18 Comments
Mar 17, 2023Liked by Penfist

I wish I knew what to say.

The troops were owed a public apology and full restitution for losses caused by wars that destroyed multiple countries, decimated America's reputation abroad, and leftvactoll of death, injury and destruction that is unforgivable.

The only honesty about the wars has come...not from politicians, who show little leadership at the best of times, but from Jon Stewart who literally publicly shamed Congress to pass burn pit legislation.

We live in a society with a shattered democracy, rotted institutions, a craven political media, and mountains of propaganda on both sides of the political divide.

The US is akin collapsed bank, but it's too big too fail, so we're all collectively pretend that we live in a democratic society vs the reality of a society where money, skin color, and birthplace determine our worth.

I'm not helping...

What I can say is that my world is better for your wisdom, and your honesty.

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I know my words of consolation to you would be inadequate. I can thank you though. Your words do (needed) damage to the paradigms of war being a glorious pursuit and the delusion we are the exceptional nation. Keep on thinking as you are. Penfist. Yep the pen is mightier.

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I read this after hearing Sebastian Junger go on about how war is good because it’s how young men prove themselves. I guess it’s easy to think war has benefits when you never have to actually fight. Anyone who starts thinking that way should have to read this, and keep reading it until they get their head straight.

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I am glad you have achieved some sense of finality - at least on the legal financial aspect.

I am ashamed of how America treats our veterans. I am appalled that complete healthcare for life isn't provided to anyone who serves. And why does it have to be at a VA facility? How about a Veterans medical ID that is a ticket to care just like Medicare?

I am disgusted that veterans can't be guaranteed an education and a job after doing what most of us don't have the courage to do.

But forward ho. I look forward to your future writing.

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Mar 17, 2023Liked by Penfist

Sorry to go on about this Penfist. It just hit me kind of hard and I’m worried about you too.

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Mar 17, 2023Liked by Penfist

I don’t know if you noticed I changed my substack picture. It’s usually a silly thing but last night I felt compelled to change it to my high school graduation picture when I shared a very personal and traumatic story on Lucian Truscott’s substack on women’s healthcare rights. Here it is:

https://luciantruscott.substack.com/p/the-death-penalty-comes-to-the-abortion/comment/13659400?r=3jvi8&utm_medium=ios

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Mar 17, 2023Liked by Penfist

Penfist, please keep talking. Your story needs to be heard by everyone. I am so sorry for what you went through. We are living in a selfish and greed ridden society that continues to dominate. But if we keep thinking, talking, and living a much kinder life, as well as band together and call out their BS and find ways to hold them accountable, my hope is a better life for all. Of course I sound like Pollyanna, but the only thing I can go on is to keep speaking your truth, ask for help when you need it (I know that one well, I’m terrible at asking for help) and be kind💙💛

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