tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777766.post3807928660416665294..comments2023-10-21T07:20:22.629-04:00Comments on Liberty Street: William Arkin Challenges the Deification of the MilitaryKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03849598751096484281noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777766.post-284152934700727322007-02-01T21:15:00.000-05:002007-02-01T21:15:00.000-05:00Hey Kathy!
I wonder if the problem is that A...Hey Kathy!<br /><br /> I wonder if the problem is that Arkin does seem to have a bone to pick with the troops. For example, he stated that the supervisors of the troops who had spoken out against people who oppose the war, should talk to these troops and tell them it is not their place to disapprove of the American people. Judging our neighbours and fellow citizens is our democratic right. Soldiers are no different. If a soldier's supervisor spoke up everytime a soldier stated an opinion, you would have a chill effect.<br /><br /> Arkin mentions that people continued to support the troops through the numerous scandals, I think he said accepting that these incidents were the work of "bad apples" or poor command. That is an odd thing to say. What reason would we have for blaming every soldier in Iraq for the actions of another soldier. Can I blame ALL men in North America if I am raped? Or better still can I blame ALL men in the USA for the rape of Iraqi girls and women? Rape IS a male crime.<br /><br /> I think we have been more careful this war around to let the troops know that we don't blame them for this war. The soldiers from Viet Nam were treated shamefully. But I don't see wide spread idolation and "deification" of troops. I don't think the troops have to be "grateful" to the American people for not insulting them. I am not grateful or ungrateful when my next door neighbour does not say anything bad about me. I just assume that is the way it should be. <br /><br /> These soldiers really are doing a thankless job and a very difficult job. Many have suffered many personal losses from their experiences in Iraq i.e. divorce, PTSS and so on. I think it is a combination of recognition how difficult it is to be a soldier coupled with the wish not to repeat the Viet Nam experience which has made people careful about what they say about the troops. I think Arkin is wrong that this is idolization. <br /><br /> Arkin over stated his case. Of course that is his democratic right too. He seems pretty reasonable in that he has been willing to admit he made a mistake in the first column. So maybe he can re-think this issue.<br /><br />Take Care<br />JoanJoanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05183321434633267487noreply@blogger.com