A California Republican

Today is Veterans Day. And I want to take a moment to say thanks to all of you (and to me).

See, a lot of veterans made unpopular choices to go to the military - especially veterans who are recent veterans). Some had no choice in the matter at all (those who were drafted). Still others saw the military as a way up and out of their circumstances, job training, or a way to live a better life. Some even wanted to serve because it was the “thing” to do.

A lot of people joke about entering the military today, or demean the process and the people who are in the military. Some claim that the military is for those who cannot think on their own, that the military is too controlling and uniform. Well - to those people - say thanks to everyone who chooses to serve because it is their service that allows you to say what you want, and live the life you do.

The military isn’t bad. It is a good choice for many people from many backgrounds. In fact, I wish more people would choose it. It offers paid job training, food, shelter and a secure job. It offers health care for you and your family, and a good social network. It offers choices for some who have none. Instead of complaining that you have no where to go, and no way to get training you need, consider the military. Isn’t shaving your head worth getting invaluable training in aeronautics, communications and IT? Aren’t those skills you want? Don’t people want leaders who think, and learn to think about others. Leaders who have to-manage multiple tasks and people from multiple backgrounds?

Those are all things that the military gives, and encourages, in its soldiers.

If you don’t like the military, you are free to do so. But I think you should learn what you don’t like about it before you “diss” it. In the famous words of Col. Jessup (A Few Good Men):

Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls need to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and curse the Marines; you have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago’s death, while tragic, probably saved lives and that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don’t want the truth because deep down in places you don’t talk about at parties you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use then as the backbone of a life trying to defend something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said “thank you,” and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest that you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to.

So, simply say thank you to the veterans that you know, and any you run across. We have done great things for this country (and others) and spent every day knowing the next might be the one we are asked to lay down our lives for our country. But we do it without a grudge, because we felt (or feel) the need to serve. So say thank you.