There was "Human Interest" story on the radio yesterday. They were interviewing tattooists about what custom tattoos soldiers were requesting. It seems there is a rush on red/white/blue jobs of all types. And one man told of a horrific tattoo he designed and has been printing on Marines. It depicts the Marine eating his own child or wife...his choice. According to him, Saddam Hussein has sent a rumor thru his troops that Marines are the elite forces and qualify by murdering and eating their own young. The tattoos are there to instill terror should a captor be taken or a Marine found dead by the enemy.

The most chilling to me: the single most popular tattoo is called a "Grave Marker". The soldier has his name, Serial #, and Social Security # tattooed on his/her hip so that the body is more likely to be identified. How does a young man or woman find the courage to put themselves in harm's way knowing that they are very likely to die?

If Iraq invaded my country, I would be able to fight with a gun or a knife or a bomb strapped under my coat. I understand that. But I am dumbfounded by the resolve of these young people. And I am deeply saddened at the toll on their psyche.

That said, I repeat that I am against the American invasion of Iraq.