What do tobacco companies and military recruiters have in common? Not much, you say.
Well, take another look. It seems that cynical and devious marketing plays a significant role in the agenda of both branches of, er, industry. Come to think of it, both can end up killing you, too.
In an effort to cure me of any misplaced homesickness I might be harbouring for the US, my good friend Geoff sent me this article, which shines the spotlight on the techniques used by American military recruiters to bait and hook the young and vulnerable of America for use as cannon fodder.
Geoff’s strategy worked. Whilst I might, indeed, be missing my friends and the Californian climate, I could never feel at home in a country that cynically exploits its youth like this. Consequently, I am feeling less of a hypocrite since our return to Europe and am glad that Sarah and I will be raising our daughter here.