Just finished the most recently published version of Generation Kill and there was a paragraph at the end that, for some reason, really hit me. It has to do with the anti-war people were saying that the only reason people join the military is to live a video game. This is what Evan Wright said:
"It's the American public for whom the Iraq War is often no more real than a video game. Five years into this war, I am not always confident most American fully appreciate the caliber of the people fighting for them, the sacrifices they have made, and the sacrifices they continue to make. After the Vietnam War ended, the onus of shame largely fell on the veterans. This time around, if shame is to be had when the Iraq conflict ends-and all indications are there will be plenty of it-the veterans are the last people in America to deserve it. When it comes to apportioning shame my vote goes to the American people who sent them to war in a surge of emotion but quickly lost the will to win it or end it. The young troops I profiled in Generation Kill, as well as the other men and women in uniform I've encountered in combat zones throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, are among the finest people of their generation. We misuse them at our own peril." (pg, 370)
Honestly, I have no idea why I am posting this other than it was something that really struck me when I finished the book today.
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