Stepping back from the ledge

The military and veterans have been mythologized far too long. All are infallible heroes regardless of their service record. 1/

Yet on Jan 6th, veterans and some members of the military, encouraged by the President and other politicians, actively participated or supported the insurrection in DC. 2/

All this because the favored candidate lost and a self-fulfilling prophecy of alleged election fraud led to his inevitable defeat. Defeat equated to theft. 3/

How did we get here? In part, a disinterested public willing to overlook our flaws while correcting Vietnam’s scornful legacy. Military leaders repeatedly telling their subordinates how special they were – the 1% trope. 4/

A public incessantly thanking us for our service with cheap, performative acts of patriotism such as televised soldier reunions, free meals on Veteran’s Day, and other innocent-sounding tokens of misguided appreciation. 5/

While we slept, patriot groups arose to organize around the oath we took and enlisted veterans into their ranks. While providing a renewed sense of purpose and belonging, these groups also perverted and, in some cases, radicalized their members. 6/

They inculcated the belief that the government they previously served was now tyrannical and it was their duty to “remember their oath.” 7/

Why would those who swore an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, participate in such madness? My opinion - some believe they have a greater share and claim to the rights of citizenship – because they have been led to believe thus. 8/

Belief that only conservative values are consistent with military service, especially when those same values take on the religious symbolism of a crusade or sacred charges of duty. 9/

How do we fix this toxic brew of misguided beliefs and activism? First, we must equally judge the experience and credibility of veteran and non-veteran voices. Simply having served does not confer the right to have our voice heard above all others. 10/

Second, civilian and military leadership must come out of hiding and publicly, actively and forcefully put their houses in order. There must be a deliberate campaign to root out those who actively sympathize with these seditious groups. 11/

We do not tolerate openly racist leaders and this shouldn’t be different – in fact, more so because it strikes at the heart of our oath to defend the Constitution. There must be a discussion about the norms of service, political engagement 12/

and belief structures that are, and are not, compatible with military service. If your belief structure isn’t compatible, you must be shown the door. Third, veterans who participated in Jan 6th madness must be charged and tried. 13/

If guilty, they must be stripped of all rights and benefits conferred upon honorable service – including access to the VA, pensions, TRICARE, etc. It must be made clear that you cannot rebel against the government and benefit from prior service at the same time. 14/

Jan 6th is a clarion call to take seriously what it means to serve and our role in a democratic society. We need to get over ourselves, quit navel gazing about how special we are, and realize that we were lucky that something more serious and sinister did not occur. e/

Had to get off the chest. Stop being special and engage. Take back our oath from those who wrongfully think it belongs to them.

Stepping back from the ledge - a thread.

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