Veterans Day

The Constitution of the United States America, for all its virtues, does contain several blemishes. There's the obvious reference to slavery in Article I, Section 2, which was of course a dark compromise made by many who were behind the ratification. But another part of the document often is looked over - the power of Congress to declare War.

In a perfect world, we wouldn't need War to "insure domestic Tranquility," but thankfully, the U.S. Armed Forces have been around since 1775. Today, as most of America ignores the end of the Armistice of WWI in favor of getting a three-day weekend, I'd like to pay special attention to the ethics and moral character of our soldiers overseas.

Paul Christopher once said:

"The thin veneer of culture in which each of us cloaks ourself, all our grand trappings, our wealth, our social status, our titles, our degrees, our investments, the prestige or power we have over other, all these things can quickly disappear; and if they do, who is left? Who is really there when the paper-thin veneer of culture is peeled away?...The linkage of men's character, reputation, and integrity is exposed in glaring detail as soon as the thin veneer of society is peeled away ... "

And it's true. In war, the gloves come off, and all the thousands of years of civilization can be forgotten in seconds. What is left makes someone a hero, a villain, or something in-between. From all the vets I know personally, though, it's evident that most American soldiers are made of stern stuff. A sincere thanks for representing the best parts of our country.