THOR'S DAY RANT: They are not the same!

There is a sad habit in the United States today, of equating First Responders to the members of our armed forces. You will see "Veterans and First Responders" specials and discounts, or public accolades of our "Heroes in uniform". People organize prayer groups for the police, or even public outpourings of support to "show them we care."

But what about our men and women in uniform overseas?

For those who have never served, it's understandable that they don't understand the difference. But that doesn't mean the worship of those in blue is right. Putting on a uniform and a shiny badge doesn't make you a hero. What you do while wearing that unoform and badge makes you a hero... or a villain. 

No one can deny that just by doing their job police officers might be at risk. Traffic stops are dangerous. Responding to domestic disturbances is dangerous. Arresting shoplifters might be dangerous--if they have a weapon. The potential for danger is there, but the primary role of a police officer is to enforce the law, not to put themselves in harm's way. Our military exists to defend our borders from war--from those who seek to destroy our nation and our way of life. Military service is literally about putting yourself in harm's way, often in a foreign land, far from home.

Many men and women graduate high school and enlist in the armed forces. They are whisked away to boot camp where they are belittled, yelled at, and put through stressful training--because if they can't handle that stress, they won't be able to handle war. They are then sent overseas, to a foreign country, where people probably don't speak English, and possibly hate them being there. Those in the military can't call in sick, or just take some time off when they want. There's no Personal Time Off, or "mental health days". They can't always hop in the car and go to the mall or McDonald's. If they need support, family and friends are a continent away. 

Our young men and women in the military are alone. Yes, they have their brothers- and sisters-in-arms, but those people are strangers. The bonds they will form will take time. And even then, those serving together overseas just find themselves alone, together. 

Police officers and firemen, unless they are very unlucky, get to go home each night. They get to live in a country with the same rights, privileges, and resources they grew up with. Even on duty, they are home. In some areas, there is more danger than others, but in all areas, there are laws and rules in place that protect not only citizens, but the police. 

We need to stop putting the "thin blue line" first. We need to put our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines at the head of the line. They are furthest from home--they shouldn't be furthest from our thoughts.