An exquisite piece of writing. I wish it could be read aloud at Arlington and at the American Cemetery in Normandy, streamed live to the American people while the camera pans over the thousands and thousands of crosses. Because the U.S. hasn't had a war on its soil for so long, I wonder if we Americans can fully appreciate the sacrifices made by our military personnel and why they gave their lives in defense of freedom. In Europe, it's all too clear.
Beautifully written, Mike. Our military has fought fascism and communism. So many men and women have died to defend our freedom from totalitarian repression. We elected a government now that attacks what it calls Marxism, but cannot distinguish between socialism and social democracy. Its commentators muddle the “socialism” of the Nazis with communism and social democracy, so that nothing makes sense or has meaning, and then they present MAGA Republicanism as the big beautiful alternative. And yet what this offers is controls of freedom, patrimony, favoritism of the ultra wealthy, control of the narrative and an erosion of institutions and social norms that have become well established for generations. They are not conservative and only pretend to make America great again. And yet it is an America of no part of our history, but perhaps something more like the fictional 1984, a Brave New World or even the Hunger Games. Our soldiers did not fight for this and yes we owe them our debt to restore some more balance to our society.
Arlington was abused as a photo op. No one did a fucking thing about it.
I will never forget the times we visited. It was very moving. Even in the rain the eternal flame of the unknown soldier burns.🔥
We owe a debt to the living who return to us as well. Possibly even more. The VA should be fully resourced. Those who need support the most will be adrift after cuts. Vets will not be able to access a higher level of life saving, medically necessary care. It’s unimaginable to me knowing the impact it can make for loved ones across the lifespan.
They remain on this side of the ground where we need them.
Good job Writing that I just wish that the 20% of American adults that can't read above a fifth grade level. Who've probably voted for Trump? Would actually listen to things like this, or have somebody else read it to them.
Mike - What is the one liner on how we can honor the dead? I love your work. What's the zinger - what do we owe prior fallen, missing in action, KiA, PoW, silently obligated - warrior patriots? What's the solution in <15 syllables?
I don’t think anyone has said this any better: “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain , that . . . government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Beautiful, heart wrenching, true.
Thank you!
Mike, another terrific post.
An exquisite piece of writing. I wish it could be read aloud at Arlington and at the American Cemetery in Normandy, streamed live to the American people while the camera pans over the thousands and thousands of crosses. Because the U.S. hasn't had a war on its soil for so long, I wonder if we Americans can fully appreciate the sacrifices made by our military personnel and why they gave their lives in defense of freedom. In Europe, it's all too clear.
Beautifully written, Mike. Our military has fought fascism and communism. So many men and women have died to defend our freedom from totalitarian repression. We elected a government now that attacks what it calls Marxism, but cannot distinguish between socialism and social democracy. Its commentators muddle the “socialism” of the Nazis with communism and social democracy, so that nothing makes sense or has meaning, and then they present MAGA Republicanism as the big beautiful alternative. And yet what this offers is controls of freedom, patrimony, favoritism of the ultra wealthy, control of the narrative and an erosion of institutions and social norms that have become well established for generations. They are not conservative and only pretend to make America great again. And yet it is an America of no part of our history, but perhaps something more like the fictional 1984, a Brave New World or even the Hunger Games. Our soldiers did not fight for this and yes we owe them our debt to restore some more balance to our society.
You are on a roll. Keep going.
Arlington was abused as a photo op. No one did a fucking thing about it.
I will never forget the times we visited. It was very moving. Even in the rain the eternal flame of the unknown soldier burns.🔥
We owe a debt to the living who return to us as well. Possibly even more. The VA should be fully resourced. Those who need support the most will be adrift after cuts. Vets will not be able to access a higher level of life saving, medically necessary care. It’s unimaginable to me knowing the impact it can make for loved ones across the lifespan.
They remain on this side of the ground where we need them.
Good job Writing that I just wish that the 20% of American adults that can't read above a fifth grade level. Who've probably voted for Trump? Would actually listen to things like this, or have somebody else read it to them.
I just wish there were a way to cross-post paywalled posts!
You daily lift my despair towards believing that the center will hold.
That being said, many of our honored dead were forced to serve and forced to fight by authoritarian rulers.
Mike - What is the one liner on how we can honor the dead? I love your work. What's the zinger - what do we owe prior fallen, missing in action, KiA, PoW, silently obligated - warrior patriots? What's the solution in <15 syllables?
I don’t think anyone has said this any better: “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain , that . . . government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Would you be willing to participate?
Mike - I am preparing to publish a top-10 American hero’s blogpost (“Top-Ten Bromance Patriots”)