You know, sometimes you have to put a reality check in to these things... one of my friends came back in a box from Iraq (HM3 Mike Johnson). There are people's lives on the line. Many of my fellow brothers in arms are there again in the I MEF.
It's great to have all these ideals about how America is right and **** everyone else, might means right and all of this other BS. Tell it to Mike's mom who has nothing but a flag to remember her son by.
I have been in combat, as have others on this board. Before I experienced it, I thought actually getting to get some "gun time" was the best thing that could have happened, being able to put those years of training to work. Now, afterwards, if I could give the whole experience back I would.
As far as the whole "the war is over" press conference/photo op. I had a bunch of friends on the USS Lincoln where that was done. They had to stop steaming back home so bush could come aboard and play commander in chief for a few days. They were 3 days late getting home because of that. Way to look out for your troops, Mr. President. They haven't seen their loved ones for 8 months but they need to stop 300 miles off the coast for a while so you can hold a press conference.
