veteran's day

Here's a video of John Prine singing his song "Sam Stone."



To all those who have served in our armed forces, or are currently serving, thank you. You don't need to be told that you are brave, and honorable. But you need to know that we out here in the world know that you are, and that we appreciate your sacrifice.

This song can perhaps remind us that the wounds of war, that most terrible and uncivilized remnant of our tribal, caveman past, are not always injuries that can be seen or treated with bandages and surgery.

Perhaps also, this song can serve as a reminder that when we blithely send our countrymen out to kill or die in our name, we send actual people, with families, and lives, and pasts of their own.

And to those who would sacrifice the children of others for gold, or for power, or for politics, or for some bizarre understanding of God, and who would do so without stepping up to offer themselves in a similar sacrifice: fuck you. Your place in hell in assured.