Comments on: Effort Against the US Military In Elementary Schools

By: Stuporburg

Stuporburg — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:50:36 +0000

I suppose some anti-war types either refuses to chill out or get real. (Probably both, considering their ideological/dogmatic stance towards anything tainted with military.) Military is just another career choice, no more and no less, especially once the draft became abolished after the Vietnam War. The current generation of Americans do not even have a single cent of worth of exposure to conscription! Also, military provides a significant 'social valve' for youngsters from disadvantaged social classes — if nothing else, there is G.I. Bill and numerous technical training available while in uniform, and college tuition is not a joking matter nowdays.

Another issue with regards to ideological/dogmatic anti-war types is that, while they easily criticize or ridicule the military, most of them have very little idea about what the military is about, how it operates, and why it sticks to a certain set of traditions even if it appears bizarre to those who are unfamiliar.

Finally, because the current US Armed Forces is an all-volunteer outfit, its recruiting behavior is practically no different from the civilian job market. All of them want a pool of youngsters who have good education (and equally importantly physical for the military) and no criminal record.

By: ChickenHead

ChickenHead — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:52:14 +0000

I have a good memory of a soldier in a fancy uniform coming to class and giving a talk in elementary school.

The military is an important part of America's culture and a key to its success. A once-a-year visit from a military representative is not only appropriate, it is necessary as part of the education of what it is to be American.

If the parents think otherwise, it is their job to communicate with their children and explain their viewpoints… and hope that by being good parents, the children respect their ideas more than the guy who showed up to their class and spoke for an hour.

This applies to just about everything else in life that may or may not "damage" young minds. Kids are going to learn everything on the Street anyway. Sheltering them from reality runs a big risk of them learning a skewed version of it.

Admirable representatives of authority figures and professionals such as policemen, firemen, scientists, doctors and soldiers, should be introduced to children each year so understanding and respect for the foundations of American society can be built.

While some of these groups may screw it up later, the default feelings of American citizens should be positive and respectful towards these people.

By: Teadrinker

Teadrinker — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:48:52 +0000

By the way, soldiers did visit my school when I was a kid. It's almost insulting to suggest that's why I joined.

By: Teadrinker

Teadrinker — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:40:21 +0000

Okay, that comment is just plain loopy.

Whether the parent likes it or not, her kid already knew about the military. I would surmise that the kid probably thought, erroneously, that all soldiers ever did was kill (whether she had something to do with this, one can only guess…but I suspect she did). Clearly, the soldiers who visited dispelled that belief, which makes the visit a very positive one, in my opinion (and a very threatening one in her eyes).

By: Leon LaPorte

Leon LaPorte — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:20:15 +0000

In some countries they only have one occupation represented on career day: suicide bomber. So, I reckon these parents should be happy their kids are going to school in the US rather than Pakistan or Indonesia.

By: usinkorea@hotmail.co

usinkorea@hotmail.co — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:27:21 +0000

I will be curious to see what happens in 10 years or so – once the 60s-70s counter-culture and counter-culture fadists have passed from primary positions in the society. Obama is a fadists, but I don't think he represents a generational thing. Bill and Hillary are the last of that era.

What I want to see is if new generations will rise up like that to keep in going in places like education – or will the Reagan-baby types turn some tide?