Why Would Any Soldier Miss War?

Sebastian,

I just read your NYT opinion piece, “Why Would Any Soldier Miss War?”  It brilliantly illuminates many perspectives and the profound disconnects facing individuals, communities and our entire zeitgeist of modern warring society.  

Our societal psychic disconnect is real and palpable.  Even though I’ve not had any relatives or even close friends that died in recent US wars, whenever I’m on the national mall in DC I find the power of the Vietnam Memorial present enough to reduce me to tears and raw soreness.  And I don’t cry much.

You raise powerful questions about our willingness to abet compartmentalization of personal views and avoidance of open discussion.  The power of filtering information and experience has certainly been lessened by the internet and a new vital breed of investigative reporters, yet our appetite for ideology and dogma remains and appears to be growing.  And this does little to serve those that must carry our cultural baggage on blistered backs, broken bones and bankrupt lives.  Shame on us.

Along those lines, let me offer two possible paths to those you’ve sweated with and perhaps in the most urgent need of psychic relief from war.  I’m representing these are real deal guys still living and approachable that will bear fruit when you investigate their work: Dr. Bill Lands (he’s actually been recruited to lecture at the Department of Defense on soldier nutrition being vital to national security) and the work of Dr. Manfred Clynes (a brilliant clinical neuroscientist and multi-disciplinarian with some powerful, practical tools for emotional convalescence--sentic cycles).  Both these guys are gems that can add value to your pulpit in producing tangible means for reconciling the ongoing anguish and seemingly contradictory impulses that confront society and soldiers seeking rapport.  

And then again, even if you just keep writing, well that's good enough.

Best,

Rob Hanna