Today is Veteran’s Day in America (Remembrance Day in Canada), and no matter your political leanings, you should take time today to thank those who have taken up arms on behalf.  It doesn’t really matter if you believe in war, warfare, warfighters or the current conflicts we find ourselves in – the plain facts are that without those who have given up domestic lives to fight all those battles over there, you wouldn’t enjoy the privileges and freedoms you have over here. 

Conflict is an unfortunate thing.  I think we’d all like to live in a Utopian world where we all just got along, but so long as there are limited resources and unlimited egos that’s not likely to happen.  People will disagree and sometimes, those disagreements will lead to wars.  Hell, this country wouldn’t exist as it does today without war and the territories acquired as a result.  Even today, as people look back and try to rewrite our history in a manner that is more politically palatable, no one is suggesting that we should return California to the Spanish or Louisana to the French.  War is what formed this country and sometimes, war will be necessary to preserve it.

Today, we are involved in two wars in faraway lands, wars that are not popular or even seen by many as justified.  Debating the need for war is a necessary and patriotic duty, and should always be respected.  But even as we disagree on the battle, we should be united in our support for those who fight.  They are not there by choice – they are meeting an obligation and doing a job that I guarantee you don’t want to do.  We must always remain steadfast in our unanimous respect for those who wear the uniform of our country, no matter where they may be.

Here’s a thought:  Let’s take some of the billions being funneled to car companies and financial institutions and homeowners who overspent their means and redirect it to supporting our military and their families.  If my tax dollars are going to go somewhere, at least then it’ll be for something I’ll be proud to support …