Thursday, July 28, 2016

In Need of Reality



For nearly two generations, no American has been obligated to join the military. Less than 0.5 percent of the population serves in the armed forces, compared with more than 12 percent during World War II. Even fewer of the privileged and powerful and their children shoulder arms. As you would expect...this separates the great majority from the reality every soldier faces. With nothing to risk...most Americans never have to concern themselves. The media doesn't show the body bags coming home anymore, or the faces of the parents, brothers, sisters, wives and husbands as they get a knock on their door. America is removed from this reality and we must bring it back with a national draft that places every child at risk...including the children of the privileged and powerful. Maybe, one day, enough of us will care if our children die. 

Click for a NY Times Article:

The Haunting faces of war:  

2 comments:

  1. I said I thought it was a terrible idea to no longer allow the row upon row of flag draped coffings arriving at Andrews. To me, there is a terrible beauty in that site. More recently, I posted a status report stating that I think everyone at age 18 should be required to do two years of service...military, peace corp, americorps, etc. NO deferments! People went berserk (highly exaggerated)...generally hated by all. During WWll, everyone did their part. It makes a difference!

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  2. Thanks, Lucy. The fewer folks having anything to lose the greater the chance for war. It's become too distant for concern.

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