I had to steal and re-print this entire brilliant post by Atrios, which he calls "The Crazy Guy At The Bar." It is an account of the words of a sick person. This soldier is sick. Bush made him sick. The army systematically exploited his vulnerabilities and delusions and turned him into a distorted, stunted person. The soldier is a victim of his own merciless government. But if "supporting" the troops means giving my assent to this barbaric ritualized chanting, this pathetic attempt to use words as a kind of physical barrier against the overwhelming pressure of immediate pain, then count me out.

"Certainly not actually crazy.

Honor, fighting for country, paying the price so freedom is free. On leave. From where? Hawaii, is the first response. From 14 months in Iraq is the real one. There with brother, friends, his second day being legally allowed to drink. Honor, love of country, willing to die. Honor. Fighting. 25 kills, officially. Captured. Tortured. Friend cruises by. Have a beer, tag some pussy. Not tears, but almost tears. Says, in fact, almost in tears. No one understands. Brothers. Fight for country. Honor. No one understands. Fighting for country. 25 kills. Women. Children. Children carrying ammunition. No one understands. Fighting for country. A bit drunk. A lot drunk. On leave, just one week. Where is brother, friends? Women. Children. Freedom isn't free. 21 just yesterday. Was once religious, no longer believe. God wouldn't allow such pain. The war is against religion, must stop it to defend the country. Almost in tears. Knee blown out. Chest. Scar. Fighting for brothers. Fighting with brothers. No one understands. honor. repeat. honor. Fighting for country. Captured. Razor. No air support when needed. Politics. Will fight for country. Children. Killed. Honor. Freedom. Fighting for country. No one understands. 14 months. Honor. Brothers. Dude, have a beer. Tag some pussy. Children. Backpacks. Ammunition. Fought for country, for freedom. Will end up in hell.

How many more like him?"