Veterans, Who Are We?“We” - loosely speaking - are members of a “club” called U.S veterans. It’s a broad term with varying shades of gray. Anybody that signed on and then makes it through basic-training is a member, but the spectrum of participation is broad. Some members wash out a few months after graduation, but take their membership to heart for the rest of their lives. … [Read more...]
Don’t Lower the Drinking Age for Members of the Military
This article first appeared in The Havok Jorunal on 11FEB15. _____ Don't lower the drinking age for members of the military; it's simply not a good idea. My friend and fellow Havok Journal writer Leonard Benton recently posted a well-argued article in support of a bill sponsored by North Dakota state representative Andrew Maragas that seeks to lower the drinking age of … [Read more...]
It’s Too Late To Apologize For What You Did To The Covington Kids
“Deeds, Not Words:” It’s Too Late To Apologize For What You Did To The Covington Kids by Scott FaithIf you’re like most Americans, you have by now seen the video of a gang of white racist Kentucky-bred MAGA-hat-wearing extremists accosting a peaceful Native American war veteran in the middle of the Indigenous Peoples’ March. ...or at least that's what some people want … [Read more...]
The Things I Carried: A Special Forces Officer Reflects
On October 2, 2015, I gave notice to my boss: it’s time to do something different after ten and half years in the Army. In the spirit of a writer from my Dad’s generation, I look back on the things I carried:A great admiration for then-Captain Craig Whiteside, West Point TAC officer. Our cadet squad was shorthanded due to multiple injuries. He volunteered as a squad … [Read more...]
Congress, Stop Buying Us S#!t We Don’t Need
No one speaks for all veterans, but there are things veterans can all agree on. One of them is this: Congress, we want you to stop buying us shit we don’t need.As just one example of Congressional budgetary malfeasance, the Army was forced to buy tanks it doesn’t want and can’t afford to maintain… and this isn’t the first time. Nor is the Army the only military service … [Read more...]
Don’t Fear Islam, Fear “Prislam”
Don't Fear Islam, Fear "Prislam" by Christopher Paul MeyerIn the wake of continued ISIS threats, the country is understandably concerned about when and where ISIS will strike in the US. Especially when there are 900 active investigations into ISIS-related activity in all 50 states. But since I gave away my Magic 8 ball when I was seven, my guess is as good as yours when … [Read more...]
Refuse Geez: Foreign Refugees Vs. Homeless Veterans
There's nothing like scrolling through your social media and finding that perfect meme; you know the one I’m talking about. It's that politically charged meme that really says everything you don’t have the intellect or vocabulary to formulate on your own.Oh, but wait, I have a better suggestion. Don’t hide behind your perfect meme. Just stand up and say “I hate ____” or … [Read more...]
Refugees Refused: What We Should Do, And Not Do, In The Current Crisis
Refugees Refused: What We Should Do, And Not Do, In The Current Crisis by Leonard BentonEditor's Note: Havok Journal regular Leonard Benton wrote this article in 2015. How will President Trump's immigration policies affect the points made below? _____ America was founded by immigrants. This is one of the principle cornerstones of our society. They fled oppression, … [Read more...]
Clinton, Trump, and Our Willingness to Self-Delude and Play the Victim
first published in September 2017.This week has offered some poignantly clear examples of the general public’s ability to view the world with blinders that conveniently shield them from anything that may upset their sensibilities.In the first and most obvious case we have Hillary Clinton herself, who has shamelessly shifted blame of her loss in the presidential … [Read more...]
The Failed War on Drugs
It is difficult to write these words.But the War on Drugs has been a colossal failure.Recently reflecting on my own participation in this war, as a retired federal agent who was assigned to several counter-narcotics units with the FBI and NYPD during a 25-year law enforcement career, I recently stumbled upon a reckoning.No, it wasn’t just my binge-watching of … [Read more...]