>"this is it, this is where I make a stand. Live free or die".

belM:

I worked quite closely with military officers for several years. I heard occasionally that "this is not an issue I'd fall on my sword for." Never once did I hear any officer say he or she would fall on a sword.

Perhaps even more telling was the phrase, "I don't want to be the long pole in the tent." Translation: I want to go through my career without being noticed.

Sad. I have always reveled in being noticed, making waves, making a mark. But that's not what's being taught in our military academies (and I suspect elsewhere.)

Ted



TEd