"Have you thanked a civilian today?" Topic

No one takes time to appreciate the role of civilians in our nations.

Every day millions upon millions go to work, get paid, buy groceries and spend money which permits others to work and get paid.

Civilians build the roads we drive on, put up the cell phone towers that we communicate with and make the entertainment we watch.

Through all of this activity, tax revenue is generated which allow our governments to shoot rockets into space, build armies, build the institutions of learning that lead to breakthroughs like cures of deadly diseases and futuristic technologies.

Through the combined, yet chaotic efforts of millions of people, the artificial constructs we understand as nation-states are able to squabble and struggle with each other.

By the monetary, mental and industrial output of hundreds of millions of civilians, we've created everything we see around us.

So take a moment and thank someone who is working the check out line at the grocery store or sweeping the street or watching your kids while you're busy.

Without them, all the tanks and guns and warplans and generals we like to discuss would not be able to exist.

What about Labor Day?

A day for mattress sales. Just tell someone they're doing a good job :)

Yes, I make it a point to learn the name and shake the hand of every service person who comes to my house, for whatever reason, including the men and women who deliver my mail and newspaper. I'm a big tipper, too, because I can afford to be now, and I remember when I couldn't (and when I worked those jobs myself).

The people who keep things running on a day-to-day basis don't get nearly enough recognition. Mike Rowe touched on that often in Dirty Jobs.

Indeed. I see people treating service people like servants and it drives me nuts.

Have I thanked a civilian today? Well, of course, I do so every day. Mostly, as Terrement said, out of common courtesy.

Dear Weasel

Yes indeed. That is particularly revolting when people treat service personnel badly. It's nothing less than bullying, because the service person can't "fight back. I'm also a lavish tipper and I always maker sure to ask in restaurants, "If I put your tip on the credit card, will yu get it?" I've heard some restaurants take the tips from the wait staff, though I have never run across one. They must be rare.

But there is a problem Weasel. Many of us would be happy to be thanked but would at the same time bristle a little simply because we feel that doing out job is our duty and needs no real thanks. Why thank me? I'm only dong what is right" they would say.

One can understand that, it's their pride. It's often all the respect they ever get. They certainly don't get it from their leaders or those who benefit from their largesse and acquiescence .
"

"Through all of this activity, tax revenue is generated which allow our governments to shoot rockets into space, build armies, build the institutions of learning that lead to breakthroughs like cures of deadly diseases and futuristic technologies."

Of course the tax revenue doesn't really do most of those things, a lot of those things are done by people who get the funding themselves by taking out loans or selling other products.

So yes it really is the civilian that drives all of this stuff and makes it possible. Without Rosie the riveter most of the pilots wouldn't have been able to risk their lives in those planes.

I thank almost everyone I interact with on a daily basis, I'm not sure why we would need a thread to tell us to do this, most people thank each other all the time.

Similarly in places with governments or representatives bent on doing malevolent things it is the civilians lack of resistance to that stuff that allows it to continue.

No one needs to thank me. I haven't been moved hundreds or thousands of miles from my loved ones and no one has tried to shoot or blow me up. Like…ever.

(Though I have had knives pulled on me and a crazy ass did try to ball peen hammer me into the Choir Eternal.)

You mean one of the non-wargaming civilians?

I thank everybody who does something for me, whether it is the guy who holds the door open when my arms are too full, or the lady that gives me my coffee in the morning or the bus driver when I get off the bus. (I've noticed a lot of people don't bother to do that. Many do, but not all).

I've thanked civilians and service people, common kindness.

Yes I do thank civilians, those in the service industry, store clerks, my employees and even unrequested telehone solicitors (though I would be happier if the latter lot didnt't call).

Though saying thank you is always easier than it looks with just the common curtesy my parents taught me. Far harder was determining how to answer the heartfelt thanks I have received when in uniform. (my answer to them is usually something like "It is an honor to serve a grateful nation.")