Short Wave Sportfishing wrote in message
...


I'd love to have Harry look my oldest son in the eye and tell him just
how lame he is. Or my oldest daughter who was in the Navy.

I like Harry, but sometimes, he just jumps and doesn't look and it
sours his relations with people who would be friendly.

Live long and prosper,

Tom


I don't dislike Harry. I dislike or disagree with some of his statements and
assertions.
Sadly though, the statement in question here was not a "jump" on his part.
He truly believes what he says and has made similar comments often over the
years. It is obviously a result of his own background, education and
experience and is consistent with his basic political views.

I am not offended because my son is currently in the military either. What
Harry doesn't seem to understand is that many, including both my sons and
frankly myself served because we felt an obligation to do so, driven by
personal reasons that include old fashioned patriotism. More importantly,
the experience of giving something of importance which is greater than one's
own self interests is an important lesson that serves one well in life in my
opinion.

It is not unique to the United States and it does not necessarily mean you
agree with the policy makers. For most, it's a short, four year experience.
In my case, I managed through nine years of active duty, driven primarily
because the Navy kept offering interesting schools. I realize now that I
got a lot more out of my service than I gave. What Harry thinks just doesn't
matter.

Finally, from personal experience, I attended college for a while after high
school, then entered the Navy. (I guess to Harry I was a non-hacker). I
finished my degree requirements at night after I was discharged and the
majority of those I took classes with had also been recently discharged.
(Thank you, GI bill). The attitude and motivation of those attending after
military service was very, very different than the knuckleheads (including
me) that attended right out of high school.

Eisboch