Can we maybe change the "thanks for defending us" drivel for "the troops"?

[Stinky The Clown]

That goes back to World Wars I and II, thanking "the boys".

Okay. Fine.

In my generation's war, Viet Nam, there wasn't a lot of thanking happening. At least not until years later. Then there was a national "Holy Shit" moment, and suddenly the people who wore a uniform in the 60s and 70s started getting thanked. And invited to join the American Legion and VFW. And fit their fat, flabby asses into old uniforms for the local 4th of July confab, shuffling along right behind the town's new fire truck.

Now we have people tripping over their wagging tongues to thank everything in uniform. Boy Scouts at jamborees have probably gotten shouted thank yous from well meaning campers from East Dumbfuck.

"Thank You for serving."

Okay. Fine.

But can we PLEASE at least be honest about what we're thinking everyone for?

Please.

We are thanking them for upholding their part of the compact they entered into with the US Government. They signed up to wear specified clothing, learn certain skills, and be ready to go aim guns at others when told to do so by that same US Government - the US Government that doesn't always uphold **its** half of the same compact.

That is not the equal of 'protecting us'. Or 'fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them over here'. What they are doing is playing a role in American foreign policy.

And that's commendable.

I thank them, too.

But let's not confuse - or worse, conflate - what they're doing with 'protecting' us.

[begin_within]

1. Can we also please get rid of "Support the Troops = Support the War" too?

[Stinky The Clown]

3. That is the most dreadful conflation ever.

It was PURE political manipulation.

[Edweird]

5. Seriously.

What a bunch of bullshit.

[Winnipegosis]

2. I thank them

because I don't have to do it. Tough job.

Kudos, boys.

[minnesota_liberal]

4. 'Thanks for serving' works for me

It acknowledges the risks they took and sacrifices they made without condoning the rest of it.

I can't stand all the politicized bullshit associated with "the war on terror" but don't take it out on the troops.