I was still a dumb lib back then. But my radicalization has really peeled opened my eyes to my part in continuing colonialism in Africa and imperialism in the Middle East.
But if I had never served, a lot of the understanding I have would not exist. Or how the military functions and how fucked up and clueless everyone is. Or how so many are working class being recruited for the basic conditions we as leftists want for everyone. Housing, job, sense of purpose, food, etc.
Just hard tackling all of this stuff and thoughts sometimes.
Right there with you in the same boat. I actually think there are quite a few leftist veterans out there, so I wouldn't feel too stupid. They just don't make a huge deal of it like right wing vets probably would, for obvious reasons, but they do exist. Do you listen to the Eyes Left podcast much at all?
Oh yes. It’s a great podcast. I relied to another comment about it. I’ve laughed, cried, had breakdowns, got angry, and everything. It helped me get over the questioning of what was the point of it all? Gave nuance to the military industrial complex and recruitment and exploitation of working class people in our country and others. Always recommend that one. What a Hell of a Way to Die is another good one.