I didn't really respond to your point: no I don't think military personnel should receive some kind of special treatment. How does one go about measuring who is doing what to get special treatment? The military is just another job. The compensation is clearly explained prior to joining just like any other job.
First part: Wordup. BUT if you where to tell me I didn't have to pay taxes while on active duty but would have to supply my own health care (we paid for tri-care out of our paycheck, by the way) I would gladly and willingly do that of course. As it stands, that is not an option. I agree though, the military is a sacrifice. But, when you are getting taxes taken out of your meager paycheck in order to get paid your meager paycheck there are a lot less options for you. Also, when you enlist you sign away your constitutional rights (literally) so our lives and such are a bit different. I agree though: service is a sacrifice.
Don't forget that people in the military pays taxes as well. I understand this is what is necessary at the moment and probably forever. Like I said, I'm not against (for right now, as I can't really see any other option. I'm not very economically intelligent though, maybe people have grand plans that would spark my interest) taxation in all forms.
These aren't special people with special skills who CARE MORE about their country. That is country music video appeal to emotion type fallacy.
Second part: Ummmm, no. This is completely false. It is not just a 'country music video appeal to emotion type fallacy'. I served with patriots, fought with patriots, and know patriots that have died for their country and their Corps. It is far away from a 'fallacy' that (at least in the Marine Corps Infantry) people are fiercely proud of not only the traditions and glory of the Corps but of America as well. I sort of resent you assuming what you say is true as you have never served (correct me if I'm wrong), to be honest. It's not the first time I've heard it either. You seriously think people volunteer to leave their lives behind, pick up a sword, and travel over the dunes to possibly die violently and definitely have (at LEAST) one of their friends die violently because they are the same as everyone else in the world? I'm not saying that they are BETTER, but they are in fact 'special' (as in, not the same as other people). We are not talking about a peace-time military here. They KNOW they are going to fight.
To reiterate, I'm not saying anyone is any BETTER than anyone else. I also realize that not everyone in the military is like that, but the ratio sure is higher than out in the civilian world.
If you want the advantages that the military provides: join the military.
If you want the advantages that having a degree provides: go to college.
If you want a skill: become an apprentice.
Etc.
"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion."
"I come in peace, I didn't bring artillery. But I am pleading with you with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all."
- Marine General James Mattis, to Iraqi tribal leaders
"
The wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
The love of a staunch true man,
The love of a baby, unafraid,
Have existed since time began.
But the greatest of loves, The quintessence of loves.
even greater than that of a mother,
Is the tender, passionate, infinite love,
of one drunken Marine for another.
Semper Fidelis
"
- General Louis H. Wilson
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Toast given at 203rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Camp Lejueune, N.C. 1978
