Here's a slogan from the "citizen-soldier" days (i.e. when soldiers were still drafted) of the U.S. military: "we defend democracy, we don't practise it." I think the modern all-volunteer military has forgotten the first half of that saying, as they've all signed up to forfeit their freedom and act as the blunt instrument of the state. As much I despise the idea of a draft, I have to say that draftees don't forget what they're fighting for the way volunteers do. But then, what do I know? I only ever served on the civilian side of the military-industrial-congressional complex for four years, making parts for the damn bombs.

By the way, if you find the subject of the military particularly vexing, might I suggest checking out Bracing Views? My former history professor writes it, and I'm a regular reader.