Violence Against Women and Rented Mules

This quote stuck out like a sore thumb in the original story so it's no surprise that the disavowals and requisite apology came quickly.  That Virginians are quick to disown violence against women is comforting.  I am disappointed, however, that no one spoke against beating rented mules.  Or any animal for that matter.

Our fellow creatures on this planet deserve the same respect as homo sapiens. 

Meanwhile On the Ground

From an eye level view of life under the Islamic State:

Every day they [IS members] increase in number, hold new positions and consolidate their presence, undeterred by the air strikes from coalition forces which do nothing to change things on the ground. It it is actually our reality which has changed and become even more horrific.  (emphasis added)

Airstrikes don't mean much if no one is on the ground to take advantage of the bombardment.  Otherwise it's all just another pointless military charade in the Endless War.

Veterans Day Backstory

Answering a Question

The first man I killed was small and
hidden in the tall grass.

Being a killer forever changes you.
Even if you learn to be kind and considerate and civilized
that part of you is always there
hiding down inside
awaiting a chance.

A normal person doses not wan to kill and
will avoid it at all costs.
The military won't allow you to remain normal.
It doesn't matter if you think
you are smart enough
not to get caught up in theri lies.
They will change you.

Don't be sucked into the biggest myth and lie
that killing and dying for your counry is somehow heroic.

Really be all that you can be.

--from Grave Lines by Larry Kershner.

Remembrance Sunday

Britain remembered its war dead today with wreath layings at The Cenotaph in London.  Today's ceremony, Remembrance Sunday, comes three days before the anniversary of the November 1918 Armistice that ended the war.  his is the first I've heard of Remembrance Sunday which means either I am uninformed about British ceremonial customs (very possible) or this is a one-time event since it comes during the first year of the World War I centennial.

Be that as it may, today's wreath-laying, combined with the poppy display at the Tower of London is a fitting remembrance of the almost 900,000 British and Colonial troops who died in The Great War.  Compared to the art and presence of the of the display and British flare for ceremony, American Veterans Day ceremonies will seem kind of pale.  Maybe when the country begins noticing the WWI centennial in the years marking our own entry into the war in 1917 we will do something to match today's event in Britain but all of the eVeterans Day events I am aware of seem pretty routine (along with much of the nation noting the day's significance in passing, if at all).

November 11 has less meaning for me as Veterans Day than it does as Remembrance Day and Armistice Day, its original name.  I don't gainsay veterans recognition for their service and sacrifice, a debt we can should never forget.  But recognizing veterans is only part of the story.  We must also remember how ill-advised were the causes for which they have served.  Maybe World War II was The Good War but it would have never happened but for the vindictive Versailles Treaty ending World War I which itself was certainly pointless.
The many wars and interventions since 1945 reflect a flawed and paranoid American view of the world that buggers our national values and squanders our wealth and our blood. 

That's why we should remember more than our veterans.

At The Cenotaph

I saw the Prince of Darkness, with his Staff,
Standing bare-headed by the Cenotaph:
Unostentatious and respectful, there
He stood, and offered up the following prayer.
'Make them forget, O Lord, what this Memorial
Means; their discredited ideas revive;
Breed new belief that War is purgatorial
Proof of the pride and power of being alive;
Men's biologic urge to readjust
The Map of Europe, Lord of Hosts, increase;
Lift up their hearts in large destructive lust;
And crown their heads with blind vindictive Peace.'
The Prince of Darkness to the Cenotaph
Bowed. As he walked away I heard him laugh.

--Siegfried Sassoon