[berdie]

No doubt you are correct about “esteem training”. As far of a reach as this may seem..the fact that our kids can’t fully participate in what used to be an independent childhood (simple things like playing in the front yard alone, playing in the neighborhood with friends, with no adult supervision..gasp) because of the dangers involved, may have robbed them of their independence and decision making ability. Very often what one learned in that relatively adult free environment, carried forward to adulthood.

The military is a great teacher. Thanks for your service.

[Freedom4US]

Well, the schooling wasn’t for nought either, but I was, and am, a little ticked off on what it has morphed into. In spite of the loonies of all stripes, there are some excellent educators around. Some of the most valuable (although, I really didn’t need to spend 20 large) was the art of critical thinking - logical fallacies - and related studies. Unfortunately, emotion and demagoguery seems to have the upper hand today, and I don’t see the situation improving. But it keeps me sane, no small consolation in this world we live in. Thank *you* for your kind words. Everyone can do something, whether it’s the military or something else. To give something to others is very satisfying and can be its own reward, or something like that.