[js1138]

I've had these cysts off and on for most of my life. They're a nuisance and sometimes require medical treatment, but they didn't keep me out of the Army.

[breakem]

Had one since I was 22 on and off. Lanced at age 22 and hot baths since then. Doctors have said it was operable, but not to bother if it didn't cause major problem. Don't know Rush's situation that it was not inoperable. My family says it was caused by them cutting my tail off when I was born.

[GreenEggsHam]

Too right. My point is that whether or not Rush had what he felt like a valid medical reason not to serve or not, "anal cysts" is not generally such a debilitating disease that it keeps you from having a normal life. Many noble and courageous veterans gave their lives in this war, and whether we agree with its premise or not, they were called and served their country. I'm not judging Rush, but if that is the grace that we must give him then surely he's not in a position to be labeling others at this point in time.

[Core_Conservative]

Mine was also recurring, it almost kept me out of the Air Force. It came back while I was in and was taken care of there. After I was out, it came back again, and the last surgery I had on it was about 20 years ago - and I have not had any problems since. If the cyst would have been active when I went for my physical, they would not have enlisted me, and that was during a non-combat period. I can see why they would give you a deferrment because of it if you were to go be a ground pounder.