Originally Posted by: PonyOne
now for someone who just put in another post something on people generalizing and judging, that's a pretty lofty statement considering i never posted such a thing...

I read it as your implication, or at least an attempt to make those in the discussion assume that your knowledge of local military personnel made you an expert on the entire military. I know you didn't claim that, but you supplied your information in such a manner that others might see it that way, I just wanted to make sure that people knew that the military was split. That said, I'm not a huge fan of Bush, neither am I a big fan of Kerry. I think Bush, though, has been ill-served and given slightly too much grief. Not everything is his fault, and as far as the "War for Oil" conspiracy goes, I happen to disagree. I do think this war on Iraq is a necessary action, however, I think this was not the time. Personally, I believe the US should have gone after slightly more direct threats than Iraq, but at least they're doing SOMETHING in the world. Where were we during the Rwandan Genocide? Where were we when China was burying its nuclear waste under minority villages (Actually, that still happens)? At least now we're there when Saddam tortures his own people and kills all those in his nation who oppose him, even nonviolently. Perhaps those were Bush's reasons, and perhaps they weren't, but thank God that Saddam is not in power. Thank God. Hopefully the US will continue on a path more like the one I just mentioned. Where wars are waged in an attempt to thwart people like Saddam, WHATEVER their plans are. And do not think that I don't feel for your father's position in Iraq. I fear for everyone over there now. But I also thank them for what they're doing, as I'm sure you do. You, of course, have the right to be angry with Bush for puting our troops in a position of danger. But remember, that IS their job. At the same time though, I can see your point. You believe that their job is being abused. Which is a very logical thing to think given your opinions. I happen to think that our military is doing the right thing, and I take pride in that fact. You think that the military is at least doing their job, if wrongly directed, and you take pride in our troops. I think the point is, no matter the leader, Americans are going to support and feel for the troops. Which means, obviously, that I would rather have Bush lead, and support our troops as they make a difference in the world. You, however, would rather see Kerry lead, and support our troops as they make a difference at home. Personally, I think if Bush actually gets things done around the world (a hope I'm still clinging to) than our troops may be able to rest for a long time before we, God forbid, need to call on them again.