[Hipshot]

I may be opening a can of worms here, but I can't help wondering if this isn't a sign of the times. I don't mean to belittle any member of the Marine Corps, but given the crop of movies about badass Marines (Heartbreak Ridge, Full Metal Jacket, and Jarhead), I wonder if their actions are beginning to mimic their "persona". The former Marines - let me reword that as 'not currently serving' - I've known and work with, are nothing like what the movies show. They are decent, hard working, professionals who take extreme pride in their service to their Country.

Unfortunately there are some who buy into that crap about being the meanest son-of-a-bitch in the valley. And it's not just the Marines! I've known some US Army types who thought the same way...up until the bullets start flying.

Well, I've said it and it's out there for you to think over and shoot me down. I hope to God I'm wrong, but I've got a nagging thought that won't go away - that maybe we're victims of our own design.