Smirking Chimp calls soldier "loser", "uncaring"
At first, I stumbled across this post on the Smirking Chimp - a lefty blog. The writer of the post derides an article in Esquire written by Brian Mockenhaupt found here.
Mockenhaupt is a former soldier and Iraq War veteran, and details his adjustment to life outside of combat, illustrating the inconsistencies between that life in Iraq and his own life at home. He includes in the piece how he sometimes misses the feeling of power he once felt, and the adrenaline rush that enveloped him while facing down the enemy and making life and death decisions. He’s not alone in this feeling, as many of his friends from that time feel the same way. Though my own experiences didn’t entirely match his, I can still understand how he now feels.
Reading the Smirking Chimp review, I got one impression - that Mockenhaupt was a loser and borderline psychopath (and that most of us over there were the same). Reading the entire piece at Esquire, I got something completely different. The Smirking Chimp writer pulled out all the little parts he didn’t like, and completely ignored the overall context of the article. Read them both, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Mockenhaupt says he misses Iraq, the war, and his gun. You know what? Sometimes, so do I. If I was single, without a young son, I would volunteer to go back. Maybe not right away, but I would go. War is an event with historical, political, and social dimensions that no other human experience can provide. It’s an experience only a few will share with me, and others will either despise or honor me for. As for the gun, well, I bought one as soon as I got back and plan to buy another - just like the one I carried over there.
Am I a loser or psychopath? I wouldn’t think so. I’ve got a good job, a decent house, and I’m pretty satisfied with my life and where it’s going. I’m proud of my service and I appreciate the kindness of others who’ve recognized that service.
If all this is abhorent to you, and you’re convinced that soldiers are (pick one or two) idiots / crazy / stupid / morons / losers / uneducated / kool-aid drinkers, etc., well, please feel free to pucker up and kiss my ass.
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