Suicides in the military have skyrocketed since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military’s suicide rate jumped more than 80 percent between 2002 and 2009. One military family is trying to change that. The Grahams lost two sons: one in combat in Iraq and one to suicide. But the Grahams were astonished by the different reactions their deaths received from the Army. The one killed in combat was lauded as a hero, while the other’s death was met with silence. In a new book, Yochi Dreazen, th
Duration 51:26, Published 10/9/14 11:28:30 AM
Episode Download Link: http://downloads.wamu.org/mp3/dr/14/10/r2141009.mp3
Show Notes: http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-10-09/yochi-dreazen-invisible-front
Podcast Feed: WAMU: The Diane Rehm Show (http://thedianerehmshow.org/rss/npr/dr_podcast.xml)
Listening to this episode, I couldn't help but dwell on the stigma that the family of one dead veteran who committed suicide, willingly placed on the dead soldier because of his suicide. That it brought shame on the family is fucking stupid. Mostly because of their religious beliefs. I hate religion. I'll just put that out there for you to digest.
As the episode continued, it seemed that reason came from all sides. Responce from listeners chomped at the bit to point out the horrors of war. One particular person, referred to as Bob, stated that PTSD isn't a disorder, it's a reaction and a normal one to the horrors of war. Anyone who doesn't have a reaction to war should be suspect.
I have to agree with all of that. The 'war machine' thrives on machismo. If you have a problem doing the things you're sent in to do then you're looked at as a pussy. Yochi also talks about how this stigma is also present still in the military. We have to make an effort to educate ourselves on why taking lives for the suits who don't want to get their hands dirty, is the wrong thing to do. Call it whatever you want, it's not natural to be okay with the horrors of war.
I'll get off my soapbox now. Check this thing out.
