Quote Originally Posted by bipper
great points there cloud - Never seen it from that angle before. An Iran invasion...

I still think that she is doing th right thing. As for people dissaproving of her for blemishing her son's dignity- I can't even think of a good word to use. I think that is a a very narrow minded, and easy thing to say. Its like if your brother(or someone very close) went over we would all prolly support them. When someone close to you is ripped out of this world; it will always hit you and will quite possibly change you and/or your opinions on a certain subject. I do not know this ladies whole story, but I do not think she is wrong in any form of the word.

Even when you watch a movie and, as some end, the self-sacraficial protagonists lays his life down for the greater good - yes you see it as noble from a subjective third person view of things. Place youself in as the protaginists friend, or love and then rethink your stance. Self sacraficial is the ultimate selfish and selfless act.

Bipper
Selfish and selfless?

That aside, I see where you are coming from. And it comes down to the individual in question. If an individual is in a position where they can risk their lives for the safety of others, or they can ensure their own safety but put others at more risk, who is to choose what? I wouldn't fault someone who chose themselves over others. I'd laud someone who put others before themselves. The point is, it's their choice to make; this guy made that choice through joining the army. I applaud and respect what he did, and what all the members of the coalitions armed forces are doing. I'm sorry for all those that have died, and I hope their families can find peace with it. But putting myself in her shoes doesn't lead me to any other conclusions - it was his choice to make. The emotions I'd feel, sure, they'd demand a reason, because that's what Humans do when faced with grief. That doesn't actually change the facts of the situation though, and frankly I'd probably blame the people who murdered my son because of their abhorrent philosophies.