although war is destructive and undesirable it can lead to important technological changes and advances, and not just in weaponry.
Well spoken, Fibula Mattock. I know of several medical developments that came out of Viet-Nam that have affected my immediate family. One of them is the burn treatment technology that was developed as a result of the war. My brother was very severely burned around age 12. What the young Doctor that treated my brother learned during his two tours in Nam quite probably saved my brothers life. Other than severe scars on his legs, there are no lasting effects, physical or emotional. Also the concept of gluing tissues together in the field developed a much easier surgical process and gave us Superglue in the bargain! Why I bet if we traced it back, duct tape had its beginnings there as well!

But seriously I am not making light of Kat's concern, just trying to point out maybe that every cloud has a silver lining...