Excellent article and remarkably good comments, in whole.

#26 Mr. F and #45 Mr. Aubrey,

One of the surprising events in California politics is the strong and growing presence of members and former members of the California National Guard as political actors. Chuck DeVore, running for Senate, is but the highest visibility example – there are many more at lower levels of government. I welcome their leadership – they are not just actors, but agents of change and renewal.

#31 Mr. UB,

The notion of veterans returning to become teachers brings to mind the teacher in “Starship Troopers.” There was a man who knew the universe from first hand experience and could teach the world as it was. My own favorite teacher was Mr. Bennett in 8th grade science – retired Navy chief, buzz cut, salty language, and all. I still owe him my thanks.

As to what we gain in Afghanstan, besides the politico/cultural, let me share that the world’s new largest producer of yellowcake is nearby Kazakhstan. This whole region is relatively underdeveloped and underexplored commercially.