Special medal for remote murder
This is NOT an Onion spoof - it's the real thing - and it shows just how far we've sunk: The Pentagon is going to pin medals on the Gameboy GIs who operate Predator and Reaper drones:
They fight the war from computer consoles and video screens. But the troops that launch the drone strikes and direct the cyberattacks that can kill or disable an enemy may never set foot in the combat zone. Now, defense officials say, their battlefield contributions may be recognized. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to announce Wednesday that for the first time the Pentagon is creating a medal that can be awarded to troops who have a direct impact on combat operations, but do it from afar.I shake my head in wonder. The definition of "hero" is undergoing the same fate as the definition of "marriage" - twisted. Thanks to Earl for the link!
3 Comments:
The term "hero" used to be reserved for those very few who risked life and limb against great odds and in the midst of danger to save a friend or loved one. It bothers me to no end when I hear, for instance, that those who merely went to work in the Twin Towers on 11 Sept. 2001 and subsequently lost their lives should be hailed as "heroes." The same applies now to the little nerds who are playing souped up video games in the government's equivalent of their Mama's basement. We could use some sanity.
Who here remembers the medals and promotions East Germany gave border guards for shooting down fellow citizens trying to flee that Socialist Utopia? I'm not seeing much of a difference between a person who draws a bead on people peacefully leaving an oppressive regime and a person who rains hell fire on a village 1/2 a world away.
Morally repugnant behavior can't be justified no matter how many shiny medals these folks get to wear on their chest.
Slim
If you want a look see at their handiwork check out Wikileaks website.
It should make you sick to your stomach.
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