[Platapus]

This is a topic that hits me pretty personally, hence my bombastic ramblings

Nowhere in any United States policy or regulation is it required for citizens to be respectful to the military or even recognize the worth and good work that the military does.



It would be nice if they did, but in a free society one of the more frustrating but essential aspects is that the very same people we are defending their right to free speech can use that freedom to express their feelings toward the military.

It is not fair
We may not like it
We may not appreciate it
We may not understand it

But we all have to accept that freedom means freedom

Back when I was called "loser", "Government stooge", "Baby killer" and worse I, like my brothers and sister in arms, had the inner strength to recognize that I am fighting for their freedom to say just those terms. In a whacky messed up way, I was feeling a little proud when this happened.

Clearly I am doing my job in protecting freedom when a civilian is able to throw abuses at me with no fear of retribution.

While I did not like being called those names, I will strongly fight any restriction on freedom of speech and expression.

All countries have freedom of speech

Some only have freedom if they say the "right" thing.
Others have freedom if they say both the "right" and the "wrong" thing

I know which society I want to live in. A society where a citizen has the right to express their feelings despite whether I agree with them or not.

So the next time some citizen criticizes or even verbally abuses either the government or the military, feel proud. Freedom is working and freedom is a good thing.