And how's it helping you deal with the current conflict?

People that know me know I am relatively conservative in my political views, especially my outlook on economic and social issues. This doesn't make me a bad guy, it means that I have inherrent issues with a system that invites freeloaders to take advantage of free money that is only free because it was taken from people that actually have jobs and contribute to society. And here I digress before I even begin my point.

That point would be whether or not I support our war on Iraq. I am not now, nor have I ever been a member of "The Fellowship of the Sheep". I don't care what your political outlook is. I do care if you just take in the information that is spoon-fed to you by your medium of choice because you decided that those were your views and that information substantiates you in some way. All that said, I _have_ to support my country in this effort.

Before the war started I had many conversations with friends, both liberals and conservatives, regarding the prospect of attacking Iraq. I maintained that it can almost never be justified to attack another nation. I hold the act of making war on another country similar to punching someone in a bar because they looked at your lady. There is always room for more discussion as long as you are vigilant in reaching your goals with that dialogue and yet preparing for any eventuality in the background while you try and achieve your goals. In this, I think my government has failed.

And there is nothing I can do about it today. Perhaps during the next election, but not today.

So Today I chose to support our troops. They are there getting shot at, risking their lives in our defense. Whether you agree that there needs to be a defense or not, that does not change the sacrifice of our soldiers. I know one guy that is in the reserves. He was married 3 years ago, but because of the reserves he has spent 2.5 years away from his new wife. They can't start a family because he is serving his country. And getting shot at. He deserves my respect, as does every other soldier on our side right now.

Protestors tick me off. Not because they don't have the right to their own opinions and to express those opinions, but because they are protesting the people that make sure they have that right. It's almost like having your parents send you to school for a great education and then telling them to f-off while you are there and not talking to them for the 4 years.

Please, no matter what your political views are, save them for the next election. Show respect to our men and women that are DYING for you. I certainly agree with the premise for the war, but I could dissent on the poorly practiced diplomacy by our administration. And I will. When Allied soldiers are no longer dying for us.

I have never really been one to write in a journal. It never appealed to me, and I consider myself to be a fairly private person.

Still, here I am. Boring as it may be, I guess I have to start somewhere.

I am a thirty-something male geek. I don't al;ways come off as a geek, but once you get to know me it's tough to hide. I enjoy tech stuff somewhat. I am a professional techie with out any real specializion except perhaps postscript workflow. I think my ME degree gave me good tools to use in keeping the flow of information and the ability to access that information efficient.

Outside of work I don't deal much with computers. The last video game I was addicted to was Civ III (I beat emperor once, monarch 5-6 times, but never mastered diety) and Starcraft before that. I love sports, bars (beer...mmmmm), eating out (no this isn't a personal ad...so don't be looking for moonlit walks on the beach) and games. Most of my geekiness comes from my love of games like chess, D&D, Warhammer 40k, Axis & Allies, etc..

I recently got engaged to a wonderful woman. How she managed to pick me, I'll never be sure, but I have to give 2 thumbs up to the whole internet personal thing because of it. I met bunches of people, some nice and some not so nice, but in the end it brought me my lady.

I guess that's a start. Go Pats, Go Sox, Yankees Suck, Raiders Suck, and all that jazz :)