Imagine:

You have described a horrorific scenario, but is this sufficient reason to invade, occupy, and attempt to nation build this country into one more in line with our ideals?

If you think it is why aren't we intervening in Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia (actually almost all of Africa)?

 

Or is it enough to invade that nation to protect innocent children from such crimes against humanity?

 

You took my scenario, and tried to turn it back on me, but failed miserably. The people they attacked were not prior military. They do not hang out with US at all. They have never given us information. They were simply Afghan truck drivers hired to drive wheat seed from one place to another. They didn't even step foot on a military installation.

So, your analogy has failed, as has your strawman.

As to me not reading all the links, I did. But the other links didn't give a comparison, which is what I was going for. People are dying, yes we get it. Too many people for anyone's liking. But to blame it all on Americans is wrong. That is my point. The terrorists kill far more than we do/have. And our goal is to end all the killing, both on our side and their side. Their goal is to get us to leave, so that they can again reign in terror unmolested.

 

Anyone who joins the military "for the benefits" is as nuts as anyone who would pastor "for the (earthly) benefits", IMHO.

You have to do it because you believe that you are making a difference somehow, or else it's all for naught.

 

Who cares? Is someone who dies for their country less heroic because they aren't going to make a career out of the military, and are only doing it for college money?

 

I salute you, sir! Due to my physical affliction of deafness I was never able to accomplish my dream of being in the military. People who serve or have served are my heroes, regardless of WHY.

 

This is gonna be so off topic, but I can't help but say this. "I ain't no sir! I don't rate a salute! I work for a living!" :laugh:

If you want to salute someone, salute Don. I hear he loves it when enlisted personnel space themselves out by 6 paces as they are passing him. :thumbs:

 

That is SO WRONG.

When I was an enlisted Security Specialist instructor, I used to tell my enlisted students that I had no use for most officers. 15 years later, that opinion hasn't changed.

 

I meant no offense. Targus, along with some others seems to look for negative motives toward those he doesn't like.

I think the benefits for military service are definitely appropriate. In fact, if they were increased, it would be fine with me.

However, I know some who enlisted during a time of peace, after the Vietnam War that did so mainly for the benefits. They did not see any military action on the horizon. They did realize that this could change at any moment though.

Today, for someone to enlist they know that they will probably be sent to a war zone. This does add an element of valor to their service, in my opinion.