American Military Fascism?

[digitaldiscipline]

So, following a link train started by jaylake, is this, which was begat by this.

Not necessarily something I'm in full agreement with, but it does give uncomfortable pause. Hmmm.

[in particular, ikilled007, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the ideas put forward, especially by Stan Goff]

Comments

[fenixinthedark.livejournal.com]

I can't say as I agree wholeheartedly with all he proposes. I do see a very large difference in cultural imperatives between us and many middle eastern cultures (hence why we were *not* greeted in Iraq as anticipated; with flowers and open arms). I *do* see a divergence in assumptions, and therefor, do see the propensity for violence inherent in the way *some* muslim nations/peoples approach their religion. The fact that some Muslims could threaten death to those who have denounced Islam as being a religion of violence clearly vindicates the original message.

That being said, I *have* personally witnessed the elitism and mysogyny practiced and taught by the US military. I do not doubt there is also a racial component to their delusions of superiority. But, being white and American, it is not something I will have experiential knowledge of.

[fenixinthedark.livejournal.com]

That being said... at the very least, mysogynistic as it is, our military is not forcing American women to be bound by law to a mans decisions (technically an "owner/slave" relationship, as most women suffer in many middle eastern countries), nor are we forced to wear garments to cover the entirety of our bodies and faces with the threat of being beaten severely for flashing even an inch of ankle skin, nor are we faced with the threat of being stoned to death as a "whore" for being out without an appropriate male escort.

I am *not* advocating the invasion of other countries to resolve what I see as being the gross abuse of parts of its populace, however... I just want to point out that, if we are to point fingers for racism and sexism, that part of the world has us hands down.