The end should have read "enlisted constiuent, rather than spending their time keeping our country safe from terrorists." but I guess my fingers got tired of listening to my brain...
I have read all of your posts multiple times and do not understand how (other than the ethical implications of spending time, money and energy doing one thing when you could spend it doing another, arguably more ethical, thing) you believe Brian's actions were irresponsible. We all make moral judgements every time we spend our time or resources on something to benefit ourselves rather than others.
Not to do a disservice to Brian's sense of generosity, but while he was, indeed, helping this animal have a better life- ultimately he was doing something for himself, namely saving a pet he loved from being killed.
Considering the sorts of terrible sacrifices and situations soldiers must endure in the course of serving their country, it seems rather mean spirited to begrudge one of these men the opportunity to save a beloved companion animal (which may in turn benefit his mental health both while he finishes his tour in Iraq, and when he returns home- not a negligible return when you figure 3000 dollars might pay for two months of therapy stateside.)
Perhaps you should point out the irresponsibility of the soldiers who return from war and spend thousands of dollars on a new pickup truck or a nice set of golf clubs. Perhaps you should also point out the irresponsible behavior of those who donate money to animal shelters rather than to starving Iraqi children. In fact, while you're at it, you should point out how irresponsible it is for a congressman to respond to the request of an enlisted constiuent.
I have read all of your posts multiple times and do not understand how (other than the ethical implications of spending time, money and energy doing one thing when you could spend it doing another, arguably more ethical, thing) you believe Brian's actions were irresponsible. We all make moral judgements every time we spend our time or resources on something to benefit ourselves rather than others.
Not to do a disservice to Brian's sense of generosity, but while he was, indeed, helping this animal have a better life- ultimately he was doing something for himself, namely saving a pet he loved from being killed.
Considering the sorts of terrible sacrifices and situations soldiers must endure in the course of serving their country, it seems rather mean spirited to begrudge one of these men the opportunity to save a beloved companion animal (which may in turn benefit his mental health both while he finishes his tour in Iraq, and when he returns home- not a negligible return when you figure 3000 dollars might pay for two months of therapy stateside.)
Perhaps you should point out the irresponsibility of the soldiers who return from war and spend thousands of dollars on a new pickup truck or a nice set of golf clubs. Perhaps you should also point out the irresponsible behavior of those who donate money to animal shelters rather than to starving Iraqi children. In fact, while you're at it, you should point out how irresponsible it is for a congressman to respond to the request of an enlisted constiuent.