Quote Originally Posted by Graham
Well, I guess this will sound unsympathetic, but anyone in the military, police etc. is in an organisation whereby one has to live under an authority.

Personally, I will not do that. I'll not have my freedom, beliefs or conscience compromised or dictated by other men claiming authority over my life.

So if you're in such an organisation, I guess you'll have to comply, if you don't like it - leave, I am fairly sure you'll not change the system.
Ackwell, I understand the pressures you are going to be under. Military service is unlike a traditional job wher you can quit and get another one whenever you feel like it (well, you could decide to leave, but it is not quite as simple as being employed by a company or corporation).

Graham, I find myself in the uncomfortable position of having to disagree with both the "High Protector of the Forum" and also someone whose views I have come to respect as they, mostly, mirror my own. However, in this case I have to disagree. You claim to not want to have your "freedoms, beliefs, or conscience compromised or dictated by other men". I can understand and symathize with that, but IMHO without Ackwell and all the others that have dedicated themselves to military service, or have died in the past defending our freedoms, we would have our freedoms, beliefs, etc. much more compromised, and possibly eliminated. I know, or believe based on your postings, that you are a pacifist and I would love for the world to be a place that every issue could be resolved peacefully, but we are not there yet, and I am not sure we ever will ever get there. Too many people with too many views that they feel are the "only" correct ones and have to convert the world, violently if necessary.

Sorry for the long, possibly controversial post. Mods, feel free to delete if this has crossed over the line.