[rcecale]

Aurel,

As I told Galen (Beep,Beep), it amazes me when people who have no clue what they talk about speak as though they know everything.

I served in the US Marine Corps for 20 years and never once was I "given orders" to inflict harm on the innocent.

You say that "soldiers don't think for themselves", again, AMAZING...! For 20 years, it was reinforced that Marines shall follow the following 14 Leadership Traits:

1.) Dependability - The certainty of proper performance of duty.

2.) Bearing - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance and personal conduct at all times.

3.) Courage - The mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a man to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

4.) Decisiveness - Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in clear, forceful manner.

5.) Endurance - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship.

6.) Enthusiasm - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.

7.) Initiative - Taking action in the absence of orders.

8.) Integrity - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles; includes the qualities of truthfulness and honesty.

9.) Judgment - The ability to weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions.

10.) Justice - Giving reward and punishment according to merits of the case in question. The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.

11.) Knowledge - Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one's information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of your Marines.

12.) Tact - The ability to deal with others without creating offense.

13.) Unselfishness - Avoidance of providing for one's own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

14.) Loyalty - The quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, the unit, to one's seniors, subordinates and peers.


Service in the military is all about knowing how to think for yourself. Every soldier, sailor, airman or Marine is expected to think for himself. Sure we follow orders, just the same way every citizen is expected to follow the rules....speed limits, crimes, personal conduct. We are all expected to either follow the laws or be held accountable for not following them.

When the National Guard was called in during the L.A. Riots, they were there to stop the people who were breaking the law. There has been protest upon protest of this war with Iraq. These people have been allowed to state their position, without facing reprisal, or torture or even death for giving their opinion. It is only when they become disruptive, such as blocking traffic by laying across 5th Ave. in N.Y. or destroying property, when the law is broken, that they are apprehended. And still, they are not forced into silense.

I was born with the ability to think for myself. That is my birthright of being an American. Growing up in a free country allowed me to learn to make decisions on my own and not have to depend on others to do my thinking for me.

Sometimes it is hard to swallow, but my decision to serve my country has allowed others with opinions different than mine to voice them. Even those not fortunate enough to have been born here. If you feel the need to bad-mouth this country, then do so. But just remember, each time you open your mouth to speak, it is because of American men and women who have "made a decision" to protect that right!

Randy