Reply #7: You do have a point, of course

[booksenkatz]

Yes, we do need soldiers and we do need good military leaders. I suppose I get concerned when the military is glorified by young boys -- my cousin's son is 12 and that child absolutely worships the Army. Room full of every kind of G.I. Joe toy, wallpaper, he loves to dress in camo, wear a holster, etc. He can't wait to get to Iraq and he's TWELVE. I guess I worry about my child getting swept up in the fervor of current American life, know what I mean? I just want my kid to play baseball or go swimming or hiking and not have to worry about the hell that is happening all around him until he has to. I'm being Pollyanna, maybe.

I was born in 1960 and grew up seeing Vietnam on TV every night on the news, but I didn't connect with it and I'd just go outside and play. I was very lucky to have a great childhood with few worries, I guess. So I'm wondering how a child is impacted when he finds himself actually connecting with war. Good/bad?
:shrug: