Some awards do still mean something.

[unixknight]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Good to know. Thanks.

Elphaba

You're welcome.

I'm glad you raised that issue though because it leads me to wonder whether there has ever been any formal recognition of the actions of hired mercs in wartime. It would seem to me the example that was cited would be a perfect case where it's appropriate, but like I said I doubt it would happen because of politics.

My main issue though when I started the threat was to lament that we hear more about Paris Hilton's jail sentence and other worthless information than we do about things like this.

And on some level, I'm not sure I fully blame the mass media for it. They're in the business of providing what people want, and if Paris Hilton going to jail or unusual birthing procedures by Tom Cruise with his kid is what gets attention then that's where they'll focus. I do think the media has a profound influence on what's interesting as well, but somehow that doesn't fully account for it, in my mind.

[FunkyTown]

Originally Posted by unixknight

Actually, there are medals that can be bestowed upon civilians.

For example:The Presidential Medal of Freedom

The problem is with the controversy surrounding the use of mercs in Iraq it would not have been politically expedient.

That irritates me. Certain mercenary companies work exclusively for one government out of loyalty and honor.

I don't know much about Blackwater, so I can't comment on them, but the entire French Foreign Legion is technically a mercenary outfit, but I'm fairly certain nobody would accuse them of being evil.

If Blackwater ends up being the US equivalent of the Foreign Legion, I'd have no problem with it.