Re the above and others...
I suggest their are 4 catergories affected
Volunteers....happy as larry
Compulsory, but with pension and payoff....mixed feelings but basically OK
Compulsory, but not long in...shattered at losing their dream, but young enough to get on and use their talents elsewhere.
Compulsory, many years, in but not yet with immediate pension (or whatever the **** you call it now)...if it was you or I in the group how ****ing angry and upset would we be? My heartfelt sympathy lies with this group, so maybe cut them some slack?
Whatever group your in, remember this...
Next time you hear some politician saying anything along the lines of...
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do blah blah etc"
Consider who the fool is. Him/her for saying it; or you for buying it.