To clear up misconceptions:
~~ I believe that war is a necessary evil. It has, is, and will always be so. I am not in government, and dont know all there is to know about world politics, so I cant really say whether or not I believe in this current confrontation, I am just grateful that it is not here!
~~ I wanted to be enlisted, even went through Naval ROTC, but made some mistakes in my youth, and forfeitted my rights to fight, formally, for my country. Therefore, I teach my children patriotism by fighting the good fight on my home soil, to whatever extent possible. There is a 1/2 burnt flag hanging in my house, that I battled a large crowd to rescue. I am proud of it, as are my children, because it is my way of doing what i can.
~~ "When I was a child, I thought like a child. Now that I am a man, I put aside childish things....."
It's a Bible verse, and one that changed my life.
Now that I am an adult, and think as such, I realize that nothing is free. If a man buys me a drink at the bar, I will repay him at earliest convenience, because I appreciatte that money is earned, by sweat and toil.
How much more, then, should I be grateful to those who pay for my security, by offering their LIVES as payment??
HERE'S A CHALLENGE,TO THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND ALL OF THIS:
During this holiday season, find a random soldier, maybe even one you do not know.
Find a way to convey your gratitude, if only in a small way (i.e.... cup of coffee, a beer, pay his ticket on a bus/train, etc....), and say thanx....to him/her, and those who arent here this holiday season, so that we can celebrate it in happiness and safety.
if thats kissin ass because of the uniform, then so be it. My father was a dick, but I "kiss his ass" because he raised me, and supported me, and paid the costs so that I am here today. its called gratitude, people.