How many of those cheering "defense contractors" have their lives at risk, or the lives of family members?

None, I'd bet.

Of course, many of them have employees on their payrolls who are in the line of fire. But who cares? They're all replaceable!

There are guys being dischared from the service every day, and some of them will gladly go back into the shit, for much higher pay, in the employ of these contractors rather than working directly for Uncle Sam.