Off - Topic Topic

I think it was Howard Zinn who said that disobedience isn't the problem.  Obedience is the problem.  

I live in a location that has many, many military veterans.  This area also voted heavily for Trump.  You can slip into lamentation about that if you consider yourself antiwar, liberal or a resistor.  But I think that would be an error.  My personal experience over the years with my neighbors is quite remarkable.  Thoughtful, considerate of individual rights, aware of the complexity of issues.  A rare and small minority are knee jerk.  An interesting place in which to live.

A little over two years ago I went into a large supermarket.  When my turn came at the checkout the cashier asked me if I was a veteran so I could get the veteran's discount.  I sort of blinked a bit (did a nervous swallow) and told her that, in fact, I was a veteran but not like most folks would consider.  I was a Vietnam war draft resistor and did two years in a penitentiary.  The cashier looks at me. We both blink a little. And she says ... "That's good enough for me" and I got the discount.  

It happened again today.  I was in an auto parts store.  A very helpful fellow, around 32 - 36 years old, was at the cash register to ring me up.  He asked me if I was a veteran so I could get the veteran's discount.  I did it again.  I sort of blinked (did a nervous swallow), looked him in the eye and told him that I was a veteran but not like most folks would consider.  He tipped his head to the left and had a mild smile of curiosity.  "I was a Vietnam war draft resistor and did two years in the penitentiary."  He looked at me.  We both sort of blinked a little and he says: "Wow.  That was a really bad time.  Thank you for your service."  And I got the discount. 

I nearly shit my pants.