I wrote a piece this morning about Memorial Day, mainly about how I respect the hell out of anyone who signs up to put on a uniform and go serve his or her country. One of the small but real pains of the Iraq War — and this was true of the Vietnam conflict, as well — was having criticism of the leaders dismissed by folks who'd ask, disingenuously and dishonestly, "Why do you hate our troops?" I don't think anyone hates the troops, and questioning the wisdom of their mission — and the smarts of those who direct them — is not in any way to denigrate the soldiers or their service. It's a job I don't think I could ever do and I'm glad that some can…and will.
And I think they oughta be paid better and get every possible piece of protective gear, as well as the best medical treatment. As you may know, George W. Bush is threatening to veto a new G.I. Bill that will raise wages and also supply college tuition for veterans who served in the military for at least three years since 9/11. This is a bi-partisan bill, the Senate version of which was sponsored by Jim Webb (a Democrat) and Chuck Hagel (a Republican). It passed with support from members of both parties. I heard Bush's explanation for opposing it, and also a similar explanation from John McCain, and I think they're wrong. I won't lay the silly "Why do you hate our troops?" line on them because I don't believe they do. I just think they're wrong about this bill.
Anyway, I wrote a piece this morning about some of this and it read as very sappy and shallow to me so I didn't post it. I decided instead to save it, reread it later and see if it was still sappy and shallow. It is so here's this post instead.