I use the word infested, because it is the only adequate word that I have to describe this most perplexing new behavior. The meme, pitting a dead Houston against fallen soldiers & basic patriotism, has spread like an infection from one person to the next, leaving me to ponder if people have REALLY thought this one out. I've thought this one out, that's why I'm ranting about it. I'm certain this will piss some people off, but here it goes...
We all know what our people in the armed forces do everyday without hesitation or coercion to protect our liberties as Americans. Our military goes to the worst places in the world on a seconds notice to fight the worst of humanity in America's hour of need. They do it out of love for a country full of people who sadly, oftentimes, have a half-assed way of showing gratitude for the sacrifice. What do I mean by that? Well, ask yourself this question: what have YOU done for a soldier, or a military family lately? Did you hang a yellow magnet on your car? Did you wear a ribbon? That's really awesome considering EVERY soldier I've ever spoken to thinks thats practically an insult. These people are out there, somewhere, bleeding for you and you're hanging a $%@#ing magnet?!? That's it?!? The men and women in the military that I know want you to be involved in your government. They want you to fix the VA system. They want to know that their families and friends will be safe and protected if they don't make it back. They want to know that you are learning why they have to fight. They want to know that they're going to war to make a difference. They don't ask to be glorified, despite that fact that they should be - every damn day that you and I breath air as free people.In my mind, all the Whitney bashing is just more mass-produced yellow magnets - Misguided, half-assed, and out there for everyone to see. But it's sadly the only effort that many people make towards actually supporting troops. If you want to support troops & vets, walk up to one the next time you see them, and thank them to their face. Offer them a drink or lunch, and tell them that you're grateful for their service. Ask them about their service and, if they're willing, they will open your eyes to a whole new world... the real world! It's the world outside the safety-fence our military has faithfully provided us through blood and sweat for all of American history.
But long before you hang another mass-produced yellow magnet, post disrespectful memes about tragically foolish dead celebrities, bitch about media coverage, or gripe about the government, take a breather and be honest with yourself. The old adage is that "Every time you point a finger at someone, there are three fingers pointing back at you."
By the way, Whitney Houston has done a lot of neat things in her life. She's had many 'firsts' for a black female artist, and her achievements wiki takes nearly an hour just to read through. Take a look for yourself! It's ok to think that her death is tragic and sad, and to celebrate her gifts and achievements. But, it is impossible and insulting to compare the death of a pop-culture celebrity with that of a real life hero from the armed forces. It's like apples and oranges: They can be in the same basket (you can mourn both), but they will NEVER be the same thing.
**Disclaimer: I don't write this from a position of moral authority. Personally, my efforts are incomplete, in that there is always much more that I can, should, and will do to support my troops. I don't write this to disrespect families/friends that proudly display public signs of support for their loved ones in the service. I would never intentionally disrespect the sacrifice of our troops or their families. I am eternally grateful to, and humbled by them every day.
