Suicide, guilt linked?

Why are there so many suicides in the armed forces these days?

Beyond the obvious and oft-mentioned causes, one crucial aspect has not been examined much. That is what service members who have taken part in conduct now increasingly recognized as bordering on war crimes think of themselves after they come back.

Raised on a steady diet of superficial self-esteem bromides and “good job” compliments, soldiers are often unprepared for the strong feelings of guilt which follow the taking of life under cover of authority – especially when they learn that some of those they killed were completely innocent.

No wonder that depression and guilt have skyrocketed. What else could be expected to happen?

To believe otherwise would be like drinking poison and expecting somebody else to get sick.

Victor Buksbazen

Spokane