Thank you for putting this so eloquently. My husband joined the military at 18 to escape the area and poverty his family was born into. He snuck out and talked to a recruiter and joined up on the spot. The military gave him a life he would never have had and he was the first person in his family to get a college degree or even leave the state. Upon hearing he received his MBA, his mother responded with 'so now you think you're better than us?'. He still works for a military agency. He was in Desert Storm, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the first guy I ever dated that when I told him I was trans, didn't flip out or even care. He is now planning on leaving the federal government. He has lost pride in his service and his country. But I think mostly to move us and try and keep me safe because the military taught him to protect and care for people.
He has also put away all symbols of his service. He feels like everything he fought for has been destroyed. I think the apathy of most americans hurts him the most. I try my best not to show him how scared I am because even though he won't show it, I know he's hurting and needs protecting as well. As a military family, we can relate to what you have written. You make us feel less alone. Thank you.
I served for 21 years in the US Navy and retired. From cat and mouse operations against the Soviets, to Gulf War Part 1, Kosovo, 9/11, Gulf War Part 2 - I felt we were trying to do the right thing. Deeply flawed... but deep down, a good and honorable people. My family has been here since 1634. We've founded cities you know. We've served in every war and most of the conflicts the colonies, then states and our Nation asked us to serve. I swore to support and defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our Admirals and Generals, our elected representatives, and the troops in the trenches all swore to defend what makes us if not the Greatest Nation in history (we are far from it in many ways), one that as Churchill said, eventually does the right thing after trying everything else (at least I think it was him- as Otter said to D-Day... forget it, he's on a roll).
I was never released from my oath and it is profoundly disgusting that violent insurrectionists were pardoned, and billionaire boy's club is trashing the institutions that underpin our Nation's power. You think USAID is useless? You are a moron. It's one of the best bangs for the buck our Nation has ever funded. Working behind the scenes to undermine dictators and lift people out of poverty so they have options other than the likes of ISIS and Al Shabab.
But no. Our Supreme Court decided that corporations are people and money is free speech. The richer you are, the more free your speech is. That allowed billionaires to buy a morally vacant President and install him in OUR Whitehouse (still wondering about his comments regarding Musk's interference in Pennsylvania).
Then I return to what I was taught. Freedom isn't free. It isn't given or taken away by the government- they serve at our consent. Freedom is worth fighting for. It is worth, if necessary dying for.
We are approaching a precipice. As we stare into an abyss, we need to ask ourselves: if we let this happen, what do we tell our Children? Our grandchildren? That we squandered away their prosperity, THEIR freedom, Their future because of people who lack basic critical thinking skills were drawn into a cult and believe the empty promises of a deranged old man? And that we stood by while it happened? Not on my watch.
Perhaps, this is what we need. We need to be knocked so low that we realize the Billionaire Bro club must be torn down. Universal healthcare and living wages must come before more B-x bombers. That people must come before profit. If the co-equal branches of government won't stand up for freedom, and recognize they derive their "just powers from the consent of the governed," then we have the right- the responsibility - to as the Founders stated in the Declaration of Independence ,to "alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Our founding Fathers told us what must be done. Change SHOULD come through our government and laws. We'll attempt to do so peacefully... or not. The choice is theirs, but will not go softly into the night. Democracy will not die with a whimper - we will rise up with a roar and remind them who they work for.
Very well said. The time has come for all of us that took the oath, to work with everyone else who are hurting from this to abolish this government and replace it with one that works for everyone, upholds liberty and individual freedom.
I am desperate to understand if the military will obey these absurd and inhumane orders from Trump that are against our constitution. A resistance must be forming. Your service is honorable. You are incredible.
“When rounds are coming down range, no one cares if you’re trans. They care if you can lay fire.”
I joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 18, raised on the stories and ideal of my grandparents who fought in the Second World War.
I see these things happening and I keep asking, “ why are fascists gaining power? Why are Nazi’s allowed to assume power? Didn’t we fight a war about this already? Didn’t we win??”
Certainly made watching The Winter Soldier with my kids last weekend hard when they asked me to explain how Hydra could grow so powerful without SHIELD.
But that’s not a conversation I’ll shy away from. That’s not what the military taught me. That’s not how I was raised.
Like you, I also feel betrayed. I retired in 2021 from the U.S. Army Reserve with 29 years of service, two tours in Iraq and one in Kuwait. We stood together as teams, no matter what. Skin color, sexual orientation, gender, none of it mattered. We had to rely on each other or the mission would be in jeopardy. It hurts me to the core to see soldiers stripped of their dignity, and others have their contributions whitewashed. And to those fellow veterans that have ignored the part of their oath that states they take the oath freely, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion, I will not forget, and I wlll give no quarter.
Thank you for putting this so eloquently. My husband joined the military at 18 to escape the area and poverty his family was born into. He snuck out and talked to a recruiter and joined up on the spot. The military gave him a life he would never have had and he was the first person in his family to get a college degree or even leave the state. Upon hearing he received his MBA, his mother responded with 'so now you think you're better than us?'. He still works for a military agency. He was in Desert Storm, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was the first guy I ever dated that when I told him I was trans, didn't flip out or even care. He is now planning on leaving the federal government. He has lost pride in his service and his country. But I think mostly to move us and try and keep me safe because the military taught him to protect and care for people.
He has also put away all symbols of his service. He feels like everything he fought for has been destroyed. I think the apathy of most americans hurts him the most. I try my best not to show him how scared I am because even though he won't show it, I know he's hurting and needs protecting as well. As a military family, we can relate to what you have written. You make us feel less alone. Thank you.
I can absolutely relate to you and your husband. I am afraid and I am sad. I hope the best for your family. Please stay safe.
I served for 21 years in the US Navy and retired. From cat and mouse operations against the Soviets, to Gulf War Part 1, Kosovo, 9/11, Gulf War Part 2 - I felt we were trying to do the right thing. Deeply flawed... but deep down, a good and honorable people. My family has been here since 1634. We've founded cities you know. We've served in every war and most of the conflicts the colonies, then states and our Nation asked us to serve. I swore to support and defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our Admirals and Generals, our elected representatives, and the troops in the trenches all swore to defend what makes us if not the Greatest Nation in history (we are far from it in many ways), one that as Churchill said, eventually does the right thing after trying everything else (at least I think it was him- as Otter said to D-Day... forget it, he's on a roll).
I was never released from my oath and it is profoundly disgusting that violent insurrectionists were pardoned, and billionaire boy's club is trashing the institutions that underpin our Nation's power. You think USAID is useless? You are a moron. It's one of the best bangs for the buck our Nation has ever funded. Working behind the scenes to undermine dictators and lift people out of poverty so they have options other than the likes of ISIS and Al Shabab.
But no. Our Supreme Court decided that corporations are people and money is free speech. The richer you are, the more free your speech is. That allowed billionaires to buy a morally vacant President and install him in OUR Whitehouse (still wondering about his comments regarding Musk's interference in Pennsylvania).
Then I return to what I was taught. Freedom isn't free. It isn't given or taken away by the government- they serve at our consent. Freedom is worth fighting for. It is worth, if necessary dying for.
We are approaching a precipice. As we stare into an abyss, we need to ask ourselves: if we let this happen, what do we tell our Children? Our grandchildren? That we squandered away their prosperity, THEIR freedom, Their future because of people who lack basic critical thinking skills were drawn into a cult and believe the empty promises of a deranged old man? And that we stood by while it happened? Not on my watch.
Perhaps, this is what we need. We need to be knocked so low that we realize the Billionaire Bro club must be torn down. Universal healthcare and living wages must come before more B-x bombers. That people must come before profit. If the co-equal branches of government won't stand up for freedom, and recognize they derive their "just powers from the consent of the governed," then we have the right- the responsibility - to as the Founders stated in the Declaration of Independence ,to "alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Our founding Fathers told us what must be done. Change SHOULD come through our government and laws. We'll attempt to do so peacefully... or not. The choice is theirs, but will not go softly into the night. Democracy will not die with a whimper - we will rise up with a roar and remind them who they work for.
E Pluribus Unum
Very well said. The time has come for all of us that took the oath, to work with everyone else who are hurting from this to abolish this government and replace it with one that works for everyone, upholds liberty and individual freedom.
I am desperate to understand if the military will obey these absurd and inhumane orders from Trump that are against our constitution. A resistance must be forming. Your service is honorable. You are incredible.
Yes, they will absolutely obey his orders because the administration is removing anyone military or civilian that is not a trump loyalist.
My heart goes out to you.
I have made a promise.
I will not allow a bully to bully.
I will stand up to them.
Every fucking time.
Now I have to do it for family.
Those who are immigrants.
Those who are Gay.
Those who are disabled.
I have made a promise.
Like you, I will hold true to my oath.
That was an intense read, thank you.
I struggle with my own service as well.
This line hit home:
“When rounds are coming down range, no one cares if you’re trans. They care if you can lay fire.”
I joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 18, raised on the stories and ideal of my grandparents who fought in the Second World War.
I see these things happening and I keep asking, “ why are fascists gaining power? Why are Nazi’s allowed to assume power? Didn’t we fight a war about this already? Didn’t we win??”
Certainly made watching The Winter Soldier with my kids last weekend hard when they asked me to explain how Hydra could grow so powerful without SHIELD.
But that’s not a conversation I’ll shy away from. That’s not what the military taught me. That’s not how I was raised.
I ask myself similar questions, and it has been difficult explaining what is happening to my younger children.
We’re not alone.
We may feel isolated. But we’re not alone.
Like you, I also feel betrayed. I retired in 2021 from the U.S. Army Reserve with 29 years of service, two tours in Iraq and one in Kuwait. We stood together as teams, no matter what. Skin color, sexual orientation, gender, none of it mattered. We had to rely on each other or the mission would be in jeopardy. It hurts me to the core to see soldiers stripped of their dignity, and others have their contributions whitewashed. And to those fellow veterans that have ignored the part of their oath that states they take the oath freely, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion, I will not forget, and I wlll give no quarter.
Same, I will give no quarter to those that betray that oath.
Luv you girl! 🫂