Dave, first I would like to say job well done. I think we both feel the same on a lot of issues.  I stated, "I had a few thoughts for your sight. I don't know. If that is true maybe your sight may have brought out a few of the frustrating things that are so true about people."
 
When I went to Korea, that had to be the hardest time of my life. I think that is why I drank so much. You know me as well as anybody. When I was there I was drinking 4 to 5 nights a week. It sucked so bad. The worst part of it was being away from my family. Allison was only 16 months old. A child grows so much in the first few years of life and I missed a very important one. I think that is why I'm not that close with her. I love her, although, I think I am trying to protect myself from a lot of pain that even after so many years, is still there. March 23 of this year will be 10 years that I started my tour in Korea, and although the pain has lessened, it could still make me cry.
 
That's where the sending troops to kick Bin Ladden's ass comes in. Soldiers are young men, lots with family, new family babies, and young wives. To put men and women through that kind of punishment should be against the law.  When you told me Aaron sees his child, I thought that was great. Now I know more facts about the situation although the admiration is still the same. Children can be a pain in the ass, though I would never let any of my children stray away from me. Maybe that is why I am active in their lives with sports. There is not a lot I can teach them but sports I know, so that is how I show them I love them.
 
When 9/11/01 happened, I thought we would send a message. A strong and powerful one, but no we drop bombs from thousands of feet in the air. There is no sacrifice in that, just a few toy soldiers on the ground to make it look right. Not enough there to threaten the enemy or ourselves. During Vietnam, we lost over 50,000 soldiers, for a political war. One, the soldiers did not believe in or were committed to. This had the opportunity to really bring Americans together again, but the politics got in the way.
 
And last, what makes me sick is your government uses these men and women "who respects freedom so much," that they (your government) pay them less than 1000 dollars a month. Over 50% of our soldiers have to get some sort of social service, welfare, W.I.C. or food stamps. If that isn't bad enough, that these soldiers (proud men and women) have to ask for help to feed their family. Not that it is embarrassing to use food stamps, it's just that these patriots have to stoop down low enough to use them.
 
I have rambled on long enough. My last year in the army as a Sergeant I made a little under $15,000. Now all I do is deliver mail, and I make over 3X that amount. I'll talk to you later little brother.
Love you,
Darrin