I am not going to debate the morality of the current situation in Iraq. I have my own opinions, you all can have your own. But I do have an opinion on Deccajay's friend.
After 9/11 my husband (NT Bipolar) wanted to join the military to help with the war on terror. I was pretty much in favor of invading Afghanistan at that point, since the Taliban was a hostile regime that basically allowed Al-Quaida to exist, train, and operate within that country. However, I was NOT in favor of my husband joining the military due to his moods and his need for order in life. He also can get pretty pissy about authority if he doesn't agree with it. He didn't join (thankfully), and then the US started talking about invading Iraq and he gave up the idea altogether because we disagree with invading Iraq (again, I'm saying this without talking about why or attempting to engage in a political debate).
Seeing my husband go through this military phase made me realize that a lot of the people who joined over the last few years or WANT to join now are pretty idealistic. They think that they are going to go to Iraq, or wherever, and help the local people or spread freedom and democracy. Personally, I don't agree. I would not want to be at the beck and call of Dubbya - the worst sort of NT - and his unqualified cronies who are leading the Middle East into a regional war. Still, I don't think that your friend joined the military because he wants to kill people and get paid for it. He may be idealistic, or he may want to go to college and not have the money (another thing that the military can be useful for) If you have any doubt in your mind, ask your friend what made him want to join the military - I am sure that he will tell you. Then you will be able to rationally talk to the other friend that sent you that email (unless that friend wants to shoot his moutn off about the other friend that joined the military because he knows it will piss you off. In that case, let it go.)
20 Nov 2006, 2:08 pm
