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To: William Peavey who wrote (25994)	1/12/1999 10:20:00 AM
From: Hawkmoon	Respond to of 116900

Ron, using the Guard to help keep the infrastructure together in times of natural disaster is entirely appropriate. But I take issue with nationalizing these disparate state units under the hand of a president whom I consider egocentric and powermad. You won't find me disagreeing with you there, William. And it is one of the reasons that I don't worry too much about the implications of a temporary condition where each state declares a "state of emergency" or the Federal Gov't authorizes a general call-up. The military currently distrusts this administration to an extent that it is difficult to find an earlier comparison. If people would spend as much time making plans to help one another in the event of a disruption/disaster, there would be less time for them to ponder dark and self-created scenarios where their faces and civil rights are stomped by those they used to call their sons. Right wing terrorism is no different from that of the left. It still relies on fear and death to bring attention to their political aims. And William, I agree with you. Some may deem me a "socialist" (Yckk!!) or a militarist, but I have always believed that everyone should serve in the military or alternative service like the Peace Corp, or a revived Civilian Construction Corp. I think that a common experience helps to create a similar experiential base upon which to build the rest of our lives. Universal service would assist in building national cohesion with a shared sense of personal sacrifice to relate to. It certainly helps build character and a sense of responsibility. And it depends on the NG unit. I have seen units which were basically worthless. But then I have seen units like the "enhanced brigades" who have the latest equipment and train to be readily mobilized overseash. I also got to peripherally participate when a brigade of Guard troops when to the Sinai and performed peace-keeping missions. They performed in an excellent manner and were all volunteers. And these people are overall better educated than the soldier of the 60's. And maybe that isn't such a great quality when you're natural reaction to an order is ... "Whaddya mean you want me to charge that machine gun nest!!!??? Are you crazy, man!!??" or "I'm not the leader here, you are... so why don't YOUUUU, lead MEEEE, through that field of bouncing betty land mines"!!??? No... sometimes too much education is not a quality you want to promote in a "down-range ballistic recovery unit"(infantryman.. :0P Appreciate your perspective. Regards, Ron