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A letter writer today contends that everyone who supports the war in Iraq is a coward or hypocrite unless he or she volunteers to fight.
That idea would have shut up Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and those other cowardly hypocrites in Philadelphia back in 1776. Their Declaration of Independence was full of fighting words, but those three called on others to back them up on the battlefield.
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Comments (2)
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I always tell people that the military is smarter than you think, they turned me down as a volunteer in 1972. Maybe they have lowered their standards and I can try again as the oldest guy in boot camp.
On a more serious note, support of the war does not require military service anymore than opposition should require you to put your plan for Iraq and the region to work. Your point about Franklin, Jefferson, et al, is correct.
However, returning to my opening statement, it has been said that we are sending the wrong folks to fight. Maybe middle-aged guys who are overworked, overtaxed, tired of raising teenagers, and dealing with menopausal women would love the chance to go do some fighting. Our survival skills and instincts are more honed than the average 18 year old. Our physical condition will not compare, but a lot of 40 year olds carried the load in WWII. Who knows what would happen with the adrenaline pumping and bullets flying? Another day like yesterday at work and I might be willing to give it a shot.
Posted on June 10, 2005 10:47 AM
Gilbert, I understand your point about teenagers. I'm not going to touch the comment about wives.
Don't forget, today's military offers almost equal opportunities for women. They might be the ones who want to get away.
Posted on June 10, 2005 10:56 AM