STP Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 See this story on McCain. Seeds of McCain's war views found in '74 thesis Excerpts from source: Mr. McCain blamed American politics. "The biggest factor in a man’s ability to perform credibly as a prisoner of war is a strong belief in the correctness of his nation’s foreign policy," Mr. McCain wrote in a 1974 essay submitted to the National War College and never released to the public. Prisoners who questioned "the legality of the war" were "extremely easy marks for Communist propaganda," he wrote. --snip-- To insulate against such doubts, he recommended that the military should teach its recruits not only how to fight but also the reasons for American foreign policies like the containment of Southeast Asian communism — even though, Mr. McCain acknowledged, "a program of this nature could be construed as ‘brainwashing’ or ‘thought control’ and could come in for a great deal of criticism." Quote
prole Posted June 16, 2008 Posted June 16, 2008 See this story on McCain. Seeds of McCain's war views found in '74 thesis Excerpts from source: Mr. McCain blamed American politics. "The biggest factor in a man’s ability to perform credibly as a prisoner of war is a strong belief in the correctness of his nation’s foreign policy," Mr. McCain wrote in a 1974 essay submitted to the National War College and never released to the public. Prisoners who questioned "the legality of the war" were "extremely easy marks for Communist propaganda," he wrote. --snip-- To insulate against such doubts, he recommended that the military should teach its recruits not only how to fight but also the reasons for American foreign policies like the containment of Southeast Asian communism — even though, Mr. McCain acknowledged, "a program of this nature could be construed as ‘brainwashing’ or ‘thought control’ and could come in for a great deal of criticism." 2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry. 9. The group/leader is always right. 10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible. Quote
olyclimber Posted June 16, 2008 Posted June 16, 2008 war is hell http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/military_suicide_060808w/ Quote
STP Posted June 16, 2008 Posted June 16, 2008 Cultural Aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Thinking on Meaning and Risk Excerpt: The classic example of this, and a running theme in [non-commissioned officers'] trauma stories, occurs when a lower-ranking soldier is hurt while following orders to which the NCO personally objects. For example, one veteran told me about the day when one of “his” soldiers was wounded while following the unnecessarily risky orders of his superior, orders that he protested at the time but ultimately felt compelled to obey. His story, and others like it, reveal that the trauma of these events lies not only in the wounding of a fellow soldier, but in the inability to protect a subordinate for whom one feels deeply responsible, and the sense that the damage might have been prevented. Thus the meaning of events creates much of their resonance, and their cultural embeddedness – e.g. in the communal socialization and strict power structures of the military – is partially responsible for the emotional overload that defines trauma. Quote
Bug Posted June 17, 2008 Posted June 17, 2008 He made a commitment, he should honor it. He wasn't joining the Peace Corps, for pity's sake. Apparently, his morals don't have anything to do with personal responsibility, honor, respect, commitment, or sacrifice; if they did, he would ...accept the consequences of his actions. Seems to me George Bush needs the same lecture. Too bad this kid doesn't have the family George does. Other than that, I don't see much difference. One ducked out because innocent people were getting killed. The other one ducked out because he felt like it and daddy was able to make it go away. Either way, they both signed up and backed out and should be held accountable. Quote
olyclimber Posted June 17, 2008 Posted June 17, 2008 the best place to avoid service (so i've heard) is dubai. i'm sure you could buy freedom there, why do you think micheal jackson likes it so much? Quote
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