Before I started blogging I had a pretty low opinion of my debating skills. My husband and some of our friends are extremely good debaters. I would usually put my two cents in only to have one of them say something that made what I said totally irrelevant.

I have since learned that I am a far cry from the worst of the debaters. I at least try to fully think through what I write down. I read through what others have said then think, "Do I have anything new to add?" If the answer is yes, I formulate my comment, then read it through, then post it. If the answer is no, I move on to the next blog that looks interesting.

I have read so many articles that have people saying the same nonsensical argument over and over. People, think things through! It isn't the same as a conversation where you can accidentally blurt out whatever pops into your mind. Read it over before you post it.

The one subject that is sticking with me right now is the Jessica Lynch and Shoshana Johnson discussion. I just can't believe that people who are really thinking it through are saying that they should just be paid the same in disability or that everyone who has ever fought should get 100% disability. I think their emotions get in the way of their brain when thoughts like this surface.

I am an extremely patriotic person. I show my appreciation in different ways like helping out at the VFW hall (that's where I learned to peel potatos), donating to disabled veterans, and educating myself about the wars that we have been involved in.

My grandfather served in the South Pacific theatre of WWII. My husband's grandfather was a true hero in Europe in WWII. My father was drafted during Vietnam, which could have prevented my ever coming to be if things had gone differently. I grew up with classmates that served during Desert Storm.

It used to be considered an honor to serve your country. Then, when the draft came along during vietnam, people who didn't choose to serve were forced to. The current generation often thinks of the military as a career or an opportunity to get an education and travel. They risk going to war. They make that choice. I don't see that as any different than choosing to be a police officer or fire fighter.

Now we get back to the subject of disability payment. These soldiers are doing a job. Providing a service to their country. When one person suggested all soldiers be paid 100% disability I was astounded. Does this person know where this money comes from? I don't think this was thought through. There has to be rules and procedures for everything. Most people cry "unfair" or "racist" before they think it through. If you want to go to extremes when talking about racism, you could just as easily say, "Do you know any of the names of the white men that were held as prisoners along with Shoshana?" Most people don't. The fact is, life is unfair. Not every soldier is going to get a book deal even though they may have been more heroic. They may have been as badly injured or even killed. We need to pay tribute to our soldiers as best we can.

I thoroughly enjoy hearing opinions of others that don't agee with my own as long as they are well thought out. Everyone needs to open their eyes and try to look at things even if their first instinct is "I won't like that/agree with that." I have learned a lot lately from others and hope to be able to return the favor.