For my Libertarian friends

stonebeard wrote: Equality 7-2521 wrote: Dean wrote: ^ Intent. But why does that make the victim anymore noble? I think it's eminently obvious that taking up a risky line of work to serve society is a noble thing to do. But of course, not very many police officers have this intent I imagine when joining the force. Which is why not all military people should be congratulated when you just know some of them really wanted to shoot stuff, not serve the country. Let alone the tenuous relationship of "serving" the country fighting people in caves across the world. But a police man in your own neighborhood? it's a little clearer sometimes.

A construction worker serves the community also. Nobody is answering my question.

Epignosis wrote: stonebeard wrote: Equality 7-2521 wrote: Dean wrote: ^ Intent. But why does that make the victim anymore noble? I think it's eminently obvious that taking up a risky line of work to serve society is a noble thing to do. But of course, not very many police officers have this intent I imagine when joining the force. Which is why not all military people should be congratulated when you just know some of them really wanted to shoot stuff, not serve the country. Let alone the tenuous relationship of "serving" the country fighting people in caves across the world. But a police man in your own neighborhood? it's a little clearer sometimes. I grew up in Fayetteville, NC, next door to Fort Bragg.  I've known hundreds of soldiers and spoken with hundreds of vets, and as far as I can surmise, not one of them joined up because they "really wanted to shoot stuff." Also, those who attempt to join the military for dubious reasons almost never make it through basic training.

I have a friend (hmm) in the military (or was he discharged?) who said some crazy ass stuff and apparently still got in. And then there were the drug stories, or story, I suppose. It might have been on leave, though. Either way oh my god you've never heard Apocalypse Now stuff like this before. Damn.

There's one "almost never" who got through.


Edited by stonebeard - July 30 2010 at 10:53

A construction worker who builds an office building isn't providing an inherently dangerous public service.

If there were no one to build that office building, it just wouldn't get built.

If there were no one to fend off the hordes who would visit evil upon us, then it would be me, my wife, and my children doing it.  And I'm so very grateful that we don't have to do it.

That's why serving in the military is an honorable position, and that's why I regard them in the highest.

Equality 7-2521 wrote: Dean wrote: ^ Intent. But why does that make the victim anymore noble?

I think it's eminently obvious that taking up a risky line of work to serve society is a noble thing to do. But of course, not very many police officers have this intent I imagine when joining the force. Which is why not all military people should be congratulated when you just know some of them really wanted to shoot stuff, not serve the country. Let alone the tenuous relationship of "serving" the country fighting people in caves across the world. But a police man in your own neighborhood? it's a little clearer sometimes.

Slartibartfast wrote: What about a job where you get killed because of the company's cheapness, say coal mining or oil rigging?  We're not talking about accidents here.

What does that have to do with anything?

Slartibartfast wrote: What about a job where you get killed because of the company's cheapness, say coal mining or oil rigging?  We're not talking about accidents here.

That would come under Criminal Negligence.

^ Intent.

I have a lot of respect for people who take up jobs where someone is often trying to kill you for just doing your job.

Equality 7-2521 wrote: I respect people because of who they are, not what job they have.

They're police officers and soldiers.  That's who they are. 

Not a better person, Henry.  But people who risk their lives (cops, firemen, military) in their work are giving a special service to the community, for which some of us believe they deserve extra respect.  Leaders used to recognize those kinds of things.  Now they don't, nor do many in the public sadly.  I see it as sad.  You guys don't give a sh*t about it.  I get it.  Carry on.