Boy this is a hornet's nest of a topic but I'll try and give another perspective.
Trading is a business, and long term success is based on many things, some of which include mastering one's emotions, taking the right side of a trade (trend following or otherwise), and managing risk. 9/11 changed my perspective on alot of things, and it will have a lasting impact on my views in many regards, especially risk management.
With these things in mind, my opinion is still that this is a business, I'm a charitable and compassionate person personally, but one cannot afford to demonstrate these qualities in actual trading. This is the last bastion of capitalism, very few rules (although unfortunatly the SEC is trying to regulate like always after a big market blowup, instead of pre-emptively), lots of pitfalls, tons of risk, and an unbelievable amount of opportunity.
Emotion, feelings, patriotism, whatever, it just does not compute. I cannot stress that point enough, if you trade for a living, it is simply kill or be killed. It's dirty, and it is simply not for everyone (or almost anyone). The sacrifices a trader makes for the opportunities afforded to him or her may seem ludicrous, cruel, and possibly even criminal to an outsider, but I for one love this profession like no other.
Goodluck,
-TD80