No problem and thanks for your opinion(s). I happen to be the union representative for my work group and on many points I agree. Being a small business owner I know the need to balance profit margin yet treat employees fairly. Being a federal civil servant I have belief and value to the quality of the work I perform as the american taxpayer funds my position. The core value to my comments is this nation was formed with a strong defense to ensure the freedoms, liberties, and principals our forefathers fought and sacrificed for. Many of the younger "set" simply do not appreciate the past, nor believe looking to the future is best done by looking backwards at history, but rather have unrealistic expectations of what they deserve in this life, and how they will get it. I do believe a mandatory military service contract should be initiated of two years active and two years active reserve. However, this should not be free. The department of defense does need to compensate through educational programs along with wages for this service. In my own experience I certainly had no radar experience when I dropped out of high school at 16 years old. Hell I thought pumping gas and working on cars was my future, (I was a pretty good wrench back then). Shorty after marrying "Momma" the thought bitch slapped me upside the head that I didn't make enough money to support a growing family and needed a job that offered some type of future. Having no practical knowlege except a strong mechanical misdirect, I enlisted in the US Navy. Once there and deciding painting ships and mopping floors really wasn't what I was into, I got lucky scoring high enough on "weasle worded" tests to get into the electronics fields. Once there it was a struggle to stay given my low aptitude, yet persistence. Now 30 years later, I still ensure aircraft get safely from point A to B because I believe in what I do and am compensated for the knowlege and experience of my tenure. Yes, I am forever grateful to the military and the chance they gave me to further my own life's ambitions. The autobody shop I'm know for was started as a hobby, but wound up employing five individuals and funding college educations for my wife and both kids debt free. This is all part of my "American Dream" and for the most part has been realized. I am now middle aged and starting to slow down a bit. None of this could have been realized without military service. The greatest gift we can pass to our next generations is the promise of a bright and prosperous future. A large portion of the current youth in this country haven't a clue of what it takes to realize these goals but are willing to accept whatever someone else is willing to sacrifice for, then complain about it. We NEED change, but not the current change we as a country are experiencing now. Thanks for reading and I don't mean to offend. Rob