In this day and age? Who do you think the British Army is going up against with anything comparable? Last time they fought a serious tank war they had to take it slowly so the rest of the army could keep up. It can be stressful at times, and shitting in a bucket in front of your mates isn't great, but it's certainly not the worst gig a soldier can get into.

Of course, as a Canadian citizen you're actually perfectly eligible for the British Army. Don't think they recruit so much in Canada but they certainly take on plenty South Africans and Australians (never mind the Fijians & Tongans).

Well, boohoo. Let's get in amongst the weeds then.

I would much rather [not]...have to walk on eggshells on the internet and watch everything I say

Do explain how this is not to be interpreted as "I want to be offensive and I don't care".

Well, let me help you. We give a placebo because we DON'T KNOW whether the drug being tested helps or harms. Just because you know it has active effects on the disease process in question does NOT mean that you know giving it to the patient is better for them.

Yeah, maybe read up on the law of contract and then read your loan terms and conditions. If you can assign your debt, you're free to do so. Don't want your creditor to assign your debt, don't sign a loan deal that allows them to.

Mind numbing stupidity is right. I do wish people (like you) who know nothing about Ebola would shut up.

Do point out the exaggeration.

Basically, you want to shut your eyes and be offensive without caring about the trail of damage you leave behind you? Smashing. Off you go.

Oh. That didn't take long.

I can't wait to read some hate-filled slashdotter's pathetic tirade against women. Have at it, chaps.

Would you mind outlining your qualifications in genetics that qualify you to make sweeping statements about peer-reviewed research?

Women's brains are different.

[Citation needed]

What systemic factors should we address

Perhaps we could address the macho heteronormative culture that leads, amongst other things, to unsafe workplaces. Oh wait, that's already something feminism is arguing for. Never mind.

No, you're completely missing my point. Specific taxes are not intended to pay for specific items of spending (as a rule). Ideally, a tax, should be efficient, fair, harmless and easy to collect, which is why sales/VAT/income taxes are so popular. Balancing a government budget (which again, you're confusing with a household budget) has nothing to do with what it is that is taxed.

There are revenues, which have sources, and spending commitments. You seem to be confusing them. Hypothecation is not, generally speaking, a thing.