Tonight we read the list again.
Sometimes pictures accompanied the names. Sometimes just a silhouette and state. Most were young, with stars & life in their eyes. Many pictures were the stock variety deer in the headlights of a young man or woman fearful of the future. Few could recite any of the bill of rights, declaration of independence, explain the difference between a democracy and a republic.
Tonight I go home hoping not to hear some fool expounding on the brave who died for a cause. Most soldiers fight to save face with their fellows. Some are in situations were they fight to live. Some live to fight. These are the scary ones you do not want in your foxhole.
So tonight, just for one damn night, please don’t dance on the graves with your chest puffed out, demanding blind obedience to some cause. Tonight just read the names and look at those too large ears, a smile that could warm a room, a face that could be male or female … young, not having smelled death yet, and stop loving death.
Death is far too easy for love.
Anyone that knows me knows I believe in a strong, modern, well-trained and equipped military that can go anywhere to solve a military problem. When you fight an evil you have to become the ‘better’ evil to overcome, but don’t praise death. Don’t hide from the death caused by the actions of our leaders. Don’t make excuses for forcing the military to do a political job. Don’t believe spin. Don’t be religious and at the same time love war.
Now go, read the damned names and leave me alone for a few days.

When was the military (of any country) NOT used in a political way?

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MB-less