Whenever I write about the military, my critics are usually people that are not in the military and have never been in the military. Most of the military people and ex-military people that write me say that what I write is true: they were duped, the military is no place for a Christian, they are ashamed that they killed for Uncle Sam, the troops are responsible for their actions, etc., etc., etc.
For example, in response to my recent article, “The Blame Game,” a veteran wrote me this:
Just a quick note, I am a veteran of the Submarine force. I have to agree with you that every person is responsible for their actions, no matter what organization they are a part of. By this logic, it seems ethically wrong to fight any war. I was all set to sign on for another 6 years, go to Explosive Ordinance Disposal and go save some lives. I started reading LRC and realized that there is another option in this life, peace. I started to understand that one man can make a difference, and I decided to leave the military. There are times that I miss the friends, and fun that I passed up. I would be going up for Chief (E-7) for the first time by about now, but instead I am working, going to school and training for sport. I am glad that I was able to vote with my feet and no longer support the war machine. I am actually considering leaving the country to ensure that my productivity is no longer stolen to support war, or wall street fat cats.
Thank You
Matt Talbott
matthewtalbott@gmail.com
(all posted with Matt’s permission)
