I'm a liberal.  Actually, I'm a flaming liberal.  I detest a lot of the things that have gone on over the past decade with regards to American foreign policy,  I was strongly opposed to the war in Iraq before it even began, and I've always felt that Afghanistan was neglected as a priority under the previous Administration.

On this Independence Day, I wanted to take a moment and make clear that this isn't the 1960's anymore.  Veterans returning home don't have to worry about hippies calling them murderers and spitting on them.  The public has finally moved to a place where, while we can hate the mission and the commanders all day, the soldiers are respected for following orders that may directly jeopardize their lives.  Without them, we wouldn't be able to sit around and bullshit about mixed martial arts all day.

Take a moment and be thankful for all that the United States Armed Forces has done.  If you see anyone in their fatigues or uniform, shake their hand and say 'thank you.'  Help their kids by donating to their classrooms.   Above all else, don't hold whatever beliefs you have about why they are where they are or what they are being directed to do against them.  They don't choose the mission - they just win it.  On behalf of Bloody Elbow and the rest of the online MMA community, I extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all you do.  Thanks, troops.