We can hate the army but when it is so graphically humanized we just can’t ignore the fact human beings are needlessly dying. Timely, well-written piece.
The enormity and guilt of taking another human life is a large component of PTSD in returning combat troops. This kind or work demands that you see the enemy as inhuman. They are not boys and men, but "Gooks", "Huns" etc. Violent movies and video games played at a young age make it a desensitizing experience to blast one's opponents with maximum splattering of blood and gore. Like you say, each combatant has a home and family who loves him/her and remembers them as the children they once were. Ed, I'm glad there are people like you who see this myth of "glory" in war. It is terrible and shameful, and should only be entered into when there is absolutely no other choice.
“War is hell..”. Of course it is. What do we expect? Might makes right. Of course it does. It’s not only human nature but nature in general. Survival of the species. Your thoughts are commendable, inspiring, faithful but …, I don’t think, as a species, we are anywhere near the ideal. As a country, imho, we are the closest we have gotten. So, keep the faith brother. We’re getting there.
We can hate the army but when it is so graphically humanized we just can’t ignore the fact human beings are needlessly dying. Timely, well-written piece.
The enormity and guilt of taking another human life is a large component of PTSD in returning combat troops. This kind or work demands that you see the enemy as inhuman. They are not boys and men, but "Gooks", "Huns" etc. Violent movies and video games played at a young age make it a desensitizing experience to blast one's opponents with maximum splattering of blood and gore. Like you say, each combatant has a home and family who loves him/her and remembers them as the children they once were. Ed, I'm glad there are people like you who see this myth of "glory" in war. It is terrible and shameful, and should only be entered into when there is absolutely no other choice.
“War is hell..”. Of course it is. What do we expect? Might makes right. Of course it does. It’s not only human nature but nature in general. Survival of the species. Your thoughts are commendable, inspiring, faithful but …, I don’t think, as a species, we are anywhere near the ideal. As a country, imho, we are the closest we have gotten. So, keep the faith brother. We’re getting there.