I disagree with Rachel tonite on the issue of a ticker parade for Iraq Vets

[Leopolds Ghost]

113. Wait a minute, in the above sub-thread we have vets saying that non-vets are inferior social rejects

And non-vets saying that veterans are godforsaken evil working-class people.

Do I have that right?

The truth is that combat vets join combat battalions primarily for the opportunity to experience the thrill of combat. It is an immense mark of respect to have been blooded (blooded -- not bloodied -- i.e. to have killed a man) in combat, especially in the south. That is what used to be the glue that kept our society together.

Consider this (a figure often quoted by a family friend who is a vet -- medical corps) -- until recently, it was a requirement for the normal functioning of the military promotion system that a war occur at least once every ten years. Without it, the rules on promotion and medals for senior officers would have to be changed.