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thenewgreen · 4668 days ago · link · · parent · post: In Germany, soldiers are viewed with contempt and mistrust
I think there is a difference between unconditionally glowing praise and appreciation. They're human beings and as such are fallible just like any of us. Unlike me, they choose to potentially put themselves in harms way to defend our nation. Now, we both know that "defend our nation" is a broad stroke and it's more often than not, not what the military is used for. Still, I would not feel safer or more secure without them there. I appreciate them being there and if they are willing to risk their lives, even when the end game isn't always a clear "black and white" morality, I still applaud that. I take issue with the policy makers that put us all not just them in precarious moral positions.
So, if a soldier is returning or going to active duty and is allowed to board my plane before I do, I'm okay with that. If the people on the plane applaud their choice to defend us, I'm okay with that too. I honestly don't know anyone that thinks that just because someone is a soldier, they get a moral pass though. Wrong is wrong but service is service too.
> I think there is a difference between unconditionally glowing praise and appreciation.
I do too -- but I certainly think that our cultural attitude toward soldiers is above and beyond just appreciation. We appreciate a good teacher. We appreciate a Thanksgiving meal. What we show for soldiers is more akin to adulation and applause.