PATIENCE ON IRAQ:
What choice do we have? By every stretch of the imagination, the "powers that be" are failing the "Dover" test. ( Dover test refers to Hugh Shelton's quote first made in 1999 , and then again in Jan 2000: "(M)ust be subjected to what I call the 'Dover test.' Is the American public prepared for the sight of our most precious resource coming home in flag-draped caskets into Dover Air Force Base in Delaware -- which is a point entry for our Armed Forces"). The public's support for the war is waning; their reaction is negative to so many war casualties.
From 76 percent support for the war two years ago to 42 percent today. I agree with an Ohio State Professor who said, "There's a general sense that this is a mess; and, no matter how far forward you look, it is hard to see how it gets less messy."
Think the comparison of Vietnam and Iraq or Iraqnam (as I want to say): In 1968, when the TET offensive happened upon us; Casualties were about 7000; and, by the time Vietnam was history, deaths had topped 58,000! Are we going to be in Iraqnam for ten years? I think so as we are playing this out--casualties moving toward 2000 and wounded above 5000.
The President doesn't have to worry about re-election as the war and its mismanagement weren't enough to get people excited to vote him out of office. But, there's evidence that the natives are getting restless: no exit strategy, a philosophy and plan that seems to be mainly nothing more than hoping things are going to be OK. If the opposition continues to grow, as it did when we were at about the same spot over Vietnam, we're in for some tough times.
I think patience is called for, but I also think that it is time for a concrete plan, a strategy. If we don't, casualties will creep up and up; and, when it is said and done, what have we accomplished?All spin aside, like Vietnam, nothing! Let's pray this is not the case.
JHL
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Don't Shoot The Messenger: By all accounts, military recruiters are facing untold hostility just in trying to do their jobs. It is Vietnam revisited: Iraqnam!!! I can surely understand the resistance of parents; afterall, 1700 dead Americans and 6000 wounded in Iraq is no small thing. And, parental resistance is a problem. Recruiters are telling stories of kids signing on the dotted line, getting them all the way to the starting line and wham-o, the resistance of the parents is so strong, they back out.
Recruiting is tougher in urban centers obviously but supposedly not in the South and rural area, where military service is more often considered a duty and a rite of passage. Why is a good question? I would not want to attribute too much to the South in terms of patriotism, but facts are facts. From a 2002 Pentagon study of troops on active duty, something like 43% are Southerners. One would be hard pressed to go through a household in Dixie and not find some "connection" to the military. The two states, according to the study, with the highest percentage of military, is Louisiana and South Carolina. The state with the lowest number serving is Massachusetts. Now there is a surprise!
From the South, I too was filled with pride and patriotism. I can still remember walking through my house growing up, there were all my brothers pictures in uniform scattered throughout. The day I went in, I had my picture taken and immediately sent it to my Mom. It could be in our genes.
The recruiters are like anybody; they are working the phones, cold calling--approaching kids at bus stops. They go to high schools. And, they are not well received! A lot of teachers, counselors, and administrators don't want them on campus. This seems a little unseemly to me as they are just doing their jobs. Many of the schools have a kind of subtle benign resistance, they throw their pamphlets away.
The Marines, in many cases, just looking those few good men, can't take everybody; example: if a kid is overweight, or busted for smoking pot, a no go recruit. In my way of thinking, the military is exactly where they ought to be. Shape the fat kid up and pound some sense into a possible drug user. This would happen in an AllServe mandatory community service environment.
To simply oppose kids from going into the military is one thing, but there are groups who actively make the recruiters jobs almost impossible. One group called Peace People distributes pamphlets on military life, the draft, and how to get out of a commitment once you've enlisted. Recruiters say they face all sorts of insults and screaming on campus. "I don't' think it's like this in Texas," one says, rolling his eyes.
According to one article, at some schools there are "counter recruiters." Another group is called, Raging Grannies. Sometimes, they are not grannies but dressed up like them. Some have on buttons or have signs that make fun of the Army. One sign read, "Travel to exotic foreign lands, meet interesting people and kill them." The Grannies say they just want to tell the full truth about the military.
What is fascinating is that you would think that the military is like some negative institution dedicated to America's destruction as opposed to defense. The Grannies say the recruiters stretch the truth, i. e, once you've signed the enlistment papers, you cannot change your mind. Untrue say the Grannies--a fact that the recruiters forget to mention. The Grannies believe that the military is targeting the disadvantaged and those with few opportunities. I think so. Yes, those with little prospects and why not? What is wrong with this?
Let's face it. The military is no "day at the beach." It is not a democracy. You don't get to choose; but, then again, it is what discipline is all about. America's youth could use a little of that I would think. Another group called Vets For Peace is very active. One says "When I talk to students, I try to make it very clear to them: the purpose of the military is to kill; and, in the process, you might be killed." Potential enlistees get a lot of talk from recruiters about travel and money for a college education say the military detractors. But the truth is, most people in the military don't get to travel and only a small percentage ever use their educational benefits. I'm not so sure that is true.
What it boils down to, in many ways, is respecting the right of kids to make adult decisions. They are not stupid and can be discerning enough to know the smoke and mirrors from real facts. Afterall, they've weaned themselves in buying cars and as consumers. For instance, I don't think we have to tell them that being in the Marines is a twenty-four hour job nor is it a piece of cake.Once you're in the military, you're under its control 24 hours a day, every day. You can be ordered to do any task, work any hours. It is what's called dedication by Marine standards, it is called the military. And, for most American kids, it would be a good thing.
We're not going to sort out situations like Iraq any time soon, but military recruiters are not the problem. They are just doing their jobs and ought to be left alone and certainly not denigrated. Let's respect the rights of kids to choose; and, in the privacy of their own homes, if they parents want to object, so be it. My thoughts.
KT
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(AFP/Yuri Cortez) |
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