Are veterans over glorified in the USA?

1. 84

   Annsaloposted 8 years ago

   Are veterans over glorified in the USA?
   
   Considering a large amount of veterans are also criminals, is the generalized glorification of veterans a bit much? Should we start looking at them as individuals rather than as a group? Or do we give the bad ones a free pass because they fought in war? If we do give them a free pass because war is rough on them, should we also give free passes to everyone else who has had a hard life?
   Reason for questions- Known many veterans, a few are great, most that I have known are not good people though. But we seem to generalize all veterans as amazing people who we should glorify. NOT SAYING ALL BAD!

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2. 87

   RJ Schwartzposted 8 years ago

   Interesting topic - I'd like to add that you consider the poor care Veterans have received under the current administration as a contributing factor - PTSD and poor job opportunities after military service can be strong contributors to Vets turning to suicide, crime, or to simply live suffering in silence.

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   1. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I agree with you. However does that give them a free pass in your opinion? Consider there are many people not veterans with PTSD who go through similar. If those people commit crimes, they are looked at poorly. Veteran does same people feel sorry

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   2. 87

      RJ Schwartzposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Nothing gives anyone a free pass in my opinion, but some folks might think otherwise.

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3. 61

   Link10103posted 8 years ago

   There was a veteran here on HP that thought he deserved respect simply because he was older than me and because he fought in Vietnam. He had a tendency to demonize liberals/Democrats, gay people, and atheists.
   
   Even going strictly by his online behavior, he was far from an amazing person.
   
   I look at individuals in just about all cases, you don't ever deserve a free pass just by belonging to a certain group.

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   1. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "you don't ever deserve a free pass just by belonging to a certain group." Perfect, I totally agree!

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4. 71

   MonetteforJackposted 8 years ago

   I think the word suited is "commend" than glorify. We should commend Veterans because they went to war to establish peace, freedom and liberty. With everything going on in the VA, the Vets aren't being treated fairly. During and right after the Vietnam war, the vets who came home became social outcasts.  The Vets are individuals and I think everyone knows that. And in America, no matter who you are, whether you're the State Secretary or the President, a Vet or a policeman, nobody is given a free pass in breaking the laws.

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   1. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Vets are never treated good enough by the government, however by the masses we have holidays, parades, and constant news coverage implying they are ALL amazing ppl. Sadly many use their PTSD as excuses to hurt others.

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   2. 71

      MonetteforJackposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      PTSD is very real. I think it isn't an excuse but it is an underlying cause for people whether a veteran or not behave badly. Unless treated, those with PTSD cannot control their bad behaviors and thoughts.

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5. 72

   Old-Empresarioposted 8 years ago

   Well, I certainly think there is a lot of hero inflation directed at US veterans as if all are equal. Most veterans are not actually the folks doing the fighting. Most are communications people, mechanics, logistics folks, medical personnel, etc. It's rare to find one who is an honest-to-goodness warrior. There is a higher percentage among Marines. But chances are when someone talks about themselves in a combat role at nauseam, they're probably lying.

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   1. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Very valid point. Large amounts never even see combat, so I have to wonder what excuse it is that ppl have to treat them as if it's ok if they break laws and think we should still look at all vets like they are heroes!

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6. 0

   LoliHeyposted 8 years ago

   Yeah, I think that anyone who went left the comfort of home here in the US to fight a war for OUR freedom should get recognition.  I think that the amount of veterans who cannot get jobs or are homeless is a travesty.  They should be given something along instead of illegal immigrants.  Fighting in war in combat is NOT the same as living a rough life at home.  Can you provide a link with the statistics that say that most veterans are criminals?

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   1. 61

      Link10103posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Veterans are given illegal immigrants?
      
      What left field did that come from...

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   2. 84

      gmwilliamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Our veterans don't receive the respect they deserve.  In fact, they are treated as personae non gratae. It is a shame indeed.

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   3. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Didn't say MOST, said a large amount. Google can help you learn instead of me providing you just 1 link. And I agree they should be better cared for, but not if  they choose to become criminals beating their wives, raping, or killing people.

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   4. 0

      LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Link:  Illegal immigrants are given free stuff and veterans are not.  Illegals shouldn't even be here!  Unless they come the right way and follow the rules.

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   5. 61

      Link10103posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      And what free stuff are illegal immigrants given exactly...?

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   6. 0

      LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Places to live, education, etc.

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   7. 61

      Link10103posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Oh yes, those dastardly illegals that get free homes and education...
      
      So is there some underlying, not completely obvious reason that every time you are asked for specifics you rarely have any Loli?

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7. 87

   tamarawilhiteposted 8 years ago

   Most military veterans are law abiding, decent guys - on average, MORE law abiding.
   They are some of the last people our society is allowed to consider heroes, because they risk their lives to face the dangers of the world so it doesn't come here.
   I don't see veterans getting a free pass because of their status. I do see that for Black Lives Matter protesters, Black Brunch and other race-baiters allowed to trespass, damage property and threaten people, claiming racism when anyone flees their threats of violence or doesn't want to pay the monies they demand.

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   1. 61

      Link10103posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      ...um, wouldn't you be considered a race baiter then...
      
      Like what the hell does black lives matter have to do with a question about veterans?

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   2. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      For the record I agree somewhat with last paragraph, but it's off topic. Look up the statistics on veterans in prison, veterans and Criminal domestic violence, veterans and sex crimes. It's awful that we are taught to treat all of them like heroes!

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   3. 87

      tamarawilhiteposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      BLM is glorified while attacking whites physically for not agreeing with them.
      Veterans don't kill people except on command, and they are demonized for it.

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   4. 61

      Link10103posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The people veterans are commanded to kill aren't exactly guaranteed to be of any threat, rather than collateral damage...

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   5. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Veterans are home, not in combat, and yes some kill, rape, beat, and steal! And I for sure am not demonizing all veterans, just the concept of treating them like they are ALL great.

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   6. 0

      LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      But you are demonizing them, because you're claiming that "most" are bad, when in fact, you couldn't possibly speak for the millions who are!

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   7. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      AGAIN WHERE DID I SAY MOST AS A GENERALIZATION??? I didn't. I said a large amount, not all and not most. I only said "most" when speaking of the one I PERSONALLY know! If you'd actually read that sentence you'd see I was taking about ones I know.

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   8. 0

      LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      So I take it you know many, many veterans who are criminals.  You must know a lot of people. Otherwise, why ask the question in the first place--based on just the few people you know?  A large amount can imply most.

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   9. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I know 15 or so, and have in business dealt with a handful more. I was asking out of curiosity, the reason most questions are asked and I wondered if I'm expected to place these crappy ones I have met in the same hero column even though they aren't.

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   10. 0

       LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I wouldn't call 15 and a handful more a large amount at all, not even remotely.

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   11. 84

       Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       The rest of large amount was based on a vast amount of research. Use google, look at prison veterans stats, sex offender vet stats, CDV vet stats. If you have nothing else relevant to add please just quit commenting.

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8. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Never, in fact, quite the opposite occurs.  Veterans are no longer respected in the United States.  They are cast aside, even denigrated for doing their duty & fighting for this country.  Veterans should receive more benefits & preferential treatment, considering that they have put their lives on the line for this country.
   
   Many veterans are suffering from PTSD as a result of their combat services.  They should be receiving help in hospitals & other care centers.  To reiterate, this country is treating veterans like stepchildren.   They should receive more respect & receive better health treatment.   Services should be stepped up to assist & aid veterans.   No, one should get a free pass regarding illegal activities regardless of status.  However, that is not necessarily the case now.  There are some who get away w/murder because of connections & preferred status while others who commit the same acts are castigated or worse.

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   1. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      So we have holidays, parades, and that isn't glorying. I understand it's only the talk and they don't help them otherwise, but in words they are all saints. The government helps no one except other government (themselves).

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9. 95

   Sparrowletposted 8 years ago

   You're meeting the wrong vets! In my experience, MOST veterans are commendable people. I find it impossible to over-appreciate someone who is willing to give their life for the safety and freedom of people they have never met.

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   1. 84

      Annsaloposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That's very well possible. Most of the ones I have known are related, past coworkers, or neighbors. The ones that continue to do good when home are worthy of appreciation.

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