In pre-capitalist societies (where there were often warrior classes), military service was typically one of the ways to status and acceptance. So this is an ancient thing still going on.
The issue is that we expect that things have gotten better when they haven't. And that may be enough because I too find this disgusting, but I can't help feeling that the general problem is that liberalism's rhetoric has outpaced reality, that we are as barbaric and feudal as ever.
I wholeheartedly agree with your running themes and see you as one of the sane, good people, but just wanted to add this thought.
In pre-capitalist societies (where there were often warrior classes), military service was typically one of the ways to status and acceptance. So this is an ancient thing still going on.
The issue is that we expect that things have gotten better when they haven't. And that may be enough because I too find this disgusting, but I can't help feeling that the general problem is that liberalism's rhetoric has outpaced reality, that we are as barbaric and feudal as ever.
I wholeheartedly agree with your running themes and see you as one of the sane, good people, but just wanted to add this thought.