[--Kaiser--]

Originally Posted by karma_

There's something a bit tragic about someone giving up the opportunity of a good education to join an army.

Really?

"If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can read this in English thank a Soldier."

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."

[karma_]

Originally Posted by --Kaiser--

Really?

"If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can read this in English thank a Soldier."

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."

Nice, empty clichéd phrases! Although I do like the last one, the first two are yawn inducing.

[Bambi]

Originally Posted by --Kaiser--

Really?

"If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can read this in English thank a Soldier."

Is the irony of that actually lost on you?

[irishconvert]

Fair play to these Israeli Jews who launched an aid boat to Gaza:

http://jewishboattogaza.org

Why we are launching this campaign

A. To protest against and challenge the continuing blockade of Gaza, on the basis that it constitutes an illegal, collective punishment of the whole population and a grossly immoral act.

For four years Israel’s blockade has confined the people of Gaza to subsistence living. This externally enforced poverty has created a public and mental health catastrophe. After Israel’s bombardment of Gaza eighteen months ago, there followed even tighter, ever changing and more arbitrary controls, including a total bar on the import of building materials to reconstruct shattered houses, sewage and water systems .

The blockade has also meant Gaza’s population being trapped in one of the most densely populated places on earth. People suffering serious illnesses which cannot be treated within the territory can only seek medical treatment outside Gaza with the permission and at the whim of the Israeli military. Ordinary travel in and out for education, family, business, cultural or sporting reasons continues to be subject to near total prohibition.

Israel also polices Gaza’s long coast, excluding passenger and commercial traffic and denying any opportunity of legitimate trading. In addition, Gaza’s fishermen are prevented from exploiting their own territorial waters. Confined instead to the highly polluted inshore region, they are at constant risk of live fire from the Israeli navy.

Most crucially, Gaza is still prevented from restoring its economy by Israel’s total ban on exports. This means Gaza’s workforce will continue to be without jobs and purchasing power. Even if more consumer goods get in, its people will still be reliant on charity to survive.

Apparently it has now been siezed by the Israeli Navy:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11425408

[losthorizon]

I fear the peace talks are going to come to an end in the next few days. Isreal has already resumed building in the occupied territories, killed a palestinian fisherman who strayed over some demarcation lines while fishing by mistake and killed some palestinians last night. The Palestinian leadership have made it known from the start and the Americans agree that building shouldnt go on while negotiations take place. Israel does not want peace.

http://www.euronews.net/2010/09/27/m...t-ban-expires/

[Manic Moran]

Originally Posted by karma_

There's something a bit tragic about someone giving up the opportunity of a good education to join an army.

Are you implying that a modern military should not have well educated personnel? Surely in today's environment it's more important than ever. (To be clear, I have my degree and have started a masters'. I just chose not to apply it in the law field)

Besides, I'm well paid, and enjoy my work. Something too many people can't say, so what's to complain about?

NTM

[Johro]

Originally Posted by Manic Moran

Are you implying that a modern military should not have well educated personnel? Surely in today's environment it's more important than ever.

NTM

I have to grudgingly agree..
It's a shame though that the army also attracts trigger happy, dimwitted, prejudicial, redneck yokels such as the ones that amused themselves in Abu Ghraib prison.
Also, well educated people aren't necessarily intelligent or reasonable.