Soldiers are, tragically, the biggest "throwaway" population of all. They're not just the experimental subjects, they're the end targets of these technologies. The research is all about how can we get more out of them now that they've signed their lives over out of loyalty. Then they come home, sick, injured, and dependent on any number of substances, and it's - "Sorry, we can't afford to take care of you. And shame on your family for not being able to bear the brunt without support."

Soldiers aren't just government property. They don't sign up because they don't value their lives, their health, their chance of a peaceful family life. They sign up because they love their country. And they do it, at least some of them, knowing they'll end up being used as expendable equipment.

Perhaps "deserving" and "justice" and "humanity" have no place in a discussion of war. But if this is how we treat our most committed citizens, what must the rest of the world think of us?

Love, Columbine