If you looked into the heart of your enemy, what do you think you would find that is different from your own?

Cpl Fernandez, you're absolutely right on all points. I didn't ask anyone to feel sorry for my friend for what happened. The whole of my discussion has been to (hopefully) cause people to ponder the how and why we go to war at all. I submit that since the adoption of the Wilsonian foreign policy, much of our war effort has had much less to do with defending the Constitution than it did promoting primarily corporate and/or banking interests. If this is true, and you're willing to see through the fog of propaganda, then I believe we should reflect on this to determine whether or not the actions we take are moral or just. That we discard this consideration under the defense of 'doing our duty' is not in line with the values we're expected to display as professional Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, like honor and integrity. I readily accept that the war fighter in combat doesn't give a rat's ass about these kinds of things. They are too busy trying to stay alive and defend their buddies. My contention is that perhaps we should consider these things to influence policy in such a manner to keep us out of wars that have no legitimate basis in national defense.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Cpl Fernandez, I don't know if you are a father. I have 3 sons and 2 daughters. If we were invaded, I would do everything in my power to keep my children safe and outside the conflict. But if it came to us, or if fighting were necessary to protect ourselves, our home, our land etc, I would put a gun in their hands. I've taught them firearm safety and marksmanship, and would expect them to fight for their lives alongside me. If that is true in any way for you as well, then why is it so hard for us to consider that people in other countries would do the same?&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>SFC Gates, I already wished you a pleasant evening. Do you not have anything better to do?</div>

Now thats somethin. The question is asked do we think the enemy is any different from us and all you can come up with is why is there an enemy? that we're all pawns? It's cool that you can direct the conversation to suit you, and throw out some big words, but it doesn't do much for answering the question at hand. I think someone here read you quite well: wanna-be smartest-man-in-the-room. <br>

Are you a political official? Are you a government representative of any kind? Do you hold some position I'm not aware of that allows you to affect foreign policy?&nbsp;<br><br>Consider whatever you like, but you will never change anything about the reasons that we go to war. You are not a unique and special snowflake of altruistic genius. Most of us clearly couldn't give a damn about the policies of this or any administration, unless they put our lives and the lives our men at risk. If you are so adamant about keeping America out of pointless conflicts, then why not run for public office?&nbsp;

SGT James,