I have 3 sons that are ex-military. Only one went to war with 3 deployments. He will tell anyone asking, that HE DID NOT FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOMS.
He fought for a foriegn policy dreamed up by the George W Bush administration that turned out to be based on neocon propaganda.
Am I proud of him? Of course I am. I'm proud of all three.
And, while I have deep respect for anyone who serves, or has served in the military. Being a military veteran IS NOT the "measuring stick" of what constitutes a good American, nor a "brave American".
In actuality, only 1 out of every 10 soldiers actually see combat. The rest are in "support" positions and NEVER see combat.
This is not to downplay their service, but they do not, nor have not, earned the right to chastise non-military Americans whom are not former military.
In my 21 years of LE, and my 71 years of just being an American, I have met some fine, average, below average
and some downright sorry, individuals, that were private citizens, military, and ex-military, and yes, even LE, and ex-LE.
My point?
Many whom have "claimed" to have "picked up that rifle" for Uncle Sam, have not experienced actual combat, and are committing "Stolen Valor", and disrespecting soldiers whom have "experienced" combat.
They, like all taxpayers were part of the support groups for that actual fighting man, or woman, but these support group soldiers, have no more "combat experience", than a 7Eleven store clerk in South Dallas.
Being "this", or "that", or former "this", or "that", doesn't make ANYONE, more American than someone else.
Veterans should be respected "IF", they act respectable, and are respectful of others.
And all this "speculation" on what's gonna happen, may, or may not, happen.
If someone is afraid to exercise their Constitutional rights, whether it be freedom of speech, or 2nd amendment rights then don't.
If you wish to exercise ALL your Constitutional Rights then don't worry what anyone else says, or thinks.
You have the right to beller all you want, and swing your fist in the air as long as you don't hit anybody with it that doesn't want to be hit.
If you want a certain gun, go buy it. If your afraid to own a certain gun, sell it.
This is still America.