War

Remember how I said before that when you're married your other half represents you. Yeah, well I am kind of rethinking that. I mean it is true on one hand, but also not true. Michael is very opinionated, so am I. I think I go about expressing my opinion in a more tactful way than he does. I actually think he thrives on having people insult him sometimes. The truth is as individuals we couldn't be more opposite. It makes me wonder sometimes how we even made it past hello.

In his recent post he was discussing his opinion on the war, in particular some of the mentality of the troops over there. His title was so shocking I think people were so offended by it they missed his entire point. Would I say something like "fuck our troops"? No way. I will say, hate Michael or not, he has a little bit more of a right to say that than Joe Schmoe. Why? Michael served in the USAF. He was stationed two different places. His deductions are based on his encounters in the service. Not that it's anyone's business, but we also have several friends serving over there. We hear some of what is going on. Believe you me, he's telling it like it is (in some aspects). Most people over there (not including: war mongers, mentally unstable, gun lovers, patriots to the bone and a few others) do not believe in what they are doing. They are doing their JOB. That's right it's a job. It's a tough one; I'm not saying it isn't. The majority of the people we converse with were leaning more toward a peaceful solution. Now they're pissed off because they have to kill people in the wrong country. I think it is easy for people to jump on the political bandwagon if they have never worn the other person's shoes

Did you know for example when you join the military you become government property? Do you know that you have to sign a waiver stating you will never, under no circumstances sue them? Did you know you could receive severe disciplinary action by disagreeing or speaking out against their Commander in Chief (George W.)? There are more horrifying rules...

So when you see little Davy down the street who just graduated high school on t.v. Remember he has to say something positive about George W. It could be his opinion, or it could also be what he is trained to say. Speaking out against the current war effort could only serve to lower the morale of the entire unit. As you know, it is unit before self. There are definite rules that each member of the military is to follow to a tee. If you have personal feelings that are the opposite you are to put them out of your mind. Ever wonder why all the troops say the same thing? You're not allowed to have your own opinion. They kick that out of you in basic training.

This whole thing makes me sad really. The military isn't like it was in your father's, grandfather's, or even great-grandfather's day. It's a business now. It has regulations, profit and loss statements, and P.R. spins. It's fucking depressing. We have managed to make a business out of war. Utterly depressing....

Anyway, I really don't want to get in a huge war conversation. Send the hate mail to those who crave it. I just wanted to say, things aren't always how they appear. Sometimes you have to do a little investigating on your own.