wmsco, the fact is we do NOT have a draft, so I gave my opinion, as you asked.

During the "first" Gulf War, I did some work for the parents and widow of the Marine pilot who was the first U.S. casualty of that war. They were very hurt, of course, but they proudly flew the U.S. and Marine Corps flags at their homes in his memory. They honored the choice, and sacrifice of their son/husband. Is that wrong? Would they only be right if they were bitter and angry? But I suppose that wouldn't make a very interesting news story.

Paxx, getting rid of patriotism seems a little over simplified. Patriotism means different things to different people and groups. What else do you get rid of? Do we rid the world of all religious beliefs? Do we get rid of any cause that would inspire loyalty and devotion? And who goes first? What nation will decide to be first to do away with all military and armaments? I suspect that nation would have a short future. The Constitution of the U.S. states that one of the purposes of the federal government is to "...provide for the common defense." DO we throw out the constitition then?
As I stated earlier, we do not have an ideal situation. As long as there are those who would do harm, or suppress the freedom of others for their own ends, it becomes necessary for a nation to provide for its defense.
My grandfather fought in WWII and was one of the first Allied personnel into Auschwitz. He was, and is, proud of what he accomplished. And, I believe, rightly so.
I was raised to have respect for the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. I may or may not agree with a particular conflict (I think that we could have used our resources better than to go into Iraq, but we're there now, so....) what I stated was my view. I don't reallistically see the need for nations and individuals to defend themselves to go away.

yes sir your quite right! and I oppose no one here I was ajusting the focus away from legal logistics to just plain feelings just like my Wife did. You and I both know that some things half to be. Just because of Human nature.this was just a chance for some to let it out whether it made sense or not. you can be forced to do things in this life that you know are right but it does not mean you feel the same way. I figured ther would be alot of ppl who would jump in and get a chance to air out there mind whether it was right or wrong not about the logistics or implications of it just let it out.


I know that Mother or Father would and I'm sure there would be mixed feelings as the heart and the mind tried to reason it out

I enlisted in the Armed Forces when I was young and I would have proudly fought and died for my country. A just war or non-just war,WAR is WAR soldiers fight because they are serving their country ,just like fireman, police or anyone else who puts their lives on the line. I Salute the fighting men and women of our country and am proud of them, and pray God will bring them all safely home when their work is done. No doubt the parents of that soldier hurt emensely and have doubts but they are probably still very proud of him that he gave his life for something he believed in ,fighting for his country!

tj: when I mean "patriotism" is that "pride" or whatever one would want to call it that one had for his country. When people start to feel first and foremost love and pride to be citizens of the the World before pride for some local territory, then war will end. I don't think boundaries should necessarely be abolished as they serve a purpose for administrative reasons. Getting rid of Religion? Don't get me started, that's a whole different topic. LOL Personally, I found that since the Internet has arrived, my patriotism has almost died. As I learn to know other people form othre countries, I find having pride in my own country a bit senseless, as "patriotic pride" requires some sort of "my country than yours" feeling. And I just can't feel that way anymore. There are great people from all over the world, and I'm happy to be part of this great community better known as "the world".