Philosophical Musings: War...what is it good for?

That's a catchy song, tap your feet, snap your fingers, sing along in crude imitation kind of song.

But when you actually sit back and think about the lyrics - it asks a disturbingly provocative question: what is war good for? But imagine asking yourself that question when you're actually a soldier in a time of war.

I read an article months ago from Miami New Times: Give Me Shelter.

The soldiers featured in the article found that they couldn't find a compelling enough answer to that question to return to their tours of duty. So, they didn't. They've been on the run ever since.

I was surprised at my own reaction - I've never been one to shed eyes on Independence Day or Veterans/Memorial Day, to lionize soldiers efforts - I've known people who have deserted in previous wars, and I didn't think the less of them

But I can't seem to bring myself to whole heartily support the soldiers that are going AWOL in this war.

Frankly, the fact that so many volunteered and then decided not to return kind of irks me. The underlying issue is honoring your commitments, I guess. Then again, who am to insist to someone else who actually decided to enlist that they should remain even though they are miserable. Over and beyond, any objections I've found to most wars, I didn't enlist because I already believed that simply being in the armed services, especially during combat, sucked.

Still, it (really) irks me the soldiers that are going AWOL.