In a message dated 4/29/07 10:57:52 A.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Whenever I've see a soldier in uniform eating at a restaurant, I do this ego thang. Here's what I do: I say, "I'm totally against the Iraq war, but I'm 100% for you. Any military person in Iraq has someone aiming a gun at them all the time, and to just show up there is bravery beyond anything I've ever done in my life. And may I buy your dinner, cuz you're giving me and my country such deeply honorable service?" They all say, No," sheepishly usually, saying, "I've got money," but I say, "Look, this is for me, not you. I really need this symbol of support for our troops." They smile and are a bit uncomfortable, but I lay down the money on the table and say, "If you can't use the money, I'm sure you know someone who can. Pass it forward." And I turn and leave. Oh, shame on me, but it feels good and I can't stop it. These poor kids who get themselves into the military for all the wrong reasons just break my heart when they slog through their commitments. They've got something I know not of. Edg This is so much bullshit. If you appreciate them, then you appreciate what they are doing. They don't want your money so you can clear your conscience. When you qualify your *appreciation* by telling them that you don't believe in what they are doing, you may as well be calling them baby killers and spitting on them. They want you to believe in them and their mission unconditionally. No wonder they didn't want your money to pay for their dinner! ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
