Just as I've been quiet for the past couple weeks, there was quite a lull over at Billmon's Whiskey Bar. The bar was actually closed for about a week while he recovered from a long trip to the Middle East. But I'm glad to see that Billmon's back up again, and indeed is as prolific as ever. The whiskey has really been flowing.
Among his recent posts is one marking Memorial Day, which honors the members of our armed services, both past and present (including many of Billmon's own relatives). Unlike Billmon, I'm not from a family with a strong military history --- although one of my younger brothers is a highly successful Marine who now commands the security detail at a nuclear submarine base --- so my ability to identify is somewhat limited, but I think he strikes a lovely balance between respect for our troops and disdain for the leaders who have put them in harm's way to no good purpose.
When visiting my brother I never cease to be impressed with the young people in his command. They are, to a man (and woman) polite, disciplined, dedicated, and sincere. They are, in many ways, the best this country has to offer and a critical part of our hope for the future. That treasures such as these are regularly sacrificed in the foolish and ill-considered enterprise that is Iraq is a national tragedy.
I could go on and lament the additional dead and wounded in Afghanistan, the stop-loss orders, the unfair burdens placed upon our National Guard units, and the jarring disregard for families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice --- if the War on Terror is so vital, why does our current government not honor our Gold Star Mothers and wives on a regular basis? --- but instead, in honor of our armed services, of Memorial Day, and the D-Day Anniversary, I suggest you just read BillMon's lovely post and the associated comments, which are generally very positive.
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