The more than 50,000 men and women coming home in the next two months from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya deserve all of America's thanks. Regardless of what any of us believe about the political decisions involved in these conflicts, our troops have served with incomparable bravery, professionalism, and achievement. They've performed and accomplished every mission asked of them with excruciating sacrifice and commitment.
But whats more, remember this. They are the 1%. But a 1% of a different variety. Not the 1% with the most wealth and the most political power. But they are the 1% of Americans who volunteered to defend the 100%. Very few Americans, left or right, ultimately choose to serve this country's military, and by and large they come from those 99% communities most at risk of poverty and economic downturn.
They swore an oath of belief in democratic government to do whats right to preserve life and livelihood of everyone rich and poor.
They believe in the chain of command, and therefore it is our duty to elect those leaders who will deploy them responsibly. Leaders like Barack Obama, who promised to end the Iraq War, kill Osama Bin Laden, and work with our allies whenever the threat of genocide or terror reared its head. And who promised to make the military a place where a person didn't have to decide between the person they love and the country they love.
Republicans are already seeking to portray our withdrawal from Iraq as some sort of defeat. They shirked their responsibilities for the first 8 years of this war and now seek to besmirch the soldiers by declaring defeat because President Obama brought them home responsibly and safely. Because the GOP didn't get their endless war.
And due to corporate greed and Republican stonewalling, many of these brave soldiers will be coming back to foreclosed homes, staggering debt, and zero economic opportunity.
Occupy Wall Street should be there, in the major cities, as the 99%'s ambassadors of a grateful nation. Biodegradable ticker tape, music bands, flowers, beer & champagne (where appropriate ;) ) Santa Claus, holiday cheer, cookies. An endless sea of smiles. I want USO-style shows.
But more importantly I want job conventions, community organizers, pro bono lawyers and financial consultants who can help them get on their feet.
And I want a concerted effort to get the US Congress to pass the American Jobs Act and those consumer protections that'll shield our veterans and active duty soldiers from predatory lending.
And this atmosphere should continue for as long as it takes until everyone is home from Afghanistan as well as Iraq & Libya. And then well after that.
I'm no activist or organizer for these things, but I hope this is an idea that catches on.
Almost to a man, I think we can agree that those of us who, like I, opposed the Iraq War did so first and foremost out of concern for the men and woman who would have to fight it. They are now coming home, and our support for them can't end once they've set foot on American soil again.
America, I love you. I love our troops. Lets do right by both.
Sermon over.
http://www.skylighters.org/...
10:52 PM PT: Wow. Second Diary and i'm on the Spotlight. Thanks all.
Upon a few hours reflection, I find myself agreeing with some of the posts who cringe at the idea of OWS co-opting the active duty military itself into the movement. I don't think the uniforms and military hardware that are featured in military parades mix well with any form of political protest.
But my general point still stands. I think OWS should make a concerted attempt to gear specific events to the needs of veterans and military families. While simultaneously celebrating that this long, costly war has come to an end.
I fear the end of this war will pass with a yawn and without much notice from the public. That to me is almost as criminal as being apathetic when a war is ongoing. The end of a war such as this should always be greeted with celebration and reflection.
My point has far more to do with fighting for veteran's issues than just giving beer and hot dogs to soldiers.
Sat Oct 22, 2011 at 12:06 AM PT: Paul Rieckhoff of the IAVA gets to my larger point in more eloquent fashion. 'Lets move beyond yellow ribbon patriotism, and towards the practical patriotism.'
http://iava.org/...
Maybe its not OWS, but a Live 8-style event, focused on galvanizing the will of both the public and private sectors into action on employment, housing, reintegration, and healthcare issues for veterans. Call Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, we need another Rally.
Rachel Maddow made a brilliant point on both her show and on Bill Maher tonight. This generation of soldiers are the most eminently employable class of people we will ever come across.
To which I add then its sad that the Tea Party Nation would seek to make sure no business hires them so long as Barack Obama is President.
Sat Oct 22, 2011 at 7:17 AM PT: Awesome, first time Rec List as well. Thank you all.