The ‘But He’s a Veteran’ Defense is Condescending and Dangerous
Graham Platner is responsible for his own actions.
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Many of you aren't gonna like this, but I didn't write it. I just happen to agree with it. (Written by a combat veteran.) www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Showing respect to the point of refusing to judge someone’s questionable actions is a version of what George W. Bush called “the soft bigotry of low expectations.” This attitude reduces an incredibly diverse group of individuals to the “broken veteran” cliché. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
i do not know precisely what he’s going through but Platner strikes me as the kind of guy who is inclined to bad behavior and uses PTSD as an explanation. It’s a sort of roleplaying: maladaptive behavior as part of the Return phase of the Hero’s Journey.
Graham Platner’s catch-all excuse is that he was dealing with the heavy emotional burden and mental toll of having been in combat, “but that argument—and I say this as a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars—is nonsense,” Mike Nelson argues. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Veteran and Atlantic writer Mike Nelson torches the 'broken vet' shield being used to excuse Maine Senate primary winner Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo, abuse allegations, and two decades of contemptible behavior, calling it a smug insult to veterans everywhere. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0... I’m sorry but we don’t need another Fetterman type turncoat.
...their status as veterans, though an important component of their story, should never excuse decisions they have made. Nor should veteran candidates use their service as automatic proof of their worthiness for office. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
A gift article on a loser candidate. Not saying he will lose, just saying he’s a loser. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
So, So, A good article in the Atlantic about Platner and his excuses. From my five years, twice a week on the Seattle King County Crisis line I learned that 'Abusers' do not and cannot easily change, especially alcoholics This: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
A loser candidate. Not that he will lose, he’s just a loser www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
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🎁The ‘Broken Veteran’ Excuse Graham Platner’s defenders are playing into a dangerous stereotype about Americans who have fought in war. By Mike Nelson June 14, 2026, 8 AM ET www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
🎁The ‘Broken Veteran’ Excuse Graham Platner’s defenders are playing into a dangerous stereotype about Americans who have fought in war. By Mike Nelson June 14, 2026, 8 AM ET www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
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More proof: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
It’s like they put veterans up on some pedestal when a good majority of the veterans signed up for reasons other than serving their country. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0... > insulting to veterans ? Nope. Not me. I'm betting Graham will vote opposite Collins on most issues that I'd do same. 16 paragraphs of blah-blah-blah. Platner is not an Eagle Scout. Hey Graham, if you win do me a favor, tie Schumer to a wheelchair and gag him
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The Atlantic article agrees with me www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0... As @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social and others have pointed out, trauma is no excuse
Feed: "The Atlantic" By: Mike Nelson on Sunday, June 14, 2026
#stereotype #war 🌐 www.newsmart.ch
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