The Degrees of Duty...

"He who joyfully marches in rank & file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him a spinal cord would suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, senseless brutality, deplorable love ~ of ~ country stance, how violently I hate all this, how despicable & ignoble war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be a part so base an action! It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder." ~ Albert Einstein ~

He may have been a genius, and this quote does send a powerful message, but I do not agree with all the lines. I do hold great respect and dignity in the soldier who has made the choice of putting my life before their own, and a nation's conflict before one's own choices. This is even more astonishing to me when enlisting now will almost certainly mean a tour in Iraq, directly in harm's way. Everyone must have their reasons... best wishes to the troops & comfort to their families.