[The Urban Sombrero]

Well, I don't know how to break this to you gently, but watching an interview on the internet, ain't quite got the same feel to it as did that runway wheel-skid when the C131 that was delivering us 'green horns' to Da Nang during the war touched down. Looking out that little window at the jungle below, and realizing that within minutes I was to be dropped into a real life war zone chilled my 23 year old bones to the marrow. Let's just say I latched onto the first of several beers and lit up a smoke as soon as I could. I liked the movie Top Gun and I've watched it several times. Having been a crew chief for the F4 Phantom, I can tell you first hand that a crew chief hop aboard my aircraft was a bit different from the movie. But I'm sure you could straighten me out on that too. I don't care if you've made it your life's pursuit to watch every inch of film about Viet Nam on the planet. It's not even close to the real life experience.

Cassius Clay was wildly popular, right up until the influence of his unfortunate affiliation with the NOI forced him to spurn his call to serve his country. I only mentioned his birth name because in my mind, he had the perfect name to go with a magnificent talent. I'll give you another since we're still dancing on the head of the same liberal pin. Lou Alcindor, another classic name for a pro.

I leave the Ali debate remembering that your assertion of having great respect for those who serve, is as hollow as the blast of liberal air that shot metaphorically out of both sides of your mouth during said debate. Heroes serve and sacrifice in love, duty and homage to their nation in time of need. Cowards make excuses and hide behind them.

It is possible to support soldiers but not policy.

Mohammed Ali was not afraid, made no excuses, did not hide. He was a conscientious objecter, with cause and principle.

I have great respect for soldiers, and show it in practical ways, your vented spleen notwithstanding.