[fintstone]

The question was asked and folks gave their honest opinion...knowing that they would be castigated for doing so.

If honest, we all judge people by their decisions. Anyone that is covered with body art had to know that many would not appreciate their choice. If they cannot tolerate that...there were other choices. 911 or "hairdresser" Miata? yes...we can be judgmental and we all have preferences. Most folks probably also judge people by their haircut (think mullet), their dress (wear pink crocks or a lacy negligee to work some time and see) , their demeanor (harmlessly pick your nose and eat it in front of others and see)...even their education or profession (or lack thereof). Even those that post their rationale for tats does not necessarily mean that someone else would find the reasons compelling or an especially wise choice. I don't paint the name of my dead brother on my car...ut some folks do (to me there is no connection). If you want tats or a mullet, do it for yourself...don't be surprised or angry if others simply do not understand.

I got endless grief over my short hair and being in the military in the 70s and early 80s (and my longer hair before joining)...it was my choice and I knew many did not approve. Their right. As far as the question about tats for military...I never felt the desire...and did not see that much of that myself until recently. Must have been a Navy/Marine Corps thing. Bottom line is that we all make choices regarding what we do with our appearance don't be too upset if others do not find your choices quite the same as you would. Just looking at all the early 911s made to look like rubber bumper cars should make it obvious that everyone is different....