An e-mail:

No. You are not. Hardly anyone will say it — it’s not acceptable any longer to suggest that women shouldn’t do everything men can do, even if they can be (which is, of course, an entirely different argument). It is her choice…and maybe she made it for lots of reasons that you and I would really respect, from serving her country to just finding a way to get an education or job skills, knowing very well that it might mean she’d be sent overseas. But she shouldn’t be…her children need her. But what do I know…I’m such a throwback that I don’t think women should serve in any combat roles. God bless our men in this country, I think most of them — especially the type who volunteer for the military! – can’t help trying to save a woman in their midst even if it’s the wrong strategic choice. And I don’t think our military (or any other institution of our government or society) should try so hard to destroy such a lovely, God-given sentiment… Ah well. Happy Friday to you.