"Cult of the uniform"

[Agent Orange]

Anyone seen this? Comments?

http://tinyurl.com/3ar6s7c

The essay in question:

http://tinyurl.com/3vn7eqr

[Clownpuncher]

More proof that a very select segment of American society has been fighting a war for the past 10 years and the rest of society doesn't give a s**t.

[Peachdog]

I find it insightful and glad somebody out there still thinks a bit before going with the crowd. There are indeed many heroes out there- many in uniform. But I don't see myself as a hero and I don't think it's fitting when people call me that. I'm just doing my job. Sure, it's got dangers like a policeman's or a fireman's, but as of yet I haven't been in put in such a situation where I conspicuously risked my life and limb with bravery.

I think majority wise men and women in uniform are usually a cut above the rest of the population, but there are some terrible people that serve too.

Do not dispense the word "hero" lightly. It's an individual's actions that should gain them the honor of such a title.

[Flipper]

^ +1

[SGT Loco]

Agreed with above. Heroes are rare and exceptional. While many heroes wear a uniform, not many in uniform are truly heroes.

[themailman]

As an AD Marine, I actually agree somewhat with the article. We as a country can not allow our military or its members to be above reroach. But, at the same time, we can not allow a hostile environment towards the morale of our troops at home. EVERYONE in the military has made great sacrifices, but that doesnt make you a hero. I am not a hero, even though I sacrifice so much.

But, the real tone of this article is how the more America relies on its "Heroes" and lives vicariously through their acts, the more Americans stop serving. As a country, we are all so removed from the war that people feel theyve done their duty by simply thanking a soldier at the airport.

The article envokes alot of emotions, but read it for what it really is and you may see that the author has a point.

[Clownpuncher]

As an AD Marine, I actually agree somewhat with the article. We as a country can not allow our military or its members to be above reroach. But, at the same time, we can not allow a hostile environment towards the morale of our troops at home. EVERYONE in the military has made great sacrifices, but that doesnt make you a hero. I am not a hero, even though I sacrifice so much.

But, the real tone of this article is how the more America relies on its "Heroes" and lives vicariously through their acts, the more Americans stop serving. As a country, we are all so removed from the war that people feel theyve done their duty by simply thanking a soldier at the airport.

The article envokes alot of emotions, but read it for what it really is and you may see that the author has a point.

+1 Much more eloquent than I could come up with.

But I would have said reproach

[themailman]

+1 Much more eloquent than I could come up with.

But I would have said reproach

Lol, after years in the Corps, Im surprised I can even string together a coherent sentence. Reroach is...well, its a roach, just redone.

[chris]

Lol, after years in the Corps, Im surprised I can even string together a coherent sentence. Reroach is...well, its a roach, just redone.

or just well done.

and yes the word "hero" is over used for those of us in uniform. all though most people thank us for our service which i don't think should ever get over used.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Military service members and veterans have the proper perspective and right to determine who among them deserves the term 'hero'.

This douche journalist should just say thank you to all service members, shut his hole, and stick to writing about something he has actual knowledge and experience dealing with.

[Peachdog]

How is this journalist a douche? Saying only we get to name heroes is like saying only firemen and police get to pick their heroes. Shouldn't a hero be someone that can stand and be recognized by all walks of life? The opinion essay was making the case that the uniform is not an automatic grounds to be called a hero. The essay also brings up the point that going against this hero worship is often met with unfair treatment thus preventing our military from being put to fair scrutiny.

[Grassninja]

I think the guy has a point. The past decade or so has definitely shone a positive light on service members. Even liberals are careful to say they're anti-war, not necessarily anti-military. While serving is usually a life of sacrifice and hardship, I wouldn't automatically say we are heroes because of it. I have known plenty of service members who felt that because they wore a uniform the civilian world owed them something. IMHO this viewpoint is just as wrong as someone who gives no respect to the uniform. Benefits are nice, and I humbly take them where I can get them, but it is called service for a reason.

[mlevans66]

Look anyone that put there life on the line in my book is a hero. If you joined or stayed in the service during the war that says a lot about your character. Yeah I know hero gets thrown around a lot but I'm not talking about a sports star or movie stars. I'm talking about the real men and women who take care of things other will not do. If you serve or served then you are a hero. You put yourself out for punishment and low pay just to protect a country that has and will stab you in the back. That story is crap just like the writer and all you agree with him.

[Peachdog]

^If you took the time to have looked at the above posts you would have noticed that almost all of the posters who agreed with the piece are military. I appreciate support from people, but I think I can make do without a crazy worshipper like yourself.

[Peachdog]

I can easily run out of digits on my hands to count all of the crapbags in my company alone. They all wore the uniform, but they also failed at almost all aspects of being a soldier. What's worse is they are the ones who are the most vocal about their service and don't hesitate to brag to people while treating their fellow citizens like lesser beings.

I've met and known guys who endured hell, dealt with the tragic death of their comrades in arms, and fought bravely against our enemies. Those guys are the heroes, not me and not the Gomer Pyles in uniform. Calling us heroes is putting us on the same level as those that gave life and limb.