So, what's up with Military Fetishism?

[Union Thug]

One question I have wrestled with of late is the question of military fetishism. What is it with people that they feel obligated to deify the military with pomp and circumstance and all sorts of other strange regaling?

I've always considered the military something of a necessary evil (one attached to an old world of angry nation states that for some reason we can't seem to progress beyond). It's not a job anybody should 'want', although those that serve should certainly be respected for their sacrifice. To me, the fact that it is necessary speaks to our human failings and should not be celebrated beyond respecting those that have served honorably (by providing for veterans throughout their lives, etc.).

To otherwise celebrate military 'greatness' seems on par with celebrating the need for a prison system. I just don't get it.

[EstimatedProphet]

1. Well put

Not that those that go into the military aren't sacrificing, but I've always been leery of those who glorify war, and it seems that the Repugs do that a lot. Seems to me like a psychotic trend.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. Fear, ignorance and "patriotism".

Kind of like adolescent boys strutting their tough guy stuff. The Nazis loved parades and military glory and I can't think of a single dictator who didn't just love dressing up in a uniform..or flight suit.