This may not be a popular idea, but we didn't fight for your freedom.

[mnhtnbb]

47. I don't want to hijack the thread--actually add to the idea--

that many of these wars were fought NOT for our freedom, but in support
of some other country's 'freedom'.

Personally, hubby served during the Vietnam war. He was Berry planned--
ended up joining the AF to avoid being drafted--and spent his time
at McClellan AFB in Sacramento as a psychiatrist. (He later worked for
many years in the VA Hospital system.)

What I really want to say, though, is how these wars affect the people in the
countries where they are being fought.

I have been going to a Vietnamese woman--the same woman--for almost 10 years
to have manicures/pedicures. She was a boat person. Her brother organized
the boat--they were caught and sent to jail. He was in jail for a year--she was
in jail for a month. As soon as her brother was released he organized another boat
and this one was successful in getting its occupants out of Vietnam.

If you are too young to know about the boat people, see this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_boat_people

She's an immigrant. She works 6 days/week doing nails. Both her American born sons have gone to college
here (youngest will graduate next year and the oldest one graduated several years ago).
She probably speaks the best English in the salon (all Vietnamese), but also speaks Chinese and Vietnamese.
She became an American citizen several years ago.

So this woman truly believes that the US Military fought for her freedom.

My husband, the US Military vet, would have gone to Canada if he hadn't been able to work out
a way to avoid going to Vietnam by serving in the AF.