Reply #31: funny though, as removed as I am from the conflict

[bigtree]

I feel shame, beyond guilt. I think our nation and all of our citizens will need to work for generations to undo the damage our nation has caused with our military.

But, if you want to set a place aside for soldiers then so be it. Me? I'm shamed by the deliberate and 'collateral' killings and maiming.

I don't think troops should be crippled by it. Obviously one is ultimately responsible for their own actions, circumstances. But, even in that there is room to assume responsibility for the world around you. Only as much as one can bear, but there shouldn't be harm in aspiring to be better, to do better, and to expect the same from those you afilliate yourself with.

Is denial the only way to alleviate the burden these soldiers will bear from the war? I would think that acceptance of reality would be one of the first steps to recovery. The reality is that the organization they are an integral part of is engaged in an immoral war. Prettying it up for those who are prosecuting and supporting it will do little to change the reality of their complicity.