My message of support for the troops
America Supports You is a propaganda site run by the US military in order to encourage public support for the war(s). They are providing the opportunity to post messages of ‘support’ for ‘the troops’. Following is my submission:
My message of support for the troops:
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
-Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,-
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes.
The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.–Wilfred Owen, KIA, 1918
If you participate in an illegal, unauthorized armed action you are violating your oath to uphold the US Constitution and destroying the honor and integrity of our military forces. The use of torture is a capital offense under US law. It is the legal obligation of every US service member to refuse to obey illegal orders.
best regards,
Henry Edward Hardy
https://scanlyze.wordpress.com/
see also: Anthem for Doomed Youth
Copyright © 2007 Henry Edward Hardy
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About Scanlyze
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Scanlyze is an online magazine of essays, commentary, satire, and analysis. Were we half as clever, for inspiration we would take Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, Swift, Montaigne, or Seneca.
“The men who create power make an indispensable contribution to the Nation’s greatness, but the men who question power make a contribution just as indispensable, especially when that questioning is disinterested, for they determine whether we use power or power uses us.”
John F. Kennedy, October 26, 1963
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Recent Comments
Scanlyze 
I agree.
It’s absolutely refreshing to read that many Americans are no longer blindly posting “support our troops” slogans. An increasing (though still very small percentage) of these troops are convicted felons:
http://www.palmcenter.org
Like you might have read at http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/primetime/
U.S. soldiers are imitating the torture techniques they have seen on television.
Thanks for adding me to your blogroll.
Peter: You’re very welcome. I enjoy reading your excellent blog.
best regards,
Henry