Thread by @Dimcl2

Thread: Reading about the woman shot and killed in the Capitol building yesterday has reinforced a theory I've had for a long time. As a Canadian, I'm always amazed at the number of Americans who've served in their military. In fact, I've often called it a "jobs program". .../2

Watch interviews, read articles... so many of the RW cultists are "veterans". What many civilians don't know is that, especially in a recruit's early training, indoctrination is a huge component. Authority, heirarchy, obedience, ...3

loyalty without fail to country, commanders, and comrades. All intensely taught in a few short weeks in basic training and constantly reinforced over the course of a career, however long. .../4

Has anyone ever wondered why the bulk of military personnel vote conservative? Well, this is why. There is very little room for independant thought and actions in the military. You do as you're told and must answer to a higher power. .../5

This is the case in all militaries and, to some extent, all these things are necessary or an army would fall apart. As we've all seen, however, this has been honed to a fine point in the U.S. To say "I'm a veteran" is to say, "I'm special." .../6

So, here's my point... People can blame politicians, the media, big business, globalism, etc., for the downfall of U.S. democracy, but the vast militaristic mindset of the country has slid under the radar when it comes to the attitudes of "ordinary Americans". ...7

I don't know what the answer is, but here's a start: unless someone has served in a conflict, stop with the "Thank you for your service". Someone who has put in 5 years as a cook or truck driver or clerk is doing a mundane job, like millions of civilians - .../8

The only difference is the clothing they wear on the job. Stop glorifying the uniform. Stop using the military as a jobs program. Stop using military service as a sign of patriotism. Lastly, stop giving the military a pass in the erosion of U.S. democracy .../9

because it plays a huge role in the authoritarianism and cult mentality we see today.

End.