As we observe Memorial Day here in America, I think it's time to reflect not only on the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of our beloved military veterans in our nations wars, but also the losses we've endured when fighting other countries conflicts.
All of this was brought into sharp relief when I spent 5 months living in Europe (Germany), back in 2017/18. Almost everywhere we went, people wanted to ask us about life in America, and while that was fun, what wasn't fun was to hear the constant admonition that we should mind our own concerns and stop acting as the policeman of the world.
I couldn't agree more.
But I would also ask; "What about WWI and WWII where we lost so many lives helping Europe to win two world wars?" Instead of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our military, we were met with derision whenever it was brought up.
No thanks for the spilled American blood which ended "the war to end all wars" followed by the defeat of the Nazis and a bulwark against communist Russia, neither of which would have occurred without US intervention.
Day after week after month, I heard the same thing. It seems they want us to stay out of their affairs; that is, until they need us again. Then once we've saved them yet again, America should piss off and go hide in the corner until summoned to fight and win the next conflict for them.
That's how they see us...
All of this helped inform my attitude about global interventions by the US. To be sure, we've done some pretty rotten things as a nation over the decades, including organizing the overthrow and assassination of the ELECTED President of Chile, Salvador Allende.
Not to mention the mess in Iraq, which was a stable pro-western country until we were done with it, and the intervention in Libya which resulted in even more chaos now than ever before. Including slave markets where black Africans are sold, and torture chambers run by the Libyan militias.
So it got me to thinking that maybe the Europeans are right. We should fuck off and mind our own business and stop putting the lives of our servicemen and women at risk for ungrateful foreign nations. Fuck em! Let them run their own shit, and don't bother calling us when the next Hitler swoops in and starts taking shit over.
Not that I'm saying America's like God, but it kind of reminds me of people who have no use for the creator until they get in trouble. Then, fervent prayers are made to him with the expectation of swift assistance. But when it comes and the situation is resolved, they put God back up on the shelf' "Now stay there until I need you the next time!" That's how the world treats the US.
This allows Europe to keep their military budgets low which benefits their national economies. Many European countries aren't even contributing the minimum 2% of GDP required by their membership in NATO. Why should they when the US is willing foot the bill year after year? They get FREE military protection from the taxpayers of America.
So the next time they ask us for help, let's just stay the hell out of it (since they hate us anyway), and let them support themselves.
With over 100 billion dollars already allocated for the current conflict in Europe, I'd like to ask the readers to check their own communities and assist the homeless veterans that have been forgotten by our government.
Billions of dollars spent taking sides in foreign wars, but not a penny spent on veterans who gave their all in service to the United States, but have now been kicked to the curb and are living in tents by the roadside.
Do all that you can to help them. Keep them in your hearts, because if we the people don't assist them, the US government sure as hell won't. They're too busy depleting our munitions and sending our tax dollars to fight yet another war overseas.
Let this Memorial Day be one for the long-suffering veterans right here in America. They deserve it.
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