The military?
'Protected and coddled'.... What an interesting little planet you must live on..
(Senora Veranos cannot and will not so ner..., Fri 16 Oct 2009, 11:59, 2 replies)

Exactly
And it's logical fallacy to say "I don't support the war in xyz therefore why should I praise our soldiers, they don't need to be there".

They don't know which war they are going to be fighting when they sign-up.

They carry out the will of the leaders which we elect. Today's war may be unpalatable, but tomorrow's may be altrustic defence.

Of course they hope to grow and receive reward, but it requires courage and the knowledge that there's a good chance you might die in pain -- which isn't really the same if you're an IT consultant. It's got to be worthy of some respect for the simple reason that not everyone has the qualities to be able to do it. I know I certainly couldn't.
(Super Jet Shoes, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 12:22, closed)

Two things prompted me to write the bit about the military
1) The soldier who came home from some deployment and raped his wife. She went and told the sergent, he said he'd sort it all out. Nothing happened. Police wouldn't do anything as he's in the Army. Army didn't want to know.

2) The five pissed up sailors who tried to smash up my local pub when we didn't bow down at their feet and they were refused free drinks. Again - try getting the army or police to do anything.

Thats what I mean by protected and coddled. Out on deployment - I am under no delusion, it's fucking grim. But back here, they are very well protected. I agree, it's a hard job, one that entails a lot of pain. But they didn't have to sign up. It was their choice, and not one I feel worthy of the mindless admiration for making, and certainly I don't feel it gives them the right to behave however they feel.

I am not saying get rid of the military, by any means (although I would love to see the day when we can). They are sadly still needed. I just don't understand what's so wonderous about it all.
(stimpy, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 12:45, closed)