Appalled by a colleague who, in discussing the war in Iraq, while acknowledging that the war is a disaster, remarks, "But wouldn't it be exciting to be a part of the the most consequential happening of our time!" As if he envied the young men and women now serving in Iraq.
Let me find an analogy. Suppose that a gang rape happened at a small town tavern, and this crime was the "biggest thing ever to hit this town." Would a reasonable person respond by saying "Gee willikers! Wish I had been at the tavern that night rather than at home watching t.v. with the wife and kids. Nothing exciting ever happens to me!"
What good can come out of having taken part in this disgraceful war? How is it possible that any U.S. soldier will come away from it without wounds, be they physical, psychological, or moral? The proper attitude to take toward our soldiers is one of pity, not envy. Compassion for what they've gone through. We can admire their professionalism, admire their devotion to duty, etc., but to admire them for having been used to prosecute an immense crime? No, only pity there.
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