[33girl]

I was thinking that probably sounded harsher than intended. Of course I feel for any woman who has to be away from her children - but if she didn't want to run the risk of him being in war she should have made those objections known before he signed up. Yes it sucks that he had to go, but I'm still laying that decision at his feet.

I agree that the military's recruiting tactics play to the desperate - but guess what, they are succeeding in winning recruits so I doubt they will stop soon. Caveat emptor!! We'd say the same thing to someone who went to Bob Jones U and was upset that they couldn't pierce their privates and play Marilyn Manson records in the middle of the quad.

Oh, and NOT EVERYONE needs to go to college, there are trade schools and vo-tech programs in high school that are probably far better suited to some students. fuzzie and I are originally from the same area, and I'm sure she will agree that there are people who went to our Vo-Tech and are making MUCH MUCH MUCH MORE MONEY than a lot of the college grads from their school. I blame a lot of this on the dumbass high school guidance counselors who make kids feel like college is the ultimate goal, to be achieved at any cost (even risking your life) and you're somehow lower if you want/have a job where you get your hands dirty - but that is another thread.