[dekeguy]

Someone needs to explain to this woman that President Bush did not kill her son, a terrorist murderer killed him, and his death is mourned and honored by his fellow soldiers. There are no draftees in today's Army. Every soldier, whether that soldier is a Regular, Reservist, or National Guard member is a VOLUNTEER. He was there doing what he voluntarily committed to do. He was not some kid drafted out of school and sent in harm's way. He was a man who made a man's decision to serve his country as a soldier. His mother brings shame and dishonor on her son's sacrifice. He gave the full measure of devotion to his country and his fellow soldiers. She has made a mockery of his ultimate courageous gesture. As a reserve officer and a veteran of the first round of deployments I am sickened that a mother could act in such a manner. Soldiers, and most certainly volunteer soldiers, do not get to pick and choose which fights they feel like getting involved in. It does not matter whether a soldier personally approves of this war or whether he takes a totally opposite direction in his opinion. When the Army is called on to act soldiers do what they have committed to do. To protect and defend the the United States and to obey the orders of the officers and/or non commissioned officers placed over them. Something else to consider is that when the shooting starts soldiers pull together and draw strength from the brotherhood. We on Greek Chat should clearly understand the concept of mutually supportive brotherhood. A soldier has chosen a hard and demanding profession but he has chosen an honorable one. When that soldier chooses to put it on the line for his country we his fellow citizens owe him the respect to honor his choice and doubly honor his sacrifice. That his mother could do this saddens me to consider how much she has missed the point of her sons decision and committment as an American soldier.
While the old phrase has gone out of fashion in the broader community the Army still believes that while it is better to let the other poor SOB die for his country, if the worst comes to the worst then "dulce et decorum est pro patria mori".