The Atlantic has this article from a very disillusioned civil affairs officer who’s served several tours of Iraq and (most recently) Afghanistan. I’m torn in terms of recommending it because I can’t agree with his cynical, semi-nihilistic outlook.
My deal with the devil is finished. I’ve honored my commitment. I am back in my own country where the two main party candidates, despite all the cultural differences they represent, and despite the fervor with which red-team competes with blue-team, agree on Afghanistan, the bailout and everything else that matters to me.
When asked about my plans, I’ve replied “I’m going to buy a bunch of guns and quit paying taxes.” This, of course, is a joke, but if had I less to lose, I’d consider it.
Well, maybe my idealism just hasn’t been snuffed out yet but I just can’t agree with that line of thinking. Yes, we’ve seemed to go out of our way to follow wrongheaded policies over the past eight years and I’m not so naive to think that everything will be fixed come January 20th. But is the only alternative to turn (individually and collectively) inward?
Sorry, that’s just not for me.
It’s hard to comment on this article since it focuses so much on Roman’s personal feelings about his experiences rather than a discussion of policy. Normally, I don’t think I’d comment on it but it’s left me so uncomfortable (although I still can’t pinpoint why) I figured I should put it out there to share the discomfort.