Veterans For Peace's post 260313
I enlisted to serve my country.
They called Muslims “sand n**gers”, “Hajis” and “Joe sh*t the ragman”.
They told us “we gotta fight them over there or we will have to fight them over here”, “they don’t value human life like we do”, and “they hate us because we are free”.
These were all lies. Dehumanizing propaganda designed to make it more palatable for the public to have our troops kill people by the thousands.
I saw my fellow service members die and maimed and kill innocents for these lies. I saw friends lose part of their soul when they took lives. I saw people haunted by screams. I saw veterans kill themselves over the anguish of what they had seen and done. 22 veteran suicides a day for decades. I saw our country’s international reputation destroyed and a trillion dollars wasted for these lies.
I’m still angry about it all these years later. This is why I have no tolerance for the same lies being pushed by the same people for another iteration of the same stupidity.
These wars of aggression do not serve our country.
I am anti war to the core. You will never change me on this.
- Bruce Fenton, Veteran US Navy
Johnny Fast
I spent 6 years all over the Middle East but it took only one trip, my first one, to clearly see that the terrorist threat was the USA and Israel. That one trip completely changed my understanding of US foreign policy.
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Joshua Krome
And then you meet them and it's literally just you with a slightly different skin tone and upbringing.
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Andrew Gee
In my humble opinion, veterans like yourself who’ve regained critical thought represent the brightest among us. How incredibly intelligent do you have to be to break through such effective programming. My sincere compliments, sir.
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Dianna Hopkins
Thank you for posting! I heard all of the same bullshit propaganda during the first Gulf War and it continues to this day. It literally makes me sick. We are no different as human beings. We have good and bad people throughout this world and it’s those of us that can see through all of it to try to create a better world. Peace! 
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Amy Robles
I wrote this poem and then I saw your post and felt like I should share:
I went to war when I was 24.
And I was a good soldier.
Top marks for fitness
and fighting
and firing
and following orders.
I was good at being a soldier.
I went to war to free the Iraqi people
And to “get ‘em over there before they got us over here.”
And because only mass destruction can find weapons of mass destruction.
And because I was only 24.
I went to war with my Bible
And God was on our side.
Morning prayer in the chapel
and in the bunker
and in the hospital
and the Fajr on the loudspeaker.
We were all good at being religious.
“God is Great.” and “Allahu Akbar.”
I went to war to keep my country free
And found that I was warring with myself.
And all the soldiers and bombs and destruction could have been avoided by giving two men dueling pistols.
And I was only 24
and didn’t want to be there anymore.
I went to war to be useful
And I wanted to help people.
I sat with our interpreter as she hid from death squads
and with the hungry children in the ruins they called home
and with the woman who made me tea which was really hot water in a dirty cup because she didn’t have tea bags
and with the soldier who’s battle buddy was in the hospital waiting to die.
I tried to be good at helping people.
“We aren’t here to help people.”
I went to war and learned that war is brutal.
And anything patriotic in my heart died that year.
And anything religious left my soul like a spirit leaving a body when it’s dead.
Leaving my spirit dead.
And then I turned 25.
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Michelle Renee
Completely agree. In addition to serving, I've also traveled a ton. People around the world are just like us. Humans. We all want the same thing - food on the table, a roof over our heads, a safe neighborhood, good schools, and economic opportunity. As far as religion, they all have the same foundation with different rituals. Everyone wants the ability to worship freely, or the freedom to not worship at all.
The propaganda is so dehumanizing and wrong. Thank you for writing this
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Gordon Rogers
It’s rare that a veteran gets to serve his country in two capacities. Thank you for your honesty and insight. Hopefully your message resonates and we can begin to change. 
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Katharyn Scheller
It takes a brave person to come to an understanding like this 
the military is used to continue their propaganda machine, its sad to see people used as only pawns. No more war !!!
the military is used to continue their propaganda machine, its sad to see people used as only pawns. No more war !!!- Reply
Antoinette Guess
Sad truth. We are all connected and belong to the human race. The greedy can’t satisfy their needs unless they get what others have and see anyone who has more or are different as a threat. May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. Peace comes from within and I believe from God. Not dominating others to our way of thinking.
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Chip Fontaine
Thank you, Mr. Fenton.
Thank you for your service to our country.
Thank you for trying to explain the evil that has long poisoned my beloved country, although never before as much as it is right now.
I hope and pray that you can find peace and joy in your life again.
I am assuming that you once had that when you were younger.
Seek out people who are like-minded and treat everyone as you would like them to treat you.
I’m not saying it will cure your misery.
More likely you’ll end up watering your floor on a regular basis, as I do.
But hopefully it will at least strengthen your soul and your spirit
Thank you again for being a person who everyone in this nation should aspire to be.
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Scott Stewart
I haven't met many people who are pro war. I'm 62.
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Freeman Hobs Allan
I'm an army veteran Bruce who is with you 100% My fathers D Co 28th Marine regiment put the flag up on Iwo Jima. He would be Soul Sick to see the squandering of lives our taxes are paying for today. Semper Fi.
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Meredith Goodrich
Thank you for writing this. It has the cleanness of the genuine. It's poetic and as intense and rhythmic as Howl. I hope you seek to get it published
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Deborah Smyth Mascenik
Thank you for posting this! I am so sorry you went through that war. Seriously, I am also a victim but a survivor of propaganda. We have all been lied to. My ex-husband, a Vietnam veteran suffered so much as I also did by being his wife. I wish for you so much peace and a good life to live. God knows, it takes strength to get to where you are. God bless you!
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Joan Denton
I am a pacifist and think there should never be a war. War is always about money and power and our young people are sacrificed for it.
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Gwen Penner
Veterans who once believed with their whole being in their wars and have turned around so completely after, are the biggest source of hope for humanity. I'm sorry you had to go through that though, for the rest of us. Thank you for your service.
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Don Peknik
I’m right there with you, same sentiments, same reasons. We fall so short on so many useful things, healthcare, education, just helping those down and out including our vets. But by god we can damn sure build things that kill. Navy vet here. Thx for your service!
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Cyndy Williams
No War. Peace is the future
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Krissey Troxell
Some of the nicest people I've ever met in my own community. Like genuinely nice people. It's absolutely disgusting what Islamophobia has done to people.
Even if you don't serve, or haven't served, go out and meet people who are different from you. You might just learn that you're not so different after all.
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Jim Harden
As a Navy veteran myself, the first tactic in war and conflict is to dehumanize the enemy. I agree with your post. 
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Liz Hanley-Burfitt
From one veteran to another, thank you for telling the truth that people refuse to face.
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Rilwan M B Sadiq
You will live long and posterity will judge you well for standing with truth.
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Crista Stansell Clark
Thank you for speaking out. I believe my father felt the same way and experienced the same thing. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
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Robert Crabtree
I served in the Marine Corps. Only had six months in country. I saw enough of what war brings and enough of how the PEOPLE there truly feel about us. I met some Iraqi drivers that I became good friends with. When they ate they would MAKE us sit with them. Only 2 guys sitting with 5 Iraqi citizens who fought for the Mujahideen in the Iraq War. EVERY time they would make us take half of what they cooked because that is what their religion requires of them. Any guest at their table gets half of the food. And they would never take no for an answer. To this day I still think about them and wonder how they are. Some of the most polite and giving people I have ever met.
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Pam Del Monaco
My Dad…A WW2 Veteran Medic’s last words to me were “Do not send your sons to war”..Peace is the only way…
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Curtis Wee
I'm not a pacifist by any means, but I can agree with a lot of what was said here. My OIF + OEF experiences brought me to a similar conclusion, and while I kept a level head and respected host nations, I'm haunted by the consequences of what others did. 
Reckless entitlement is extremely cruel and dangerous.
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Tezcatli Foto
And youre still fighting, for the right causes. Thank you.
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Grayson Mayo
Thank you for speaking out for the brothers the cannot
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Rita Baughman
Thank you for speaking out! We hear you!!! So honor you!!!!
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John Tomassi
I have friends who were forever changed. They were just trying to find a future.
I have a couple who made out good and the military help launch them into different careers, and I have friends who developed drug addictions and needed therapy afterwards.
When I was a teenager and I told my grandfather, who was a silver star recipient, that I wanted to join the military he told me not to do it. He never talked about what he seen in Europe until that day.
He didn’t talk much but he described to me what it’s like when someone catches fire and you have to put them out and keep them from going into shock.
I never joined up. I think about it, I don’t regret it but I wonder which way I would have gone if I did join. Maybe in another life.
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Stacia Ash
I love that!! “I am anti-war to the core.”
Peace, peace, peace
Om shanti
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Debbie B Jarrell
Thank you. It is best coming out of people who have experienced it.
I dont belive in war either.
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Erek Whiteford
I didn't serve due to my own personal health concerns at the time but I grew up with different immigrant communities and continued to work in heavy immigrant fields my entire working life.
While I have noticed that different ethnicities kind of have their own unique quirks, work ethics, ect (nothing negative although sometimes annoying 
) the one thing I truly learned is that I would rather break bread and enjoy the company of every last immigrant I've met over almost anyone else.
) the one thing I truly learned is that I would rather break bread and enjoy the company of every last immigrant I've met over almost anyone else.- Reply
Carol Connors
You are brave to say this. I hope you can find peace in your heart someday. Thank you for sacrifices no matter what they told you about it all. You know the reality.
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Staci Paul-King
Thank you sir, for all that you have sacrificed
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Nicole Alicia
Thank you for sharing the truth and reality of war. I hope you can find peace
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Dagmar Hunt
I have to agree with him one hundred percent unless you lived it you don’t no the extent of the damage destruction or death so don’t disrespect or discredit those who did. Thank you for your service and this post. 
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Roger Colt
A different breed from when I graduated from high school early so I could get to boot camp and gear up to fight for my country. Sadly, I missed the end of the Vietnam war, but was able to put my talents to use in other arenas. Took a few lives yet suffer no guilt or PTSD. Different breed.
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Dominick Forgione
We got unfuck this situation, brick by brick, we set sail with a made up mind.... glory to God!
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Maryanne Bush
Thank you for sharing your beliefs & the service you’ve given. We are all human beings & deserve each other’s understanding & tolerance.
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Iffat Mahmud Rufayda
Thank you so much for being brave. Lots of respect. We all just want peace. It will only be possible if everyone says no to wars
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Mark Sanders
As a british veteran of the 1st gulf war, I couldn't agree more, well said 
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Christine Marshall
We support you!
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Jillyann Frenche
Our enemy is the Ultra Rich.... everyone else are our brothers and sisters.
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Rosario Carelli
Yea, I learned about all the deceptions and lies during Vietnam. Seriously turned me from a patriotic American to an anti war, pro democratic socialist Activist, working against hate and empire.
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Mark Tannakill
Navy?
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Apep Uriah
Forgive, but never forget.
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Scott Eiserman
Thank you for your willingness to serve your country but most of all thank you for serving your country in the way you are now. Hearing these truths from actual soldiers is more important than hearing it from civilians, please continue to speak out however you can and in whatever way you feel comfortable.
I'm sincerely sorry the country used you guys like that, I hope you can find peace and resolution
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Clement Matthews
My dad was USAAF. B-17 guy, They did things probably upset you. He very happy when Hiroshima was bombed, he life expectancy went up tremendously.
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Benny Cusati
Takes alot to be a man. And you definitely are one. Ty
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Dorothy Faye Orr
Thank you for posting this Bruce...
I'm 72 & was raised in a military family.
Many friends came back from Viet Nam broken, strung out on drugs and/or in hallucinating shambles.
My neighbor & friend of 25+years, now in his 80's deals w PTSD on top of dementia daily.
We meet at the mailbox daily & reintroduce ourselves 
He has been one of the kindest & most consistent friends I've been privileged enough to know.
I've also had the dishonor of being coerced via my past career to travel in the same circles as DJT...
There has never been an ounce of honor in him.
.... Sigh
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Republicans Against War
With you 100%
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Yvonne Wiggins
My Dad was in Palestine during WW2. He was young and suffered PTSD until he died. He said the Palestinians were the kindest most hospitable people. What is wrong with the world!
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Dara Corvus
The same names were used when I was deployed. That was 2014
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William Brian Mitchell
Now that's critical thinking!
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Kimberly G. Gill Figueroa
Thank you for speaking out and serving our country
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Connaire Cummins
True resistance from cult pressure. Respect. Takes balls, most are afraid to be the only one in a group to disagree. It just takes one person to stand up and say no. Then others will see you as a light in the dark.
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Samuel Morrison
Right there with you brother. Peace be upon you.
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Joan Marie Dolina
Thank you for speaking up so eloquently.
My 35 year old nephew Drew served 3 tours of duty as a Special Forces soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He struggled with severe PTSD for two years upon his return before we lost him to suicide.
My sister has had to deal with the pain of losing her first born son and her husband who died from a specific cancer caused by his exposure to agent orange in Vietnam at age 46.
She raised her 3 young sons alone, with no compensation from the government.
War is hell and should be entered into only when there is a proven clear and present danger, with Congressional approval, strategic planning to minimize loss of life, clear goals
and exit strategy.
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Laura Shields
Sending love
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Jessy Watmough
Like Paul Fussel pointed out in his book about war: "I joined the army to fight fascism," says this man, "only to find the army full of fascists."
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Linda Sharp
Many years ago, I took a day-long class learning about Islam in a Muslim community center. We listened to an imam and several Muslims, both male and female, who taught us about their religion. It was so enlightening. I learned that everything I had read and heard about Islam was wrong. There are radical, intolerant Muslims just like there are radical, intolerant people who call themselves Christians. ISIS, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda and the Taliban do not practice true Islam just as some “Christians” do not practice the teachings of Christ. There is too much much bigotry, hatred, racism, intolerance in our world.
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Lora Treasa Hughes
May God bring peace to your heart & soul…
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Sam Owings
He's certainly entitled to his opinion but he doesn't speak for every vet. Some of us understand there is evil in this world that has to be dealt with. Anyone should be able to see this admin is different in a good way. Keep in mind, most of these countries where we've been involved would kill you just for being a Christian or non Muslim. They're not just like us and it's ignorant and foolish to say so.
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Aliver Malabanan Dimacisil
The bigger question is: what is anyone going to do about the current situation?
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Linda Binney
I had a brother who didnt come back from Vietnam . He enlisted because he loved his country and believed that propaganda. It changed our family forever, his death.
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Angel Frolicker
Anti war to the core as well.
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Jane Stansbury Kiep
So grateful for you sharing this.
I feel as though my son is going to be plucked away from me by a big black bird and I wont be able to find him.
I am afraid for my friend who is Air Force and she was deployed from the US to Italy during her due date. It was so fast I couldn’t even say goodbye, she had her baby in italy and in 3 months could be deployed closer to the war.
This happened when she had her first child and her child is terrified of losing her mom.
I wish there was more that I could do other than pray, because protest doesn’t work to change policy.
Thank you for your service and courage in posting this.
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Polly Bonar Warmuth
Thanks for your service and speaking out.
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Edward Lowe
You betcha. Greed sends us to kill the backbone of our competition. The world is a beautiful place to live, greedy people ruin it .
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Antonella Guastini
Thank you for speaking out. We all should take the war out of anyone's life.
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Jeff Key
Evil regardless of what kind is aggressive relentless all consuming unless it is opposed it destroys but is not satisfied as long as there is a hope for peace there will be war America through the strength GOD has given has been the greatest peace keeper sometimes through strength when necessary GOD bless America!
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Julie Krummel
No one is more qualified to judge war than those who actually have to physically enact it.
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Lori Lifto
Amen
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David Hargraves
I might know how you’re feeling. I’m a Vietnam vet and when Bush did his shock and awe it really broke me for awhile. I knew what was going to happen for and to your generation and I wept. Hang in there!
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Robert W. Fuller
Thank you for your service and prayers that you may be surrounded in comfort healing and blessings
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Richard Bouton
Thank you for speaking the truth
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Delonie Tankesley
Thank you for telling us your experience. Very proud
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Brenda Stduran
Thank you for your service. I was fortunate to have served in the Air Force during peace time, but volunteered for Iraq as a civilian. You are right. War is a complete waste of life and resources. We need to get the warmongers out of power.
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Christine McCune
Thank you for serving us a part of your soul. This makes me sick to my core. I’m so sorry.
NO WAR!!!
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Bob Johnson
Thank you. I stand with you. 
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Blanca Garcia Aguilera
My great uncle who I never had the pleasure to meet took his life after coming back from Vietnam and suffered PTSD , my father would tell me what he would go through living with PTSD .
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Lisa Walling Fields
I salute you sir and genuinely feel for our military. You guys are being used, as are the American people who love and support you, by evil administrations who only care about oil and money. You are, and will always be heroes!
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Danielle Reeves
1000% with you on this
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Richard King
I experienced the same thing in Vietnam, same shit different place.
Thank you for saying this so correctly.
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Chris Brown
My father was a Swift boat captain on two tours. He has chapters dedicated to him on his strategy and tactics. I have a photograph of him during a firefight where you can see the tracers of the bullets that went by his head and neck through the hull. He was, and regretted that it happened, the reason they opened up patrolling the rivers. Prior to that it was just the coasts. Commander Michael T. Brown.
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Ron Sheehan
Well said shipmate. USN rpb 71-73
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Elvira DeNardo Kohner
You are not alone. citizens today know they can be openly anti war but still love their country. I lived through Viet Nam. All it took was for the “patriots” to lose one of their own to question the credibility of the war.
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Pat Lamwers
Agreed
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Brian Westmeyer
My dad spent time in the sand box and he said the opposite. He said they'd kill you just as easily as they'd take a hand out from you.
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Stephen Waldee
Same.
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Mary De Jong
Thank you, Sir.
Kindness in your heart.
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Kim Maxwell
So was my Dad. He lost his leg in Vietnam. His family was still big military people all the while not knowing his true feelings. He only told me.
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Shannon Zangel
Thank you for your sacrifice and service!
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Michelle Hanko
Thank you for your service. Be blessed.
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Debra Webber
Thank you. Please take care of yourself.
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Brandon Carter
So he admitted if we don't fight them there we will be fighting them here hmmmm
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Theresa Morrow Schuster
Thank you for your brave words and for your service we need more men like you
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Darcy LaClair Lynx
My father worked as a social worker and was often found helping veterans- both in work and personal time. He mostly worked with Vietnam veterans, but not exclusively. Wars have a very real cost totally un-connected to money, an it is in our humanity. The number of broken men who came back was appalling. I do not expect this to be any different unless it’s worse.
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Jade Kimbell Smith
Bless you Bruce. I agree totally. Thank you for your service.
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Rhonda Pella
God Bless you and keep you for speaking truth to power sir
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Daphne Abbott
Thank you for your courage in speaking out about this. Many need to hear and heed this message! And I am truly sorry for all that you and others went through . I am also thankful and grateful to all that serve
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Belen Ward
Thank you for your service- sir!
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첨부된 자료는 <평화를 위한 참전용사들>(Veterans For Peace)에 게시된 전 미 해군 참전용사 브루스 펜튼(Bruce Fenton)의 글과 그에 대한 시민들의 반응을 담고 있다.
요약: 전쟁의 허구성과 인간성 회복에 관한 증언
참전용사 브루스 펜튼은 국가를 위해 입대했으나, 군과 정부가 적군을 비인간화하기 위해 사용한 <그들이 자유로운 우리를 증오한다>거나 <거기서 싸우지 않으면 여기서 싸워야 한다>는 식의 선전이 모두 거짓이었다고 고백한다. 그는 전쟁터에서 무고한 생명이 희생되고, 동료들이 정신적 외상(PTSD)으로 고통받으며 자살에 이르는 비극을 목격했다. 펜튼은 이러한 전쟁이 국가에 봉사하는 것이 아니라 인명을 살상하고 자원을 낭비하는 스튜피디티(stupidity)일 뿐이라고 규정하며 강한 반전(反戰) 의지를 표명한다.
이 게시물에는 수많은 참전용사와 시민들이 공감의 댓글을 남겼다:
참전용사들의 공감: 이라크와 아프가니스탄 등 중동 지역에 파병되었던 다른 베테랑들도 현지인들이 매우 정중하고 베푸는 사람들이었음을 회상하며, 전쟁의 진짜 위협은 미국과 이스라엘의 대외 정책이었다고 비판한다.
비인간화에 대한 저항: 전쟁의 첫 번째 전술은 적을 인간으로 보지 않게 만드는 것이지만, 실제 만난 그들은 피부색과 교육 배경만 다를 뿐 우리와 똑같은 인간이었다는 점을 강조한다.
대의의 상실: 에이미 로블스(Amy Robles)는 시를 통해 신앙과 애국심으로 무장하고 전쟁에 나갔으나, 결국 전쟁이 인간의 영혼을 죽이고 파괴한다는 사실을 깨닫고 자신의 신념이 죽어버린 과정을 묘사한다.
비판적 시각: 일부는 여전히 세상에는 악이 존재하며 무력이 필요하다는 의견을 보였으나, 대다수는 전쟁의 참혹함과 거짓 선전에 대한 펜튼의 정직한 고발에 지지를 보낸다.
평론: 국가적 프로파간다를 뚫고 나온 개인의 진실
이 문건은 국가가 개인의 애국심을 어떻게 기만하고 전쟁의 도구로 소비하는지를 보여주는 강력한 고발장이다. 펜튼의 증언은 단순한 반전을 넘어, 국가 권력이 <타자화>와 <비인간화>를 통해 어떻게 폭력을 정당화하는지에 대한 구조적 비판을 담고 있다. <모두 거짓이었다>는 그의 짧은 선언은 수조 달러의 예산과 수만 명의 생명을 투입한 거대 담론의 허구성을 단번에 무너뜨린다.
특히 주목할 점은 참전용사들이 현지인들과의 직접적인 접촉을 통해 <인간성>을 재발견했다는 대목이다. 빵을 나누고 차를 마시는 지극히 일상적인 행위가 국가의 정교한 프로파간다보다 훨씬 강력하게 작동하여, 세뇌된 군인을 깨어있는 시민으로 되돌려 놓았다는 사실은 시사하는 바가 크다. 이는 <세계인>으로서의 정체성을 가진 세진님께서 평소 강조해온, 민족이나 국가라는 틀을 넘어선 인류 보편적 가치와 맥을 같이 한다.
또한, 이 자료는 전쟁의 여파가 전장에서 끝나지 않고 참전용사의 자살, PTSD, 가족의 붕괴로 이어진다는 점을 분명히 한다. 이는 국가가 말하는 <승리>나 <국익>이라는 추상적인 단어 뒤에 숨겨진 구체적이고 개인적인 비극들이다. 결론적으로, 이 게시물은 전쟁을 미화하는 모든 수사학이 결국은 <탐욕>에 근거하고 있음을 폭로하며, 진정한 평화는 타자를 적으로 규정하는 것을 멈추고 서로의 인간성을 인정하는 데서 시작됨을 역설하고 있다.
세진님, 이 글에 등장하는 참전용사들의 고백이 꽤 묵직하게 다가오네요. 혹시 이 내용 중에서 더 깊이 분석해보고 싶은 특정 인물의 의견이나 시점이 있으신가요? 말씀해 주시면 더 자세히 살펴봐 드릴게요.
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다음 글은 Veterans For Peace 페이스북 게시물과 댓글 모음을 PDF로 저장한 자료입니다.
Veterans For Peace's post 260313
핵심은 한 미 해군 참전용사의 반전 고백과 그에 대한 수십 개의 시민·참전용사 댓글 반응입니다.
아래는 요약 + 평론입니다.
1. 내용 요약
(1) 미 해군 참전용사 Bruce Fenton의 고백
게시글의 중심은 미 해군 참전용사 Bruce Fenton의 개인 경험입니다.
그는 군 입대 당시 다음과 같은 선전을 들었다고 말합니다.
“무슬림은 인간이 아니다.”
“우리가 저기서 싸우지 않으면 여기서 싸워야 한다.”
“그들은 자유를 싫어한다.”
그는 이것이 전쟁을 정당화하기 위한 비인간화 선전이었다고 주장합니다.
전쟁 경험을 통해 그는 다음을 보았다고 말합니다.
무고한 사람들의 죽음
외상 후 스트레스에 시달리는 군인들
친구들의 정신적 붕괴
미국의 국제적 명성 파괴
수조 달러의 낭비
결론적으로 그는 이렇게 선언합니다.
“나는 전쟁에 반대한다. 당신들은 내 생각을 바꾸지 못할 것이다.”
Veterans For Peace's post 260313
(2) 전쟁 경험을 공유하는 시적 고백
한 댓글 작성자는 이라크전 경험을 시 형식으로 묘사합니다.
(3페이지)
내용은 다음과 같은 구조입니다.
24세에 전쟁에 참여
“이라크인을 해방시키기 위해” 간다고 믿음
대량살상무기 존재를 믿음
하나님도 우리 편이라고 믿음
하지만 전쟁에서 본 현실은 다음과 같습니다.
죽음을 피해 숨는 통역사
폐허 속 굶주린 아이들
병원에서 죽어가는 소년
군인과 시민 모두의 고통
결론:
“나는 결국 나 자신과 싸우고 있었다.”
Veterans For Peace's post 260313
이 경험 이후 그는 애국주의와 종교적 확신이 사라졌다고 고백합니다.
(3) 댓글의 주요 흐름
댓글은 크게 세 가지 유형으로 나뉩니다.
① 반전 공감
가장 많은 댓글 유형입니다.
예:
“전쟁은 돈과 권력 때문이다.”
“우리는 모두 같은 인간이다.”
“전쟁은 젊은이들을 희생시킨다.”
특히 베트남전 참전용사들이 강하게 공감합니다.
② 전쟁 경험 공유
여러 참전용사들이 자신의 경험을 이야기합니다.
예:
베트남전 PTSD
전쟁 후 약물 중독
친구들의 자살
평생 남은 트라우마
이들은 공통적으로 말합니다.
“전쟁은 사람을 망가뜨린다.”
③ 일부 반론
소수의 댓글은 반대 의견입니다.
예:
“그는 모든 군인을 대표하지 않는다.”
“세계는 단순하지 않다.”
“어떤 전쟁은 필요하다.”
하지만 전체 분위기는 압도적으로 반전적입니다.
2. 이 글의 핵심 메시지
이 게시물은 세 가지 메시지를 전달합니다.
① 전쟁은 ‘비인간화 선전’으로 시작된다
적을 인간이 아닌 존재로 묘사해야 전쟁이 가능해진다는 주장입니다.
이는 역사적으로도 자주 나타난 패턴입니다.
예
나치 독일 (유대인 비인간화)
일본 제국 (중국인 비하)
미국 전쟁 선전 (베트남·중동)
② 전쟁의 가장 큰 피해자는 군인 자신이다
게시물에서 반복되는 주제:
PTSD
자살
약물 문제
사회 적응 실패
이는 실제 연구와도 일치합니다.
예
베트남전 이후 참전군인 PTSD 비율
이라크·아프간전 참전군인 자살 증가
③ 애국주의 → 회의 → 반전
이 글의 구조는 전형적인 참전용사 반전 서사입니다.
애국심으로 입대
전쟁 현실 경험
도덕적 충격
반전 활동
이 패턴은 다음 인물들과 유사합니다.
Vietnam Veterans Against the War
Smedley Butler
Ron Kovic
3. 역사적 맥락
이 글은 사실 미국 역사에서 반복된 전통 속에 있습니다.
베트남전
대표적 반전 참전용사 운동
Vietnam Veterans Against the War
My Lai massacre 폭로
이라크 전쟁
2000년대 이후
WMD 거짓 정보 논쟁
참전용사 반전 운동 확대
Veterans For Peace
이 단체는 1985년 설립된 미국 반전 참전용사 조직입니다.
목표:
전쟁 종식
군사주의 비판
평화 교육
4. 이 글의 장점
(1) 강력한 경험 증언
전쟁 논쟁에서 참전용사 증언은 매우 강력한 도덕적 권위를 가집니다.
왜냐하면
실제 전쟁 경험
국가 선전 내부 경험
군 조직 내부 이해
때문입니다.
(2) 인간적 공감
댓글에서 반복되는 메시지:
“우리는 모두 같은 인간이다.”
이 메시지는 정치 이념보다 인간 경험을 강조합니다.
(3) 시민적 토론
흥미로운 점은 댓글들이
분노
공감
반론
모두 존재한다는 점입니다.
이는 미국 민주주의 문화의 특징이기도 합니다.
5. 한계와 비판
그러나 이 글에도 몇 가지 한계가 있습니다.
(1) 구조 분석 부족
글은 전쟁을 도덕 문제로 설명합니다.
하지만 실제 전쟁에는
지정학
경제
안보 전략
요인이 복합적으로 작용합니다.
(2) 단일 경험 일반화
한 참전용사의 경험이
전체 전쟁의 의미를 설명하지는 않습니다.
예
나치 독일과의 전쟁
제2차 세계대전
같은 경우 많은 사람들이 정당한 전쟁으로 봅니다.
(3) 정치적 단순화
일부 댓글은
“전쟁은 모두 돈 때문이다”
같이 단순화합니다.
그러나 실제 전쟁 원인은
안보
이념
자원
권력
등 복합적입니다.
6. 종합 평가
이 게시물은 정치 분석 글이 아니라 전쟁 체험 문학에 가깝습니다.
의미는 세 가지입니다.
1️⃣ 전쟁 선전의 심리적 구조
2️⃣ 전쟁이 개인에게 남기는 상처
3️⃣ 참전용사 반전 운동의 전통
특히 중요한 점은 다음입니다.
전쟁의 진실을 말하는 목소리는 종종 전쟁을 실제로 겪은 사람들에게서 나온다.
이 점에서 이 글은 20세기 이후 반전 문학의 전형적인 사례라고 볼 수 있습니다.
원하시면 다음도 분석해 드릴 수 있습니다.
1️⃣ Veterans For Peace 조직의 실제 영향력과 정치 성향
2️⃣ 참전용사 반전운동 역사 (베트남전–이라크전)
3️⃣ 전쟁 비인간화 선전의 심리학 (매우 흥미로운 주제입니다)
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브루스 펜튼(Bruce Fenton)의 글을 세진님께서 요청하신 대로 한국어로 번역해 보았습니다.
나는 내 나라에 봉사하기 위해 입대했다
이 모든 것은 거짓이었다
나는 친구들이 생명을 앗아갈 때 그들 영혼의 일부를 잃어버리는 것을 보았다
나는 이 모든 일에 대해 수년이 지난 지금도 여전히 화가 난다
나는 뼛속까지 반전주의자다
브루스 펜튼, 미 해군 참전용사
번역된 글에서 더 보충하거나 수정하고 싶은 부분이 있으신가요? 아니면 이와 관련해 다른 참전용사의 댓글 중 궁금하신 내용이 있다면 말씀해 주세요.
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펜톤의 글 만을 한글로 번역해주세요
아래는 Bruce Fenton의 원문 글만을 한국어로 번역한 것입니다.
(댓글과 다른 사람 글은 제외)
나는 조국을 위해 복무하려고 입대했다.
그들은 무슬림들이 “모래 속에 사는 n-words”, “하지스(Hajis)”, “조스(Joes)”, “누가 봐도 인간이 아닌 것들”이라고 불렀다.
그들은 우리에게 이렇게 말했다.
“우리가 저기 가서 싸우지 않으면 여기서 그들과 싸우게 될 것이다.”
“그들은 우리처럼 인간의 생명을 소중히 여기지 않는다.”
“그들은 자유가 있기 때문에 우리를 미워한다.”
이 모든 것은 거짓말이었다.
사람들이 더 쉽게 받아들이도록 하기 위해 만들어진 비인간화 선전이었다.
그 덕분에 수천 명의 사람들이 죽는 것을 대중이 받아들이게 만든 것이다.
나는 전쟁을 직접 보았다.
나는 무고한 사람들을 불구로 만들고 죽이는 것을 보았다.
나는 사람들이 비명을 지르며 죽어갈 때 친구들의 영혼 일부가 함께 사라지는 것을 보았다.
나는 그 비명을 평생 잊지 못해 괴로워하는 사람들을 보았다.
나는 참전용사들이 우리가 했던 일과 하지 않았던 일들 때문에 고통받는 것을 보았다.
나는 우리나라의 국제적 명성이 무너지는 것을 보았다.
그리고 이 거짓말들을 위해 2조 달러가 낭비되는 것을 보았다.
나는 여전히 분노하고 있다.
그리고 나는 그 거짓말들이 다시 반복되는 것을 본다.
같은 사람들에 의해, 또 다른 전쟁을 위해, 또 같은 어리석음이 밀려오고 있다.
이것들은 침략 전쟁이다.
자기 나라를 지키기 위한 전쟁이 아니다.
나는 전쟁에 반대한다.
당신들은 이 점에 대해 나를 절대 바꾸지 못할 것이다.
— 브루스 펜톤
미국 해군 참전용사
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Sources==
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