Why We Fight. How Much Will America Sacrifice to Remain the Land of the Free?

That's a great question, SFC Merino. Normally, I try not to be too much the pessimist, but this is one topic area that I just can't get a warm and fuzzy on. With the sun setting rapidly on the Greatest Generation, we as a nation are rapidly losing touch with the last of those who truly know what its like to make do with less. Sadly, this coincides with the golden ages of instant gratification, easy credit, entitlement, government bailouts, unaccountability, and apathy. Granted, if something unprecedented occurred, it is possible we could collectively snap out of it, but I do believe it largely depends on the message being sent by the President. After 9/11, I was amazed at the crush of men and women who dropped whatever they were doing and joined the military - I was not prepared for that response! And that was sustained, for roughly 5 years afterwards. Now though, I just don't know...

Good question, SFC Mark Merino. I think many in our nation have forgotten that freedom comes at a price, but there are some - and many of them are on this site - who know first hand (or close to first hand) that there's a price. And those folks, God bless 'em, are still thinking about doing with less to "they" will have enough. Great poster!

I think we have become the land of the entitled. However, we could get back on track with the right leadership. Those of us who lived through the 70's saw the transition from President Carter to President Reagan can attest to this. Not sure there is someone like that out there...but we can hope!