Edit: This was in reply to Ultra's first reply.. sorry for the confusion.. a couple more replies came in as I was typing. Should have quoted
Original:
Ooops.. I thanked you again..
.. sorry about that..
In all seriousness, that makes sense. Whether one's enlistment was by choice or simply because it seemed to be the best option at the time, it doesn't change the fact that, in many ways, service people are often put in positions that the vast majority of the populace would either not be willing to be in, or would simply be unequipped physically and/or emotionally to endure. In any hierarchy, an undeniable amount of idiocy is no doubt present, and decisions often fly in the face of logic and sanity. This, at least to me, in no way lessens my appreciation for those that endure and serve.
I, too, am a pacifist. I have a strong adversion to conflict and ill will... until someone clearly intends to harm my family or innocents around me. I don't see military personnel as blood-thirsty killers, but rather as people who have seen some of the worst humanity has to offer and have probably the most reason of all of us to avoid and abhor atrocities.
Enough. Thanks, T and Ultra, for the insight. To be honest, I'm not sure what to do with it in the future.. feels bad to NOT say thank you to a vet, but on the other hand I get it.