Veterans Struggle with Divisiveness of Country

So many of the veterans I work with today are really struggling with how divided our country has become. In the past we have not seen politics brought into the veteran community like we have today. Many of the veterans I work with are of color and really struggling with how things are. Some blame society, some blame Congress, but many blame the President because of his comments and actions. Whether we like it or not politics has crept into the veteran culture.

It appears that disdain for the President from veterans who dislike him started during the peaceful protest in Washington DC. The use of the National Guard and tear gas for a photo op really upset a lot of veterans. After this show of force, it was discovered that the President has known about bounties on our soldiers in Afghanistan for up to a year. The dislike for this President by veterans has not been verbalized this loud in my lifetime. I guess I am struggling to understand how our country has become so divided. It appears that this has been a long time coming. The last time anything happened like this was back in the 60s.

It appears that more veterans are making a stand alongside the peaceful protesters across the country. The type of divisiveness we are facing in the US is not what military veterans fought for. Most folks in the military have lived, ate, and slept beside all races and religions. Most of us feel we should be treated as equals. We all depended on each other to have our backs in combat. The more I think about it the more I am worried about where we are going as a country. It appears the peaceful protests are bringing out the radical folks on both sides and struggling to separate peaceful protest from the troublemakers.

There is a difference between peaceful protesters, looters, and the folks who bring weapons to intimidate. I am seeing more veterans participating at supporting peaceful protests and the equal rights they are fighting for. I am barely old enough to remember the protests in the 60s, but I do remember some of them. I hear some of my Vietnam era clients struggle because their old fears are coming back but one said this felt different, there were more white folks protesting. He told me how hopeful he was that this will stick.

Along with the divisiveness of race it appears face cover have now become a political divide. In my opinion face coverings should be mandatory in public places. This is no different than shoes and shirts required. I would ask all veterans to wear face covering when you are out in public to help us stop to the craziness that is the COVID-19 virus.

Let’s be realistic, this has been a tough year. Between the COVID-19, the racial protests, and losing our freedom to travel we all have suffered. Our country has not experienced anything this severe since the 60s. I hope we can work together as veterans to stop the divisiveness. This is not what we fought for. We fought for the Constitution, not a political party. The Constitution gives everyone the freedom to peacefully protest and be treated equally under the law. It appears these rights are slowly being taken away.

Please be part of the solution and not the problem. We as veterans should lead by example wear a face covering and be a part of the peaceful protests that are happening. Veterans have a huge opportunity to walk the walk and help stop the divisiveness that is happening in the United States, the country we love and fought for. Put on your veteran hat or clothing, wear your facemask, attend peaceful rallies, and make a statement.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at bo@afterdutyvets.com or visit our website at afterdutyvets.com.