Question for you regarding the military. I mentioned a while ago that I have a 13 year old son. Putting yourself in my position, with what you know about this country and the military, is this a path that you would recommend for your son (or daughter)?
I had a long talk with one of my 14YO grandsons (I have 2) last night. He came to me with military questions about paratroopers. We discussed much more. He is a straight A student and we also talked about college and the service academies. Before he left he said he is going to join JROTC next year, and asked me to start taking him to military museums in NC. I'll do that and also take him to Annapolis and West Point and USAFA if he wants go. I have another 14 YO grandson, also a straight A student, just approved to take some college courses in his HS. He is thinking about an academy.
At what point do we say "there's no way that I am going to give up my only son for leaders who don't believe in what we believe and who won't stand behind him when he is fighting for the country"...????
America is the last shining beacon for oppressed and freedom loving people everywhere. That includes us.
I keep hearing about how tough it is in America these days and how some want to move out. I say bullsxxt to all of that. Go visit a few 3rd and 4th world countries to see what tough is. We are no where close to tough.
Most of my family is well traveled. They have seen the difference. They are willing to defend what we have.
I have listened intently as some have proposed moving to another country or island. Guess what? They have reached no consensus on where else to go because there really is nothing better.
"There is no Heaven on earth."
America is as close as you can get to that. My family is not moving. We are willing to defend in place if it becomes necessary.
About our military, The Oath of Enlistment begins with -
"I, XXXXXXXXXX, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
I never think about not defending our Constitution. Because in defending it lies both our Liberties and our Freedoms.
As for other Americans not being willing to participate in their own and our collective defense, I can't print here what I really think, but I accept that they have that option.
I remain a strong advocate of the draft. I believe many of America's problems and issues would dissipate if more young Americans had military training, learned to appreciate a good day's work, and had a bit of military teamwork ethic instilled in them.
America is evolving, and like you, I feel dissatisfied with many of the upper echelon decisions. But deep down, I know the only way to improve something is to change it, and me and my family are willing to fight for the right changes. It won't be easy, but remaining free never was easy for any generation of Americans.
And the alternative promises to be much worse.
When you fight you can lose, but this is a fight worth fighting over and over.
uw |
