Memorial Day, 2011

The United States of America has fought just and necessary wars.  We have also waged stupid and unnecessary wars.

Let responsibility for the latter rest where it belongs, on the shoulders of grasping politicians.

No disgust with self-serving rulers should dilute by a single drop the honor due armed  comrades who executed their oaths to defend the Constitution of the United States.

Their blood spilled on dirt of foreign continents and into oceanic brine is to be memorialized with feelings approaching awe, even as we scorn the political masters whose concept of personal courage begins and ends with a sheet of talking points on the teleprompter.