Lemmingly, We Roll Along

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/08/20-0

When soldiers die, the politicians who sent them to their deaths typically use euphemisms and circumlocutions — like “lost,” “fallen,” or “ultimate sacrifice.” On one level, the avoidance of blunt language can be seen as a sign of respect, but on another, it is just one more evasion of responsibility for the snuffing out of young lives.

There has been unusually wide (and for the most part supportive) reaction to my article of August 8 (They Died in Vain: Deal With It) on the killing of 30 American troops when their helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan on the night of the 6th. One website posting the article clocked 181 comments; scanning through them, I found many substantive, helpful ones.

Let me share one telling comment, which seemed to me particularly — if sadly — apt:

“Two lemmings are chatting while standing in the line to the cliff. One says to the other, ‘Of course we have to go over the edge. Anything else would dishonor all the lemmings that have gone before us.’”

More at the link --

[TexasProgresive]

1. Just so you know

Lemmings do not run off cliffs. That came from a Disney nature film and the film makers stampeded the animals to their deaths. Just a bit of trivia on how a complete falsehood has become part of the lexicon similar to ostriches hiding their head in the sand in fear. All the ostriches I am acquainted with are rather combative.

Click here to support Verizon families.