Miscellaneous

Here?s a little thought experiment in response to Beaumont Vance?s little opinion piece: Let?s say that the U.S.A. is involved in a controversial war ? exactly 51% of the population and 51% of Congress think we need to fight this war; the other 49% oppose the war. During the first year of the war, we learn that 11% of our troops are maimed or killed. A young man, knowing all these numbers, enlists, is put into battle, and loses both his legs. When this young man returns to the U.S.A., how do we respond to him?

• You are our countryman. We will provide you with medical care, rehabilitation, and whatever else you need to return to a productive life.



• You dummy. You knew when you enlisted that there was an 11% risk you wouldn?t come through whole. We must not encourage others to make the same poor choice you made. You?re on your own, pal.