Dr. Warren J. Blumenfeld, editor of “Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price” and co-editor of “Readings for Diversity and Social Justice,” shares an anecdote at LGBTQ Nation about how he found himself behind a military veteran at the veterinarian’s office and noted how the veteran was given a discount because of his service to the nation.

That got Blumenfeld thinking about the word “veteran” and how it’s unfortunately tied to the military and nasty military things like wars. Isn’t it time to expand the definition of veteran to include those who advocate for change through peace?

Is it time to expand the definition of ‘veteran?’ https://t.co/M2QXgoBKLU — LGBTQ Nation (@lgbtqnation) September 29, 2018

He writes:

It is unacceptable when one’s love of country is called into question when advocating for peaceful means of conflict resolution. It is also an act of patriotism to keep our brave troops out of harm’s way, and to work to create conditions and understanding that ultimately make war less likely. To be clear, I am not arguing that everyone be granted retail discounts by expanding our classification of “veteran,” or even that others acknowledge us for our service in working for a better and more just society. But take a few moments to consider those fighting a cultural and figurative civil war to reduce the violence and injustice and place the United States in higher standing around the world.

So how about it? Should we expand the definition of veteran to include those “advocating for justice, freedom, and liberty through peaceful means”?

No. — Beer Drinker (@JammieWF) September 29, 2018

No. — Silence and Frost (@secjr112) September 29, 2018

How about no — Lindsey "Hot Damn" Graham (@DestructiveChem) September 29, 2018

No. — Pam D (@lifebythecreek) September 29, 2018

No, don't be stupid. — Jesse Gilbert (@JesstersDead) September 29, 2018

No. GTFO with this crap. — thefirebirdman (@jimmyz_73) September 29, 2018

Nope. — Brian Bond (@briangbc) September 29, 2018

No, but we do need to narrow the definition of hero. — Jack Herman (@Jack_Ham79) September 29, 2018

No. We will not legitimize stolen valor. — Timothy J.S. (@zigzagtshirt) September 29, 2018

No. Activists are not veterans. Stop this bullshit narrative. You will not win. — Chris G (@ChrisGeeTwo) September 29, 2018

Well, they are not "veterans". Did you have any other questions? — The Ghost of Silent Cal (@cjgermain09) September 29, 2018

No. Sorry, but those others that you mention have their own histories and honors. I believe that I've earned mine, please don't minimize them. — Mortis (@WitchyDruss) September 29, 2018

My 10 tours overseas says "No, gtfoh"

Bonehead — D Wenke (@DaveWenke) September 29, 2018

“or even that others acknowledge us for our service” Sounds entirely self absorbed. — Robert Totten (@rabtotten) September 29, 2018

Actual veteran: “I served in Iraq. How about you?”

Social justice warrior who wants to be called a veteran: “Outside a Chik-Fil-A in Dallas.” — Jessica Fletcher (@heckyessica) September 29, 2018

Why not? Add it to the list of other words that no longer mean anything. — Dan Weinstein (@BJWeinstein) September 29, 2018

Sure why not? We’ve already drained the meaning out of almost every other word, so why not this too? This was a sarcastic answer. — Steve Madurski (@SMadurski) September 29, 2018

You’re getting butchered here. Rightly so — Jeromi Birtikidis (@JBirtikidis) September 29, 2018

The ratio on this is going to be lit AF. — Berg88 (@berg88) September 29, 2018

A bigger shit show in the replies was never more richly deserved. — Robert Pothier (@rbpothier) September 29, 2018

Delete your account, smash your computers with sledgehammers, and burn your offices to the ground. — Gern Blansten (@stingerfreak) September 29, 2018

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