OCCOM BILL wrote:hobitbob, did you really miss the point entirely?... If so, read the last line again.
To answer your questions:
I volunteered when the first Gulf War was commencing. Recruiters at 3 different branches explained that I would never get to see any action as I was too late.
Why would you wish to "see action?"
Quote:So I chose to remain in college. At that time; there were such a huge number of people volunteering in my area that they were literally trying to deter people from signing up.
Having had several friends go into the recruiting track, I know that those who volunteer to "see action" are generally considered to be poor prospects as far as becoming soldiers. Killing is easy, living is hard.
Quote: When the next action came around; I was already too old to be considered.
You were over 37?
Quote: Yes, I do feel a little hypocritical, but there is no remedy for it now.
other than therapy to explain this desire to kill.
Quote:Your list of countries I would support going to war against is both incomplete and over broad, at the same time.
That is what was intended. It shows the fallaciouosness of your viewpoint.
Quote: Like I said; any country who routinely commits crimes against humanity against 50% of its population (the women) qualifies.
Which would thus include the US.
Quote: I'm not advocating we immediately start world war 3.
Why not? It would probably provide you with a chance to fight.
Quote: Women in Afghanistan are now allowed in school. Iraqi's who are demonstrating against us; are demonstrating of their own free will for the first time in decades.
Simplistic comments displaying poor knowledge of the nations in question.
Quote: Each criminal that is removed from the streets equates to one less criminal on the streets.
Again, simplistic, and completely irrelevent to the discussion.
Quote: I consider a perpetual war on drugs much less important than a perpetual war on perpetrators of crimes against humanity.
Suggest you spend an evening in a moderately busy urban ED.
Quote: We are off to a good start.
I'm sure the coward in chief has plans for sequels, since the tv ratings were so good.
Quote: Yes, I think N Korea should be next in line.
And the obliteration of the South Koreans will provide such wonderful film footage, right?
Quote: I believe methodical decisive actions against the perpetrators of these crimes will result in not only removing those in our gun-sights, but also serve as an effective motivational tool to those who know their names are on the list.
Bishop Arnold Amalric would have called you a true friend.
Quote: For the first time in the history of superpowers, there is no feeling of impending doom.
Which planet are you living on?
Quote: If we combine forces for the common good of humanity, we could easily rid the world of rulers like Saddam and Kim Jong IL.
And kill off inconvenient non-americans in the process, right?
Quote: Millions of children are born each day into lives of perpetual abuse and degradation. I don't care what color, or nationality they are, they are human beings. We, as the worlds most powerful country, have the ability to help.
Too true...hard to experience anything if you're dead. Gee..killing them is an act of mercy!
Quote: As you've heard me say before; the ability to help comes with an inherent responsibility to do so.
But you seem to ignore the responsibility to refrain from causing harm.
Quote: The monitor you are looking at now is your window to the world. How do you justify seeing rape and murder out your window, knowing you have the power to help and feeling no responsibility to intervene?
Have spent the last 18 years of my life seeing patients in the ED and on the streets. In addition to treating war refugees in Iraq and Somalia. Killing people is easy. Helping them live is much harder, but more worthwhile.
edited to fix the stupid quote brackets
Ahh..seven floors'o'.....
