i've dealt with my share of liars. more than my share, actually.

but this one takes the cake.

i was reared in a retired military home. my grandfather spent 20 years in the navy. he was on the saratoga during WWII and the ranger during the korean conflict. he was no officer but was a chief when he retired. he was a mechanic, fixing planes on the sara. i was 9 years old before i realized there actually were OTHER grocery stores than the commissary, and that not very many people got their clothes and sundries at the px. i wore navy dungarees and work shirts as a teenager, and i did so with pride because they only cost 5 bucks a pair back then. and anytime i could save my grandparents money, i certainly would. my grandfather was and still is my hero. navy veteran, high school teacher, mason, man of honor. the best father a person could ever have dreamed of having.

so the very last thing any human being wants to do is to LIE about their military service to me. do NOT pretend to be a veteran when you are not.

you WILL incur my undying wrath when you do so. you see, my grandfather, and so many other people like him, served through and endured a great many horrific things to ensure that we remain free. to pretend to be one of those glorious warriors, in order to partake of the respect and honor which ONLY belongs to THEM, is so lacking in even the fundamentals of character, that even i would spit in that being's face. and i generally respect everyone.

so. i've been lied to. again. only this time, there are no words that can ever make up for it. no actions to undo what has been done to the sincere compassion so many have felt for this liar. and because of the magnitude of THIS lie, even this person's gods, the gods of war and warriors of honor, will NOT help him.

every single one of my plans for this weekend has been shot straight to hell.

color me thrilled. not.