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May 29, 2006
Say what you mean!
Something bothered me about the recent press conference the US military had where the Army mocked the top Al-Qaeda man in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The New York Times account of the press conference provided the quote:
"We have a warrior leader, Zarqawi, who doesn't understand how to operate his weapon system and has to rely on his subordinates to clear a weapon stoppage," the general said. "It makes you wonder."
Is it me, or do Army men sometimes get all technical on us? Al-Zarqawi can't "discharge his weapon system"? What the heck does that mean? What's wrong with "fire his gun"? I dunno, man. That's weird.
I guess the main reason is that the military has to create various euphemisms, because it goes about some pretty unsavory business. So instead of killing people, they get "neutralized." Or, if some civilians happen to be in the wrong place when a missile strike comes in, they're "collateral damage."
Now, this is all not to slam the military, seeing as it is Memorial Day and all. I think we all should appreciate the sacrifices that members of the military made throughout this country's history, and the sacrifices they continue to make. Though I'm always complaining about it, I think this is the best country on earth. The members of the military are one of the reasons why it is. So to them, I say thank you.
Posted by oz115 at May 29, 2006 02:40 PM
Comments
Not to be a bitch, but when people chose to kill their dog cuz the thing is sick, we refer to that killing as "putting rufus to sleep" so why not use a term other than killing when we kill a human being...???
Posted by: Christy at May 30, 2006 07:34 AM