While this New Zealand family watches a documentary about the US military...

[Lady Freedom Returns]

I pay attention to their faces. We are desensitized to the size and power of our military. This family is not. It makes me remember why we need stable government.

[Demovictory9]

1. and the US continues to build up the military despite having no close competition anymore

[Lady Freedom Returns]

7. And did you see the mom and kids faces?

They were uncomfortable to say the least. Dad gave me the impression of one who knew this, because he more than likely watched to double check viewability for the, bukids, but still struck by it.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

2. My nephew just graduated boot camp and is at Presido Monterey.

He's learning to speak Farsi with no plans to be part of fighting corps. He hopes to use his training for other opportunities. He had no choice in the language he is studying intensely. Anxious to see where this leads as he knows he'll be sent to some Farsi speaking country. I hope there is no hidden mission they're planning.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

3. I just looked up Farsi.

It is essentially the same as Dari. The common language spoken in Afghanistan!

[haele]

8. Also Iran

It's also a basis for several other tribal languages in that area.
The Military Language Institute at the Presidio is highly rated and very immersive; it's also difficult and military students who want to get into Intel and Special Forces must pass to keep their billet.

Good luck to him.

Haele

[SleeplessinSoCal]

9. it is very immersive.

He did extremely well on the tests. Thanks.

[xxqqqzme]

4. THIS

is why WE can't have nice things like:
Healthcare
Education
Adequate housing
etc.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. But we couldn't defend our legislature from insurrectionist thuggery

[malaise]

6. Well how do you defend the legislature from the then sitting president and his goons? n/t