since rto isn't around to rant.....

lots of linking to this bit from howard dean. the part i know rto would love:

"I think we need a strategic redeployment over a period of two years," Dean said. "Bring the 80,000 National Guard and Reserve troops home mmediately. They don't belong in a conflict like this anyway.

DON'T BELONG!? WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN TRAINING FOR? you think they learn different things than the regular army!? as rto always points out, they go through the same basic training and advanced schools as full time army people. heck, rto's gone right now for WLC (warrior leadership course) (hopefully i haven't mangled anything here too much) i can't tell you how many times when we'd tell people he was going to afghanistan and they'd express concern and he'd say, "no, no, this is what i've been training for for ten years. yes, being away from my family will be hard, but i'm so happy to finally be of service" and i'm glad he gets to do something he loves. i think it's sad some people don't understand that feeling of duty and honor and protecting your fellow countrymen.

(h/t carin)