Farmers...what can you do eh Tied to their land.

Ah, many of the soldiers were not farmers but landless farm labourers, often shipped out here from Barnado's homes. First orphaned, then slaves, then gassed, they had lives worthy of rememberance.

I can see what you mean. I think its more of a US perspective that no criticism of the military is allowed on fear of being branded unpatriotic.

I think criticism of the military deployment and objectives is fair enough, in fact its perhaps unpatriotic to not question it if you believe its wrong. But the soldiers tasked with carrying out the orders dont have the luxury of questioning them, and should be respected for being prepared to do what they do.

Thats not to say that there are not probably a few bad apples in the barrel though who are overstepping their orders, but lets not tar everyone with the same brush. When it comes to criticising the military the US seems a much scarier polarised place than Canada where I think most people make a firm distinction between the war itself and the people fighting it.

Christ, do you really believe that?

I think that's a Canadian perception of the US rather than fact. Consider the Dixie Chicks, criticized savagely at the time of the comments on the chimp, now more popular than ever.

No I just type the first shit that comes into my head

Oh, hang on, That wasnt me I was thinking about at all...

It certainly reads that way. So would you condone lawyers and estate agents on the grounds that "they're just doing their job" and "someone has to do it". I bet you would. Sickening.

this does not make sense, where does this comparison come from and what do you mean by it. what has someone selling a house got to do with this topic??

Questionable professions but sometimes you need them?

He seems to think any low-life scumbag can be forgiven if their reprehensible activities are in their job description. I disagree.

So in your view there is no need for the military at all? Its an interesting idea. Are there any countries with no standing military force at all?

In any field of human endeavour there are good and bad people, even some lawyers and estate agents. I commend your utopian vision of a world without conflict, estate agents or lawyers, but I fear it will not occur in my lifetime, so for now I'll live in the real world as best I can.

Yep:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...t_armed_forces

Although maybe Iceland are so ****ed because the kind of "people" that usually join the army became bankers instead.

ahh got it, thanks.

anyone else thinking this thread is wondering into the realms of Duke of E & his talent to talk about the world and its people?

ok, i understand now. some things are a necessary evil though i'm afraid. trust me i have no love of defence lawyers, but i do respect the law, and this means everyone has a defence and someone has to defend them. they are not all the types you may imagine, and many i have come across work with the police.