You must have been in a different military than me. We believed that no man would be left behind and that our country would do whatever was necessary to support us. Many risked their lives to rescue their comrades. We also went to extraordinary lengths to retrieve our dead.
Americans know better; our rustic individualism is part of our core.
It has nothing to do with individualism. It has everything to do with being an American and the obligations the government has to its citizens.
.Gov cares about reducing costs and waste. It cares not about you nor me. How many times does it take to get driven into your head?
How many times did we retake Fallujah? Why did we send our boys to go house to house when we have the capabilities to flatten the city. The choices for 'collateral' damage is taken over the well being of our 'military'. That happens all the time.
You are from the Vietnam era. You are praising the .gov but you neglect to bring up the fact that in many ways .gov lied. .Gov wouldn't even tell you the truth about the USS Maddox Incident.
Now, some journalist goes over to a dangerous area to do the thing he loves and your pissed off at .gov? For what? Not rushing to his aid. Well, there are plenty of places in America where we need help. I'm happy Mr. Foley go to do what he loved, but he knew the risks. That rush and adventure was part of his love. But, there is a costs and chance of harm in all things.