I got this message from a cyber-friend of mine who has just started his first nursing job at a local VA. Apparently that particular VA is a great place to work but he also has this to say:

"I am reminded every day of the senseless costs of our involvement in Iraq. MPLS [Minneapolis] VA is one of the 4 acute polytrauma treatment centers for the US. I see kids every day who are just learning to walk and navigate around the hospital within a month or so of their injury. It was so sad today to see a kid being escorted by either sister or girlfriend being supported with his pants being used like a transfer belt. I just want to weep over their changed lives. They are the ones who have born any burden for ????. We have kids every week on our unit with PTSD/depression/schizophrenia all attributable to war service."

Every time I hear something like this I'm reminded of what my stepfather says about war: It's stupid, and the worst part is it destroys young lives.