A Letter From Iraq, part 2

I post today parts of another letter, this time from a different source, but still in Iraq. I offer it for your reflection, and ask that, whatever conclusions you draw, remember that these are letters written by men in very difficult, life threatening situations. For the whole letter, go to http://www.imitatiochristi.blogs.com
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I write to you not as a soldier, but rather a human being trying to understand the circumstances that surround my deployment here to the Middle East. I feel obligated to provide you with a brief background into me becoming a soldier in the United States Army. Like so many others my age and socio-economic background the Army offered benefits the private sector could not at that time to include; decent medical benefits for my family, college loan repayment program, job security and adequate housing. This statement in itself is a testament to the severity in which our country finds itself. Contrary to popular belief, American citizens join the armed forces for economic reasons and not because of their patriotic fervor. Make no mistake this is an obvious element of class warfare. Citizens from affluent families do not join the military; instead they become the politicians and corporate leaders that make policy and economic decisions for the rest of us. This may sound harsh, but it is the truth.

Prior to me entering service into the military I had planned on becoming a high school history teacher in hopes of making an impact on the youth of America. I always considered myself a good student; however, it wasn’t until I started researching current and past political news stories that I understood that my passion for history did not match my knowledge level on these subjects. This lack of knowledge led me on a quest and thirst for understanding that has since flipped my world upside down. How could I have been so neglectful and ignorant to the plain truths that lye before me? The answer is simple; these truths are purposely hidden and made clandestine to the average American citizen. We all want a feeling that what our country has done in our name is something to take pride in. I am no different. The established control force in this country makes it a point to divert the attention of our domestic and foreign policies by creating an apathetic citizenry. The Establishment (politicians, big business, and military leaders) would rather have its citizens direct their attention to advertising; sporting events, television, and the like instead of concentrating on real events that impact lives. This apathy is stifling to a supposed democracy. In order for a true democracy to be effective, the citizens need to be informed; otherwise a tyranny of the majority will take hold. This is the current situation in which this country operates. Political dissent is squashed and our civil liberties are slowly eroding away under the current administration.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chuck-gutens...t-_b_15696.html

The part about the apathy I whole heartly agree with the author. Teddy Roosevelt spoke about the Vigor of Life; how a mans (and a countries) largest enemy was lack of conviction, the absence of desire (desire for achievement). How the wealth of men (and country) can turn them into listless beings bent on nothing but their own self gratification and entertainment.

Where I have to disagree is how the author seems bent to bring the blame on the current administration. People have to take responsibility for their actions (or lack of actions) of their own future. People allow themselves to be blinded by politics (for the left or the right) and they miss the big underlying picture.

We are slowly being superceeded by China and India not because the democrats want more social programs and civil liberties, not because the republicans want more tax releif for the wealthy...... Its because people are more interested in the latest breakup in hollywood, the next NASCAR race, watching the game in their own home theatre... then they are about serving their country, risking their livelihood in a new business or idea, or creating something new.

That's the big picture the way I see it.

From Iraq
SFC White

A democracy cannot function with an apathetic electorate- very true.

Best wishes to you, SFC White. Glad to took the time to check in here.

Hey shipmate, good to see them sand fleas ain't got you! Enjoyed any good sand storms yet?Methinks I can only agree to a degree.

Two quotes from the cited letter in the original post:

1. "The answer is simple; these truths are purposely hidden and made clandestine to the average American citizen."

IMHO none of this is really hidden, eh? Methinks you might have to make some degree of effort to seek out useful information, sort out what seems factual from conjecture and hyperbole, then form your own opinion. Doubt watchin' what passes for news on the tube, siftin' through blogs that push ideological positions you agree with, listenin' to talk radio of any ilk and/or absorbin' what the talkin' heads on cable and broadcast "news" shows spout helps much. The info's out there, but you gotta find it!

2. "The Establishment (politicians, big business, and military leaders) would rather have its citizens direct their attention to advertising; sporting events, television, and the like instead of concentrating on real events that impact lives."

First of all methinks includin' military leaders in this cabal is a symptom of seriously flawed thinkin' and causes me to question what else is bein' said. Then goin' back and rereadin' the whole letter the "Political dissent is squashed and our civil liberties are slowly eroding away under the current administration" statement really jumped out at me. If the author's really a student of history methinks he'd realize that past administrations have successfully Americans' civil liberties far more than anything currently bein' tried (e.g. Lincoln durin' the Civil War).

Methinks a poorly informed citizenry equates to a less financially successful citizenry not as able to be the consumers big business needs to maximize their profits. It may work for some, but methinks most business leaders'd prefer a better informed more affluent consumer base.

Some politicians probably welcome it as methinks it makes some of the really silly stuff they say plausible to more people. IMHO these are represented by the more strident vociferous folks that never miss a chance to say somethin' in front of an open mike, consequences be damned. Watch CSPAN and it soon becomes evident who they are, eh? IMHO these are probably the minority of politicians out there though.

The other thing methinks causes me to question the author of the letter's thinkin' is his statement "Make no mistake this is an obvious element of class warfare. Citizens from affluent families do not join the military; instead they become the politicians and corporate leaders that make policy and economic decisions for the rest of us.", eh? While the poor and lower middle class of our society make up the vast bulk of our current military force, if you look close methinks you'll find the other classes are also fairly well represented. Some are tryin' to gain leadership skills they can use later in life, some are gettin' their "ticket punched", some probably do join out of a feelin' of patriotism and some probably do it on a lark, eh? Also think you've got to remember that for what ever reason folks join the military, 'tis a voluntary thing. How that equates to "class warfare" I dunno, and methinks it really sounds like the ramblings of some one not happy with the choice they themselves made and now has to live with.