veterans a drink who seem caught up in their service. I try not to listen to the horrible shit they want to share with me, just like all the other horrible shit people want to tell their bartender. I guess it's because I feel sorry and guilty that they have had to go through what they have gone through. I can't say that I am "grateful for their service." I feel fucking terrible that they have done what they have done and experienced what they have experienced for what I see as no just reason at all.