When did it become fashionable to question the necessity for people to fight? None of us can say at this point in time whether the conflict in Iraq is a waste or not, we do not have the luxury of historical perspective. Our country was founded by those who believed it was imperative to fight for freedom no matter the cost. Times have changed but that fact has not. There will always be those who want to oppress others. It has been shown that political measures rarely, if ever, work on these sorts. Like it or not, we have the position of the world's policeman. We are damned if we do, and vilified if we don't. So should we sit idly by and let the world go to hell in a handbasket? Our country had an isolationist policy back at the time of WWI, and it did us absolutely no good.
Any adult who voluntarily joins any endeavor should be aware of any possible ramifications to that action. If you are being trained to shoot at people, you should reasonably expect they might shoot back. If that bothers you then don't join up.
What I am getting at is even though war is hell, the alternative is worse. My grandfather entered concentration camps at the end of WWII and never spoke of what he saw there (I found out by accident). I mourn for the loss of loved ones in any conflict, but I also respect their sacrifice. I have no use for anyone who tries to dilute that.
