The Military | Troy Bond

Summary

The speaker questions the efficacy of the United States military system. They suggest the US made a mistake by ending the draft after the Vietnam War, arguing there is less motivation for veterans when service is voluntary. The speaker reflects on seeing struggling veterans on the streets of New York, and proposes reallocating some military funding to support veteran welfare programs instead.

Takeaways

• 😕 The speaker questions the wisdom of the US ending the draft after the Vietnam War.
• 😟 He believes the US lost the Vietnam War because soldiers lacked motivation without the draft.
• 🤨 The speaker implies drafted soldiers in Vietnam used a lot of heroin.
• 😒 He seems to criticize the spending priorities of the US military.
• 🙄 The speaker wants more military spending directed to help veterans in need.
• 🧐 He observes many veterans in New York struggling with poverty.
• 😞 The speaker believes the US doesn't properly care for its veterans.
• 🤔 He implies the government cares more about appearing pro-military than actually helping veterans.
• 😩 The speaker sees veterans suffering from lack of support and care.
• 😤 He argues the US should redirect military spending to support veterans in need.

Q & A

What does the speaker think about how the US treats its veterans?

The speaker believes the US spends more money worshipping veterans than actually taking care of them properly.

Why does the speaker say the US stopped doing the draft after Vietnam?

The speaker implies the US stopped the draft because soldiers were less motivated during the Vietnam War, partly due to rampant heroin use.

What point does the speaker make about military spending?

The speaker suggests that some military spending should be redirected to help veterans in need within the US.

How does the speaker characterize veterans based on their appearance?

The speaker stereotypes veterans in New York as driving Ford Explorers and wearing just one combat boot.

What overall opinion does the speaker seem to hold about the US military?

The speaker seems quite critical of the US military, from the inadequate care for veterans to the wasting of money on war.

Why does the speaker say the US lost the Vietnam War?

Because soldiers were unmotivated and using heroin extensively, after the draft was discontinued.

What imagery does the speaker use to characterize veterans?

The speaker uses the imagery of veterans driving Ford Explorers with one combat boot to paint a stereotypical picture.

Does the speaker believe the US should bring back the draft?

No, the speaker implies the draft made soldiers less motivated and led to more drug use during Vietnam.

What does the speaker recommend regarding military spending?

The speaker recommends redirecting some military spending to help and care for veterans in need.

Why does the speaker say hearts were not 'ining' in Vietnam?

This means the soldiers were not motivated or invested in the war effort.