I’m a ghost of the ghost of my former self
from a time we poked fun at the foibles of men
laughing at Bilko and Navy McHale
recognizing schemers without fail
even in uniform.
Not so anymore. No need to dwell upon it
No longer are we part of them
We’re on the outside looking in
for everyone of them’s a hero.
Parade you on the football field
“Thank you for your service”
slaps on the back, cheerleaders flirt;
in the owner’s box (like you belong)
passed around like a favorite bong.
while lawyers cheer between the punts
corporate types and soccer moms
all want a piece of a teenage grunt
making fifteen grand a year.
then pack you off on another “tour”
fighting wars we can never win
You think that they would know by now
you only joined ’cause you were poor
still the madding crowd is down
they “honored” you but the home team lost;
A playoff game they’d hoped to host
while you are off to God knows where.
.
——————————————
http://www.boomtron.com/2012/08/scam-artist-hall-of-fame-m-sgt-e-g-bilko/
toritto 
I like it, but I’m a bit confused by the second verse. Is it saying the narrator used to be in the army? Sorry to be so obtuse.
LikeLike
Elaine – thanks for coming by -The vast majority of Americans no longer have a connection with the military. The end of conscription has allowed the development of a separate culture in the services. War affects very few today – war is for other people. War is for those who volunteer. And because most of us are unaffected most of us don’t think about it. We are on the outside looking in.
The military today is above criticism and oversight. And parody. And ridicule.
No one today would dare do a comedy like Sgt. Bilko. We cannot laugh at the military. We no longer know how. All of them are now “heroes”. As are police and first responders.
Rubbish.
LikeLike
I agree. When everyone is “exceptional”, no one is. “Hero” doubtlessly applies to some of those who serve, but volunteering to serve, serving and surviving lacks any element of heroism I can think of.
LikeLike
I get you. But cheer up. Unthinking reverence can be a pain, but it is so ripe for parody, as for example in the Life of Brian, that it won’t be long before Bilko comes back. (And Dobermann, too, natch)
We have a comedy/drama series over here called Bluestone 42 which is about an army bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan, and it’s on its third series, so maybe a US channel will take that up.
All the best for the New Year, Mr T. Felix annus.
LikeLike
My late father, a WWII veteran, adored Phil Silvers and Sargent Bilko.
LikeLike
Hi Doc – mine too! I remember the show well. regards
LikeLike
Pingback: NFL is Paid to “Salute the Troops!” | toritto