Quote:
Originally Posted by AlmostGone  As an American citizen, I live in, arguably, the greatest country that has ever existed. There is freedom and opportunity to achieve whatever you can dream. With that freedom and opportunity comes an obligation and responsibility. It hasn't happened often, but when America has had a need to call young men to come to her aid, it was need, not want.
You can agree or disagree with this war or that war, but we can't cherry-pick when we'll defend our respective countries. Personally, if I knew I wouldn't step up when called to defend my country, I'd have the honor to leave before being called. To enjoy the benefits of being a citizen and then refusing to defend it, would be cowardly. |
Written like a true 1930s recruitment ad.
You sound younger than 18, so I'll explain why you're wrong. America is not the greatest country to have ever existed. Far from it, now. Your big talk is evidence of its weak education system.
Try reading "Freedom Under Siege" by Congressman Ron Paul--a man who, incidentally, I'm at odds with on other political issues. You mentioned the freedom to be whatever you want--an essential part of that freedom is the
choice to refuse military service. America was founded by people trying to get away from governments running their lives.
I suggest that you speak with people that have actually served--in
real wars, not training exercises. Forget everything the WW2 recreationists and weekend warriors tell you. Those make-believe soldiers are what I call "cowards".
I, for one, have family members who lived through--and served in--WW2.
You'll be surprised to learn that military service isn't everything it's made out to be. The Nazis, for instance, said nothing of the death camps they were running. The story sold to the German people was that they were "under attack".
The sad truth is that your response could very well belong to a young man living in Germany during WW2. Hopefully, as you take some high school history courses, you'll expand your horizons outside of Fox News, and learn how your great country works.
And if you are old enough to serve, then I must ask why you aren't in the military right now. How can you enjoy the benefits of citizenship, when your military has need of young men like yourself?
"To enjoy the benefits of being a citizen and then refusing to defend it, would be cowardly."
If you're old enough to defend it, then take your own advice. Go to Iraq and lend a hand.