This one had me laughing so hard. So many OMG moments and remembering the olden days. Thank goodness I don’t travel much. I used to say the same thing to other people about the 3 Oz bottles that you said. People would just look at me perplexed or downright stupid. One time they took my nursing scissors out of my purse but didn’t take my hemastats which are pointy and just as dangerous. I literally asked they guy why he wasn’t taking them too. He had no answer, so I figured he just didn’t know what they’re used for and was dumb. Such a laugh. Hugs 🤗
My husband and I travel a lot. When the cameras appeared recently in airports, I watched in horror as people simply obeyed the TSA agents and stood in front of the camera to get their photo snapped to be sent off to ... where? And why? No one even asked.
My husband and simply say: "I'm opting out." The agent shuts off the camera and looks at the photo ID - just like they always did. Requiring your photo to be taken is NOT a law. But, soon, since the sheep are automatically complying - it soon will be.
That's very late "Boomer," more close to early Gen X. I'm always shocked at what people will accept; I blame the government compliance- er, "education" system.
" It all felt like I had woken up in a dystopian future..."
It is America's future, it the US becomes a totalitarian state. All interaction will be like the experience of an airport now. And worse. It can happen here.
And, yes, fear is the key ingredient. Fear of arrest is the fuel that runs a totalitarian state. Most Americans don't understand that. How many have actually read _The Gulag Archipelago_? It is as clear a picture of our future as 1984 it, but more detailed.
My dad was a young lieutenant in the early 70s. He had a private in his platoon with a PhD, and another whose father would chain him to the radiator when he went to work. Those two guys had learn to work together, and were likely both better for it. So, my dad is in favor of the draft.
I served in the AVF. I counter my dad with the fact that I didn’t have to lead unwilling draftees, we all signed the dotted line. That said, I had joes in my squad who bitched and moaned and malingered as if they’d been forced to be there. Malcontents are a fact of life.
I’ve long watched the TSA lines with thoughts similar to yours. I keep my mouth shut so I can get where I’m going with minimum hassle, but the compliance theater is glaringly obvious. The indignity is the point. When I get the pat-down, I always tell the factotum, “enjoy.” Seems to put them on their heels a bit.
I spent months shitting next to other joes in a latrine with no stalls, just a bank of eight commodes so close together that we all had to lean over so our neighbors could wipe; all with the asses of our buddies at the sinks inches from our faces. I use the desensitization that engendered to turn the tables on the groper.
One of the most purely kind things anyone has ever done unsolicited for me was the MSgt walking out of the "head" at Camp Wilson. I had just come 'round the corner and, lo - to my dismay - learned that we would all be "sharing" our constitutionals. This salty old Top must have seen the horror in my face, leans into me as he's walking by, puts the base newspaper in my chest without breaking stride, whispers: "It's a little easier if you hide behind the paper, sir." Pats me on the back and rolls on.
God bless that man wherever he may be. A man lives and dies, and sometimes survives, by his illusions, even the ones he knows.
"There is a confidence, a calmness, and a sense of peace that comes from being capable of taking care of one’s self that nothing else provides. I suspect the group that would most disagree is our government. I get the distinct feeling they’re not anxious to see a generation of independent Americans, like the ones who founded this country and stood tall against the world's foremost military. But maybe I’m just being cynical."
I haven't flown since 1986. But I have escorted young grandchildren to the gate and have seen and felt the indignities of the TSA. I only see a glimmer of good in TSA's existence because I believe it draws off potential employees of police departments. Yes, the morbidly obese, the passive-aggressive, those with issues of personal inadequacies who need to lord it over someone to feel better about their lot in life. Sure, I may be unfairly tarring them with a broad brush. But, better they don't have guns and real badges, right?
I think making the TSA a branch of the military, subject to the UCMJ, discipline, an enlistment contract with an oath to the Constitution, Commander-in-Chief and the Officers appointed over them would be a good thing. An enlistment contract guarantees obedience and adherence to ordered norms (or else) and would mean that the best of TSA could be lateraled over to the traditional services to fill manning shortfalls, and the worst of them detailed to Shemya Island as outdoor fuel handlers or to walk point in a landmine clearing operation in occupied Yemen. They all get to PT and get healthy. Collar devices, medals, ribbons, warfare pins, aiguillettes, chevrons, stripes, hash marks, gold braid and trim as perks would go far to improve self-image, sense of purpose and patriotism. Honorable service can turn would-be toads into honorable people. Further, I'd recommend changing their name to Security Service. It has a catchy vibe. Unterfeldwebel Davonte Raoul-Washington SS. Yup, far better than my beginning back in the 60s...RDSA Dale Flowers, USN.
Getting rid of the draft was a good idea. The Bible says you shouldn't force cowards to serve -- it lowers overall morale.
But (and PLEASE correct me if I am wrong) we should also ditch the standby set-up left over from the days when we kept a skeleton military in between wars. That is, we underpaid the lower ranks while serving and gave out incredibly nice retirement packages for those who stuck it out into their 40s so we could have some old timers around to train draftees during the next war.
A free society requires a large number of people who serve a short time and then become full civilians -- save for in times of national emergency. A draft does this. But perhaps a system which pays men properly for the strength of their youth -- like the sports leagues do -- and has a generous fairly early severance package would have a similar dynamic without forcing cowards to be soldiers.
The GI Bill sort of serves this purpose, but we have too many people going to college. For many, a big glop of cash would be more useful.
I don't think most people realize that the draft is a relatively recent invention in US history. It didn't exist prior to WW1. Woodrow Wilson signed the Selective Service Act into law in May of 1917. And there were riots over it, people went to jail, court challenges, etc. Stated another way, the US as a nation went ~140 years without the need to conscript its citizens for national self-defense.
In my opinion, it is fundamentally illegal. It is compelled servitude - i.e. slavery - with death as a very likely outcome. It violates the 13th Amendment, if we want to argue about its (dubious) constitutionality. One of the worst things we ever did as a Nation and instigated and passed by one of the worst Presidents ever - Woodrow Wilson - a complete piece of shit by almost any metric.
I heartily agree with everything you just wrote except for one bit: I thought Lincoln had conscription during the War Between the States. But you could buy your way out of it. Am I wrong?
Those acts were also illegal, but neither were “national” conscription like we have today, which arose out of Wilson’s admin. But yes, for those who were conscripted by the Union, you could buy your way out, which led to the draft riots in 1863.
This one had me laughing so hard. So many OMG moments and remembering the olden days. Thank goodness I don’t travel much. I used to say the same thing to other people about the 3 Oz bottles that you said. People would just look at me perplexed or downright stupid. One time they took my nursing scissors out of my purse but didn’t take my hemastats which are pointy and just as dangerous. I literally asked they guy why he wasn’t taking them too. He had no answer, so I figured he just didn’t know what they’re used for and was dumb. Such a laugh. Hugs 🤗
Boomer here. Born in 1960. Spot on article!
My husband and I travel a lot. When the cameras appeared recently in airports, I watched in horror as people simply obeyed the TSA agents and stood in front of the camera to get their photo snapped to be sent off to ... where? And why? No one even asked.
My husband and simply say: "I'm opting out." The agent shuts off the camera and looks at the photo ID - just like they always did. Requiring your photo to be taken is NOT a law. But, soon, since the sheep are automatically complying - it soon will be.
One more step toward Totalitarianism.
That's very late "Boomer," more close to early Gen X. I'm always shocked at what people will accept; I blame the government compliance- er, "education" system.
Yeah, it's always really chilling to see compliance training in action and taking hold.
" It all felt like I had woken up in a dystopian future..."
It is America's future, it the US becomes a totalitarian state. All interaction will be like the experience of an airport now. And worse. It can happen here.
And, yes, fear is the key ingredient. Fear of arrest is the fuel that runs a totalitarian state. Most Americans don't understand that. How many have actually read _The Gulag Archipelago_? It is as clear a picture of our future as 1984 it, but more detailed.
My dad was a young lieutenant in the early 70s. He had a private in his platoon with a PhD, and another whose father would chain him to the radiator when he went to work. Those two guys had learn to work together, and were likely both better for it. So, my dad is in favor of the draft.
I served in the AVF. I counter my dad with the fact that I didn’t have to lead unwilling draftees, we all signed the dotted line. That said, I had joes in my squad who bitched and moaned and malingered as if they’d been forced to be there. Malcontents are a fact of life.
I’ve long watched the TSA lines with thoughts similar to yours. I keep my mouth shut so I can get where I’m going with minimum hassle, but the compliance theater is glaringly obvious. The indignity is the point. When I get the pat-down, I always tell the factotum, “enjoy.” Seems to put them on their heels a bit.
I spent months shitting next to other joes in a latrine with no stalls, just a bank of eight commodes so close together that we all had to lean over so our neighbors could wipe; all with the asses of our buddies at the sinks inches from our faces. I use the desensitization that engendered to turn the tables on the groper.
For the record, I was a 24 yo 1st Lt at the time.
Non-Commissioned Officers, the backbone of every military since Marius.
Unquestionably.
See FN 3 of https://theabjectlesson.substack.com/p/aviation-mishap-story-time-6
One of the most purely kind things anyone has ever done unsolicited for me was the MSgt walking out of the "head" at Camp Wilson. I had just come 'round the corner and, lo - to my dismay - learned that we would all be "sharing" our constitutionals. This salty old Top must have seen the horror in my face, leans into me as he's walking by, puts the base newspaper in my chest without breaking stride, whispers: "It's a little easier if you hide behind the paper, sir." Pats me on the back and rolls on.
God bless that man wherever he may be. A man lives and dies, and sometimes survives, by his illusions, even the ones he knows.
"There is a confidence, a calmness, and a sense of peace that comes from being capable of taking care of one’s self that nothing else provides. I suspect the group that would most disagree is our government. I get the distinct feeling they’re not anxious to see a generation of independent Americans, like the ones who founded this country and stood tall against the world's foremost military. But maybe I’m just being cynical."
I think you are just being realistic.
Great essay. Your dad sounds epic.
Huzzah!
I haven't flown since 1986. But I have escorted young grandchildren to the gate and have seen and felt the indignities of the TSA. I only see a glimmer of good in TSA's existence because I believe it draws off potential employees of police departments. Yes, the morbidly obese, the passive-aggressive, those with issues of personal inadequacies who need to lord it over someone to feel better about their lot in life. Sure, I may be unfairly tarring them with a broad brush. But, better they don't have guns and real badges, right?
I think making the TSA a branch of the military, subject to the UCMJ, discipline, an enlistment contract with an oath to the Constitution, Commander-in-Chief and the Officers appointed over them would be a good thing. An enlistment contract guarantees obedience and adherence to ordered norms (or else) and would mean that the best of TSA could be lateraled over to the traditional services to fill manning shortfalls, and the worst of them detailed to Shemya Island as outdoor fuel handlers or to walk point in a landmine clearing operation in occupied Yemen. They all get to PT and get healthy. Collar devices, medals, ribbons, warfare pins, aiguillettes, chevrons, stripes, hash marks, gold braid and trim as perks would go far to improve self-image, sense of purpose and patriotism. Honorable service can turn would-be toads into honorable people. Further, I'd recommend changing their name to Security Service. It has a catchy vibe. Unterfeldwebel Davonte Raoul-Washington SS. Yup, far better than my beginning back in the 60s...RDSA Dale Flowers, USN.
Getting rid of the draft was a good idea. The Bible says you shouldn't force cowards to serve -- it lowers overall morale.
But (and PLEASE correct me if I am wrong) we should also ditch the standby set-up left over from the days when we kept a skeleton military in between wars. That is, we underpaid the lower ranks while serving and gave out incredibly nice retirement packages for those who stuck it out into their 40s so we could have some old timers around to train draftees during the next war.
A free society requires a large number of people who serve a short time and then become full civilians -- save for in times of national emergency. A draft does this. But perhaps a system which pays men properly for the strength of their youth -- like the sports leagues do -- and has a generous fairly early severance package would have a similar dynamic without forcing cowards to be soldiers.
The GI Bill sort of serves this purpose, but we have too many people going to college. For many, a big glop of cash would be more useful.
I don't think most people realize that the draft is a relatively recent invention in US history. It didn't exist prior to WW1. Woodrow Wilson signed the Selective Service Act into law in May of 1917. And there were riots over it, people went to jail, court challenges, etc. Stated another way, the US as a nation went ~140 years without the need to conscript its citizens for national self-defense.
In my opinion, it is fundamentally illegal. It is compelled servitude - i.e. slavery - with death as a very likely outcome. It violates the 13th Amendment, if we want to argue about its (dubious) constitutionality. One of the worst things we ever did as a Nation and instigated and passed by one of the worst Presidents ever - Woodrow Wilson - a complete piece of shit by almost any metric.
I heartily agree with everything you just wrote except for one bit: I thought Lincoln had conscription during the War Between the States. But you could buy your way out of it. Am I wrong?
We’re both correct. Here’s a very good piece on those acts.
https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-draft-and-the-draft-riots-of-1863
Those acts were also illegal, but neither were “national” conscription like we have today, which arose out of Wilson’s admin. But yes, for those who were conscripted by the Union, you could buy your way out, which led to the draft riots in 1863.