As the word is becomed more dangererous, only then people realis.
Well said. Your post rings with Dignity. Thank you.
Our democracy is a sacred gift. It's good to pause and reflect on that solemnly and with deep gratitude to the many who have sacrificed for this.
From my perspective, I feel that CF does have a healthy image, and regardless of the occaisional controversies, there's accountability and professionalism there which I really do respect. I'm also very humble re: 'the heat' and I feel you guys (and gals) have been doing a really impressive job. Very high standards in CF.
I don't think we'll have a case of what happened to Vietnam Veterans upon their return. I've had this PTSD for a long time and I've met people online, e.g. the States. One guy was a sole survivor of a heli-crash, lost his entire platoon/family and spent a good 6 months in the hospital. He actually was spat on by protesters. That's more than sick.
I think exposure to others has helped me climb down off of ideological soap-box a bit.
I've also met homeless Veterans (volunteered serving homeless populations at the street level, crisis intervention, support, etc.). I learnt to listen and respect and including the feelings of anger and give that space of respect as well, while it rides through. One guy was VN Mohawk Vet, and their benefits here were denied here for years.
I believe strongly in 'social contract' (not sure if that's the "liberalism" people get angry about Stateside, because to me, it's an important principle keeping democracy healthly and respect back to the people for their collective sacrifices and for future generations. It's completely disgusting to me, to violate the contract through which soldiers serve our country (e.g. ripping off benefits).
Thank you so much for allowing me to be here and to listen. I also recently watched HBO series on John Adams and for me it is learning about tempering my knee-jerk reactions and to regain some perspective.
As for the Honour poster, for some reason it triggered some of my PTSD (my whacky emotional life-- I was ignoring my physiology in the first place, because I had some panic to discolsing the PTSD factor), but looking back on it and about the words re: human shields (I guess that can happen to children in violent domestic situations). That is sad, it's a sick place of human despair (seriously sick)--we know differently through the Grace and Sacrifice through which we enjoy the priviledge of democracy, and the relative peace and stability. I feel sometimes the gift of democracy is taken too much for granted.
Oh and despite my attitudes re: trash-talk, I don't expect super-sanitized-- keeping things honest and but in balance, but it does make it easier to listen, empathize and understand better minus excessive trash-talk.
Anyway, thank you for this space. And Happy New Year, Everyone
