This ignorant cracker entered the US Army in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis [when the Berlin Wall went up]. Given the similarities of patriotic rhetoric between countries he’d as happily taken the orders of an Adolph Hitler as John Kennedy.
When it’s that crowded in the place it forces people to become social instead of just staring at the clothing tumbling in their washers or dryers. And when strangers discuss anything these days it will be sports, television, politics, or Muslims, for the most part. Some of which inevitably leads to confessions of some nasty hatreds and deep biases.
I was a bit shocked when the discussion centered almost entirely on the president and the enthusiasm shared among the ones who were vocal on the subject. These people, senior citizens who obviously rely on Social Security pensions and Medicare, are still devoted and determined to to see this president and the Congress with intentions to destroy their Medicare and Social Security remain in office. Increase their power.
I’ll confess to have been quietly dumbfounded. They sneered at the class of people who are openly critical or have doubts about the prez and the Congress that’s likely to put them out on the streets cold an hungry. And the old vets were noisy about the opposition being expressed in some quarters to a proposed military parade somewhere. Which I couldn’t care less about one way or the other.
But I’ve digressed somewhat. All that got me remembering, wondering just what sort of people we veterans are, on the whole. Obviously we aren’t deep thinkers. And while many spout patriotic rhetoric and indignation, as nearly as I can tell most have remained the ignorant crackers most of us were back when we entered the military 50 years or so ago.
But what’s more disturbing than our lack of growth and acquired wisdom over the decades, is the fact so many of us evidently are using our stupidity as a launchpad for active participation in the political process.
To demolish our own livelihood.
Figure that one out.
Old Jules
