Filed under: Comment
One thing I really like about America is how they honour their soldiers.
Whereas people in other nations often view them as thugs or violent killing machines, the US tends to treat members of their armed forces with the upmost respect.
Some people in the UK will say we do a similar thing, but I’m not so sure.
A long time ago, in an episode of ‘Only Fools and Horses’, Granddad said a line that I felt was particularly poignant:
“They promised us homes fit for heroes, we got heroes fit for homes!”
… and while that show was a comedy [even if that line was not], I can’t help but feel it represents how many nations treat their young and brave when they return to shore.
Whether you agree with war or not, the fact people are willing to put their lives on the line for something they believe in incredible choice [though I also accept this can also have negative connotations] which is why I respect America for making sure their soldiers feel immense gratitude for their choices.
Of course it wasn’t always that way – the stories of what happened to many soldiers who returned from Vietnam has been well documented – however in modern society, whether it’s letting them get on a plane first or, as you can see from the Def Leppard picture above, getting discounts for concerts, the US ensures the people who defend their countries values [however fucked up they may be] are treated with the respect they deserve and for a nation that seems to place ridiculous levels of adulation on those who are rich and famous [case in point, the media’s sycophantic obsession with Kanye and Kim Kardashian’s recent ostentatiously vulgar wedding] … that is a wonderful thing to see.
20 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
If you hadn’t used a def leppard poster in this post, I would have worried what had happened to you.
Comment by DH June 11, 2014 @ 6:22 amhell be saying overpriced wifi enabled gadgets are a waste of money next. who is this fucker? its not the campbell i know thats for fucking sure so im not going to complain. the old version of him was a fucking pain in the ass.
Comment by andy@cynic June 11, 2014 @ 6:37 amand hes not mentioned its his birthday tomorrow. something is wrong. maybe hes finally matured. or his balls have finally fucking dropped.
Comment by andy@cynic June 11, 2014 @ 6:38 amI know … it’s a moment of weakness, brought on by the fact IT’S MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW and I’m beside-myself with excitement for all the presents you have bought for me.
Comment by Rob June 11, 2014 @ 7:53 amThen you shouldn’t wake up tomorrow.
Comment by DH June 11, 2014 @ 8:24 amDef leppard. Don’t you think the soldiers have suffered enough?
Comment by DH June 11, 2014 @ 6:22 ami know to fuck i have and i just had to put up with listening to the tuneless twats when i was forced to share a desk with campbell. murderers suffer less harsh fucking punishment.
Comment by andy@cynic June 11, 2014 @ 6:34 amKiss and Def Leppard. If they had Queen, we’d have the new axis of evil. Nice post about veterans though.
Comment by Bazza June 11, 2014 @ 6:30 amwho the fuck agrees with war except gun toting politicians, the nra and redneck twats?
Comment by andy@cynic June 11, 2014 @ 6:33 amFair point. Damnit.
Comment by Rob June 11, 2014 @ 7:54 amIt is one of America’s finest character traits. It is a shame that same generosity of spirit does not extend to believing all children deserve a good education and all society should have free healthcare.
Comment by George June 11, 2014 @ 6:56 amThere’ll be none of that socialist poison discussed on here.
Comment by DH June 11, 2014 @ 7:01 amI actually think that is part of the underlying issue behind the split opinion actually David.
Comment by George June 11, 2014 @ 7:14 amGood point George … I also agree with your view that in America, you are only respected if society feels you have tried and/or sacrificed something … hence soldiers rightfully get it, but people who need free health care are viewed as ‘spongers’.
OK, maybe not that extreme, but it’s a very protestant work ethic … if you work hard you will prosper so even though there is countless evidence to show that is no longer the case, if you need ‘free’, people think it represents you haven’t worked hard enough and as such, should not be helped because that might encourage you to be lazy. America is so paranoid about socialism they can’t differentiate between help and gifting.
Comment by Rob June 11, 2014 @ 7:57 amThe jokes write themselves, but I think you’re also touching on the subject of American patriotism that so many outsiders mistake for jingoism.
Sure, in some people, it becomes an inability not to label any discussion or minor criticism as unAmerican, but from the ubiquity of the flag oustide houses, through the anthem being sung at sports events and schools, through to its many other manifestations, I’ve always thought it was a magnificent thing that other countries could benefit from.
Comment by John June 11, 2014 @ 7:06 amA very good point John, though the line between patriotism and jingoism can be very thin. That aside, when America is at its patriotic best, they are enviably good.
Comment by George June 11, 2014 @ 7:14 amAmerica. Fuck yeah.
Comment by Billy Whizz June 11, 2014 @ 7:28 amAnd look at the strange mix of folk to whom they offer safe harbour.
Comment by John June 11, 2014 @ 7:29 amYou better be talking about George, I’m Captain America from birth.
Comment by Billy Whizz June 11, 2014 @ 7:45 amThat’s patently obvious Billy.
Comment by John June 11, 2014 @ 7:49 am