Most Likely to Succeed — and Serve, and Sacrifice
Those who assume young men who choose the military don't have what it takes to succeed in other areas haven't heard of the remarkable servicemen from Chaminade High School.
Honoring the brave Americans who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan requires more than passive acknowledgment. We must also actively defend them from ongoing attempts to disparage their service. Of the numerous smears directed against our troops, the most pernicious is that they lack the intelligence, education, or opportunities to succeed in anything else.
John Kerry’s warning that students had better work hard or “get stuck in Iraq” is just one example of elites depicting America’s men and women in uniform as downtrodden losers. Stephen King recently echoed the senator when he argued that learning to read can help a person avoid the Army. Likewise, Charlie Rangel often claims that the military is dominated by minorities and the poor, who enlist out of sheer desperation. And cartoonist Ted Rall sunk to the lowest possible level by speculating that the average IQ will soar once enough soldiers die in Iraq.
A report by Heritage Foundation scholar Tim Kane thoroughly debunks this received “wisdom.” Compared to young people in the general population, military recruits are more likely to have a high school diploma and originate from households with larger incomes. Also, the racial distribution of new recruits closely parallels that of the country as a whole. So much for the armed forces exploiting the ignorant and indigent.
Of course, statistics can go only so far in countering myths about those who protect America’s freedom. To truly dispel the fictions peddled by Kerry, King, Rangel, Rall, and others, a more personal touch is needed. And thus I turn to the remarkable servicemen from the equally remarkable institution I attended as a teenager.
Long Island’s Chaminade High School is a private, all-male, Roman Catholic academy known for its rigorous curriculum and well-dressed students (jackets and ties required). Most families that send their sons to Chaminade are middle class and above, and in a typical year more than 99% of graduates proceed to higher education. But while its alumni include a former senator and countless titans of business and industry, no group is as cherished as those who serve their nation during wartime.
Such pride is on full display in the lobby, where a plaque compiles the names of graduates lost in combat over the school’s eight decades. Fifty-five young men have joined the ranks of the Gold Star Alumni; one of them, Stephen Karopczyc (Class of ‘61), posthumously received America’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor. Each fall the student body gathers to commemorate these heroes at the Gold Star Mass.
During his final weeks as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Peter Pace visited Chaminade to pay tribute to Guido Farinaro (Class of ‘67), whom he called the “single most influential military person in my life.” The first marine to die under Pace’s command, Farinaro left quite a mark: “As with all classes in Chaminade, the vast majority went on to college, but Guido joined the Marine Corps. When asked why, he said he was born in Italy, raised in the United States, and had the opportunity to attend this incredible school and felt the need to pay back the country before he did any more schooling.”
A new generation of alumni is carrying on Farinaro’s legacy. Chaminade’s website lists scores of graduates now serving in the armed forces, many on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. Three have been killed attempting to bring security and stability to the Iraqi people. Their stories say much about the type of American who puts on the uniform, picks up a rifle, and performs tasks that few of us could truly comprehend.
Ronald Winchester (Class of ‘97) and Michael LiCalzi (Class of ‘00) followed similar trajectories. Each excelled in academics and athletics at Chaminade High School and beyond. Each graduated from the United States Naval Academy as a Marine Corps lieutenant. And, sadly, each lost his life in Iraq’s once-tumultuous al-Anbar province — Winchester on September 3, 2004, and LiCalzi on May 11, 2006.
James Regan (Class of ‘98) took a different path. He attended Duke, earning a degree in economics and starring on the lacrosse team — yes, that lacrosse team. A law school scholarship and a lucrative job offer awaited him, but he had a higher calling. He enlisted in February 2004 on his way to qualifying as an Army Ranger. His fiancée Mary recalled his motives: “He said, ‘If I don’t do it, then who will do it?’” After multiple tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq, Regan met a tragic end on February 9, 2007. Three months later, on Memorial Day, Mary’s graveside vigil at Arlington National Cemetery would become one of the iconic images from the home front.
Regan, like so many from his high school, was deeply affected by 9/11. That morning, its prominence in the business world condemned the Chaminade community to unspeakable pain. According to school president Rev. James Williams, fifteen alumni and the fathers of four then-current students were killed at the World Trade Center. The list of graduates’ deceased family members stretched into the dozens, giving flesh to Mayor Giuliani’s chilling remark about anticipated casualties: “more than any of us can bear.”
But even in the aftermath of that darkest of days, a Chaminade man’s service and sacrifice found the spotlight. President Bush addressed Congress on September 20, 2001, pledging to never forget the horrors that had just befallen America. To underscore his point, he lifted the badge of George Howard (Class of ‘75), an off-duty Port Authority policeman who had raced to the scene hoping to save lives, only to lose his own.
What brought George Howard to those burning skyscrapers? Why did James Regan put his promising young life on hold to join the Army? What inspired Ronald Winchester and Michael LiCalzi to plan a career of service to the United States?
With the British Channel at his back on the fortieth anniversary of D-Day, President Reagan posed similar questions about the “boys of Pointe du Hoc,” those courageous souls who risked so much to secure the first beachheads in occupied France. His description of what drove them applies equally well to most members of the American armed forces today — and as the Chaminade men demonstrate, it has nothing to do with a lack of intelligence or education or opportunities.
“It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love. … You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for.”
David J. Rusin is a Philadelphia-based editor for Pajamas Media. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Pennsylvania.
 |
 |
 |
Podcasts |  PJM Home |
Pajamas Media appreciates your comments that abide by the following guidelines:
1. Avoid profanities or foul language unless it is contained in a necessary quote or is relevant to the comment.
2. Stay on topic.
3. Disagree, but avoid ad hominem attacks.
4. Threats are treated seriously and reported to law enforcement.
5. Spam and advertising are not permitted in the comments area.
The clause regarding "hate speech" has been deleted because readers criticized it as being too loosely defined. We agreed.
These guidelines are very general and cannot cover every possible situation. Please don't assume that Pajamas Media management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment. We reserve the right to filter or delete comments or to deny posting privileges entirely at our discretion. If you feel your comment was filtered inappropriately, please email us at story@pajamasmedia.com.
28 Comments
1. Everett R Littlefield:Thank you sir for putting up this post. I am a 20 year Navy retired Airdale, living on Block Island, a small Island to the north and east of LI. I just become enraged by comments like those of Kerry and company, and wonder why they do it other than to try and glorify themselves in some twisted way. I’ve heard these same disparaging remarks all through my career. Well, when I joined in 1956, I DID come from an economically disadvantaged area, but it had nothing to do with why I enlisted. I did it for the patriotic reasons, my Uncle gave his live over Germany in a shot down B-17, and I wanted to honor that man. But also, I was in love with the sound and sight of the planes of the time and it was a sure way of becoming involved in aviation. Oh BTW, I have returned to that disadvantaged area where my ancestors have lived for 340+ years, and run a small business with gross income of well over $1 million. So if that is what happens to young militarily trained men, why then I say, “bring it on”. Thanks again too you and have a memorable Memorial Day. It is nice to know that there are still people out there who understand what it is all about and just who it is that continues to let us all live in freedom! Everett R Littlefield
May 26, 2008 - 3:41 am 2. jvon:Yes well if you were REALLY smart, like Kerry, you could have married a rich woman who owned a ketchup company and you wouldn’t have even had to work.
Maybe that is what he meant.
May 26, 2008 - 7:04 am 3. Don:The trouble with 21st century America is one of obligation and good faith. The drive seems to be to (with this cult of self “ueber alles”) fragment us. With no “greater good” for us to feel an obligation we have generation(s) whose sole motivation seems self and self stimulation. The few who do feel that obligation the majority owe much to (and don’t seem to realize it). To shed familiarity, comfort and safety to do much in the name of others is an obligation that those of us who serve forget about sometimes. We assume shared sacrifice is normal, and those of us in combat become closer than families (many doing heroic acts without consideration because their buddies lives are at risk). The obligation to something bigger than self, and absolute faith and trust in others seems an anathema to most of our civilian counterparts, it’s not that they are incapable, it’s that our culture seems to be fragmenting in ways that discourages any faith in people outside of ones personal category (perhaps out of some political movement’s belief in strength through divergence . . . “divide and conquer”?). I keep on going back to Heinlein’s book “Starship Troopers” . . . the template that borrowed much from what the Swiss have done traditionally . . . serve the “greater good” for a period of time as an obligation of that citizenship. Now we have politicians (as well as writers and entertainers) making statements as stupid (ignorance can be unlearned) as Kerry’s and King’s.
Every one of these service-members are a precious resource, so whether in service, or transitioning into the civilian world (properly) treated with respect they can be the most productive members of any type of organization. They are used to an ethic (and hopefully most take this to heart) “Mission and Troops before Self”. This theme by itself makes them different in a world where “what have you done for me today”, “Not my Job”, and “baby it’s all about me” seem the typical work ethic.
May 26, 2008 - 8:02 am 4. 11B40:Greetings:
While it wasn’t exactly the author’s point, it’s nice to read something positive about the Catholic school system.
In this time of continuing problems with the public school system, I am amazed how the history of the Catholic school system is generally ignored. It is an example of a not exactly welcomed minority addressing its own difficulties, not by begging for or demanding government assistance, but by putting its hands in its own pockets and developing and funding an alternate school system that not only advanced the values of the Catholic faith but also those of its adherents and of the American faith.
May 26, 2008 - 10:25 am 5. Jude:I joined the Navy in 1956 and saw first hand the quality of the men of our military and I also see the filth of senator kerry. I will not give him the honor of capitalizing his name or office for the filthy excuse of that man.
May 26, 2008 - 2:58 pm 6. Tim:I am retired Navy and did a tour as a recruiter from 96-99. Most of the school officials were shocked when I explained that only about 40% of the graduting class was egible to join the Navy. Most young people are not qualified, over weight, medical problem or can’t pass the ASAB. Most can’t join even if they understand that “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE” !
May 26, 2008 - 3:09 pm 7. Dan:For Kerry it is personal, He thinks all military are as low class as he is. He just married rich. Same with Charlie only he didn’t marry rich.
May 26, 2008 - 3:10 pm 8. QuickRob:Happy Memorial Day, and a “THANK YOU” to all who have served or are serving this great country.
May 26, 2008 - 3:44 pm 9. B.G.:-Rob
The picture of James Regan’s fiance at his grave will stay with me until I die. I am so proud of him and what he stood for, and I pray for Mary and also for his family. God bless them, and God bless our United States of America.
May 26, 2008 - 6:16 pm 10. John Moore:I joined the Navy (aircrew) during the height of the Vietnam War. I didn’t have to – my father was a university professor and my mother a school teacher.
But the serviced offered an opportunity to do something meaningful while gaining diverse experience with people outside my sheltered world, and it gave me a chance to experience hardship and loss of privilege – something more boomers should have experienced.
For me, the service was a benefit. For many, it is the nation that benefits. For the elite like Obama and Kerry… well, they just don’t get it.
May 26, 2008 - 7:20 pm 11. DG:I am the mother of 3 children of which 2 are boys. They both stated as children that they wanted to be military. I didn’t deny them that desire. Neither qualified due to medical reasons. I did tell them regardless of their military acceptance or not, their contribution to this country could be in other forms. I encouraged them to vote as soon as they turned 18. I taught them that it was their duty to be informed and that it could hinge on one vote and it does matter. As their mother, I believed that my greatest duty is to teach them that freedom is never free: that it is such an honor that they were born and raised as an American. To dishonor any other person’s sacrifice for that freedom would be tantamount to treason in my eyes. I don’t know if I am right or wrong yet, as they are still young, and in truth, I may never know. What I do know is this; though I run free in this country…I run side by side with the spirits of so many of my people in the pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness for all and I will teach my children that.
May 27, 2008 - 11:20 am 12. D Harvey:Meaningful, purposeful, a reason to be, something important, something not exactly necessary but exceeding important. These people, the ones who see beyond the ordinary, who understand the extraordinary importance of the individual and his/her freedom. These to whom duty, honor, country are more than mear words. These folks who we can never find enough of, can ill aford to lose any and yet somehow for some reason always seem to find enough of them in time.
May 27, 2008 - 11:41 am 13. Steve:God Bless the U.S. Military and all its members.
I joined the military when I was 18 and in the months leading up to it I suffered no end of grief from my family. They didn’t want me to join and they scoffed at the main reason I gave them, I wanted to serve my country. To them I was naive, after all you don’t do anything that doesn’t benefit you or your immediate friends and family. I did 4 years in and while I didn’t re-enlist I view that time as the most important turning point in my life. To the Stephen King and the rest they are fools who play down military service because they want to make their own lack of service a non-issue.
May 27, 2008 - 12:35 pm 14. Scott:“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” Thomas Jefferson
May 27, 2008 - 3:35 pm 15. neil:It is sad that there are so many ignorant people in the entertainment busines.
Great article. I was a British Army officer who spent 2 years on exchange with the US Army. We get much the same from the gilded elite over here. Yes, the same ones who have messed up the latest war against Islamic fascists – ooh, sorry, can’t call them that now in the Pentagon etc – misguided whatevers…Anyway, do a quick survey of all the owners and managers of local businesses and see how many have a military background. I guarantee you the military will be disproportionatel over-represented.
May 28, 2008 - 4:22 am 16. Eric W.:The canards the wimps throw are the only response the gutless can come up with to those who turn their face to the battle and volunteer to take their chances to defend what they believe in and hold dear. Well done and thank you to the US and coalition military service men and women who have the guts and gumption to serve.
Thank you for this great article. I did 22 years in the Army and was proud to serve. My brother is retired Air Force, my father was in the Air Force, and my father-in-law was in WW2 and flew in the Berlin Airlift.
May 28, 2008 - 5:51 am 17. 18Z5HW9:Those that never served can ever really appreciate the sacrifices our men and women in the armed forces make daily. I am thankful for the great Americans that serve.
Thank you for pointing out that the military is not a bunch of poor, uneducated misfits that can not find a job.
May 28, 2008 - 5:55 am 18. Gypsy:They are not ’stuck in Iraq’ as Kerry would have everyone believe. They VOLUNTEERED to serve in the military, and many VOLUNTEERED to serve subsequent tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the lesser known battlefields of the Philippines and in the Horn of Africa.
Thank you,
May 28, 2008 - 3:36 pm 19. Javelin:Former Marine Mustang, wife of a National Guard soldier that has served once in Afghanistan and probably soon to go to Iraq. Both college graduates, neither rich nor poor, but happy to serve.
As usual, the Heritage Foundation is great at churning out the factoids and lies the right needs to go on:
May 28, 2008 - 8:50 pm 20. David J. Rusin:“…..Also, the racial distribution of new recruits closely parallels that of the country as a whole. So much for the armed forces exploiting the ignorant and indigent.”
First off, the percentage of blacks in the military is twice the national average, so already the Heritage is doing it’s job of spreading dishonest propaganda, but heck, why let little facts get in the way?
So let’s start more wars and restart the draft so we can brutalize and regulate more people in military thinking. Just remember, the Fascists and the Nazi’s ranks were composed of the kind of angry, brutalized servicemen who felt cheated by their country in the last war. This is just the kind of masturbatory crap that the John Wayne types here need.
Javelin:
Here is the race/ethnicity distribution of American military deaths during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to a Congressional Research Service report (see page 3), the combat fatality numbers as of March 1, 2008, are: White (74.8%), Hispanic/Latino (10.7%), Black (9.5%), Asian (1.9%), Mixed or unknown (1.1%), Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (1.1%), American Indian or Alaska Native (1.0%).
Data compiled in a Brookings Institution report (see page 19) yield a nearly identical distribution.
These percentages are quite close to those of the United States as a whole, as you can easily check.
End of story.
May 28, 2008 - 9:53 pm 21. Redmanfms:“So let’s start more wars and restart the draft so we can brutalize and regulate more people in military thinking.”
I don’t remember being brutalized in the Navy, but what do I know, I was only *actually* in the military.
BTW, the draft is not the answer, as anybody who has served will tell you. I know I certainly wouldn’t have wanted some whiny malcontented leftist douchebag standing watch with me while on alert under the Atlantic.
Charlie Rangel (D-NY) is the only person who promoted the idea of reintroducing the draft.
“Just remember, the Fascists and the Nazi’s ranks were composed of the kind of angry, brutalized servicemen who felt cheated by their country in the last war.”
So, basically you’re saying that the Democrats and other assorted lefties who feel cheated because they were drafted are the new Nazis??? I heartily agree!!
Mr Rusin,
Good job pointing out fact v. fiction.
May 29, 2008 - 8:23 pm 22. Eero:Greetings,
I am a Finnish citizen and my point of view is based on the information we get here in Northern Europe. Fighting for democracy and freedom seem to us like a big lie to cover the true reasons behind Iraq/Afghan wars.
But why are US soldiers fighting in Iraq? Is this really the war against terrorism? In my opinion this is a war to guarantee US rights to rich oilfields. This is an oilwar disguised as fight for democracy. There were no chemical weapons in Iraq and no nuclear weapons as US government claimed but while they knew this it was a perfect cover to start a war. How about the Afghan war? An easy way to test new weapons in a remote area?
When things go wrong at home couple wars help to shift the attention away from problems at home. It is like Republic of Rome revisited.
What about western democracy? What is it really about. The more west we go the more it is about money. That is why western democracies have supported fascist and military juntas in the past. To ensure the safe business of big companies which in turn finance the politicians. Real freedom is bad for business. It is sad to see how the poor people seem to get whacked all the time cause they have little value in face of big profits for global companies. Who cares about couple thousand dead civilians when US is “bringing freedom and democracy” to Iraq and Afghanistan. It seems like those two countries have a big majority who don’t want our western democracy. Or can you explain why they are fighting back so eagerly?
US troops are invaders in a foreign country. Iraqis are fighting for their freedom. Honor your opponents, recognize their rights to their own patriotism and you will understand why they make suicide attacks and fight back their own way. Most Iraqis are just ordinary people who want peace.
What comes to your congressmen. They have their right to think independently and disagree with the present US policy. It is true that offensive wars on the other side of the globe are difficult if they don’t have support from home. Was this Iraq war really necessary? Some of your congressmen seem to think no.
I am just as patriotic as US soldiers. I only have a different point of view. If my country would be invaded, I would fight back no matter how hopeless the situation would seem. I would fight for my loved ones and for all my country stands for. Still I honor the US soldiers who are doing their duty, they are just small pieces in a big machinery doing what they are told. Peace to your souls.
Jun 1, 2008 - 1:58 am 23. Redmanfms:Eero,
The reasoning for the invasion of Afghanistan should be evident, even to a numbskull like you.
The invasion of Iraq was legal based on Iraq’s refusal to abide by the cease fire agreement it signed with the United States in 1991, and the violation of 16 UN resolutions to follow. That the mission now is to stabilize Iraq and set up a meaningful democracy is just gravy, so to speak.
As to your contention that the invasion of Iraq was predicated on securing its oil resources, $4/gallon at the pump in the U.S. proves this to be a fallacy.
Jun 1, 2008 - 9:10 pm 24. Pajamas Media » How Volunteerism Became Un-American:[...] read with interest the Pajamas Media article by David J. Rusin entitled “Most Likely to Succeed — And Serve, and Sacrifice” over Memorial Day weekend, debunking the myth that only ignorant, downtrodden types join the [...]
Jun 3, 2008 - 1:30 am 25. Eero:Dear Redmanfms,
No matter how much you call me numbskull, which is not very mature btw, I still refuse to believe the propaganda US army feeds us.
I can read, so I know the official reasons for Afhgan War. Bush would have never been re-elected without 9/11 attacks so he had to begin the war against terrorism. Tough call. CIA knew about the attacks but US war industry needed a new opponent after the Soviet Union fell to keep the wheels and dollars rolling.
What comes to Iraq, legal based attack etc. is what US government told the press to get acceptance to the attack from the world. Bush Jr. wanted to finish what his father Bush started. First US financed Iraqis in their war against Iran and after they couldn’t control Saddam.
At the start of the war, U.S. officials argued that Iraq and its alleged weapons of mass destruction posed an imminent threat to the interest of the United States, Europe and the other nations of the Middle East. The intelligence was supported by British intelligence, as well as given tacit support by Russian and German intelligence. But the intelligence was also criticized by others and weapons inspectors found no evidence of WMD. After the invasion, the Iraq Survey Group concluded that Iraq had ended its WMD programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion, but that they intended to resume production if and when the Iraq sanctions were lifted. Although some earlier degraded remnants of misplaced or abandoned WMD were found, they were not the weapons for which the coalition invaded. Some U.S. officials claimed Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda had been cooperating, but no evidence of any collaborative relationship has been found. Other reasons for the invasion stated by officials included concerns over Iraq’s financial support for the families of Palestinian suicide bombers, Iraqi government human rights abuses, spreading democracy, and Iraq’s oil reserves, although the latter has been denied by other officials.
The war in Iraq looks strongly like an offensive war, no better than the German invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938. It is an invasion to guarantee oil rights. I don’t care about the gasoline prises in US. This oil thing goes WAY beyond that. US lost Venezuelan oil fields after Chavez came to power and US sorely needs to control the flow of oil to have their share of the oil markets. US gasoline money is pennies compared to the oil needs of the rising dragon of China!!! China is one big reason for huge rises in the oil prices and of course US owned oil companies want to keep their share of profits. If you can count 1+1 you can see the connection here…almost half of China’s oil come from the Middle East and the consumption is on the rise.
I quite believe what the original text says, patriotism and loyalty drives young people to serve in the US Army. You must hate Michael Moore but in his document about 9/11 he claims that drafting is most effective in areas with high unemployment rates, among people with no clear future. Fancy schools tend to produce officers and special troops. The poorer folks do most of the basic fighting.
Jun 4, 2008 - 9:06 am 26. in remembrance:[...] thorough read!! Don’t miss the fine photos either!Thank you on this day of remembrance for them ALL!http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/most-likely-to-succeed-and-serve-and-sacrifice/Sheryl&39s Holiday Site: Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, Armistice DaySheryl&39s Holiday Site: [...]
Jun 7, 2008 - 5:26 pm 27. Redmanfms:“No matter how much you call me numbskull, which is not very mature btw, I still refuse to believe the propaganda US army feeds us.”
US Army propaganda??? Oh boy, I think you may have a problem with your grasp on reality.
“I can read, so I know the official reasons for Afhgan War. Bush would have never been re-elected without 9/11 attacks so he had to begin the war against terrorism. Tough call. CIA knew about the attacks but US war industry needed a new opponent after the Soviet Union fell to keep the wheels and dollars rolling.”
More baloney, buts it’s plenty interesting.
“What comes to Iraq, legal based attack etc. is what US government told the press to get acceptance to the attack from the world.”
So the entire world is stupid. That or legally-binding agreements between nations mean absolutely nothing….
“CIA knew about the attacks but US war industry needed a new opponent after the Soviet Union fell to keep the wheels and dollars rolling.”
Cute, and completely false.
“US lost Venezuelan oil fields after Chavez came to power and US sorely needs to control the flow of oil to have their share of the oil markets.”
Funny, the Venezualans are still one of our largest suppliers of oil.
“US gasoline money is pennies compared to the oil needs of the rising dragon of China!!! China is one big reason for huge rises in the oil prices and of course US owned oil companies want to keep their share of profits. If you can count 1+1 you can see the connection here…almost half of China’s oil come from the Middle East and the consumption is on the rise.”
I don’t know exactly where you are trying to go with this statement, it certainly doesn’t follow the line that the U.S. invaded Iraq for its oil resources.
It would be a strong argument for China’s continuing support of a genocidal regime in the Sudan however….
“The poorer folks do most of the basic fighting.”
Really? I came from a middle-class home with a private school education and a college degree and I was far from unique amongst my fellow sailors. The average education of a U.S. servicemember is 13.5 years, meaning that most servicemen have some college. Your phenomenal ignorance of the U.S. military is absolutely breathtaking. You should probably just do yourself a favor and not feign knowledge on a subject you so very clearly ignorant, because those of us who actually served (or know anybody who served) know better.
I don’t hate Micheal Moore at all, I see him as a terribly misguided, hypocritical, dissembler who is a tool of the enemies of the United States. His “documentary” is like all of his other work, poorly researched and dishonestly edited.
Jun 18, 2008 - 4:30 pm 28. Pat:Regardless of whether a war is considered favorably or not, any nation depends upon the strength of its military to prevent invasion and take over by other nations – as a matter of tradition.
If and when the world decides to prevent this form of assault, the world can dispense with a military and focus upon productivity rather than warfare. That day hasn’t arrived.
What did arrive, though, as long as mankind has recorded history, is the preference for military honor as opposed to dishonor. For those who capitalize upon military dishonor, it is as crippling as to have no military at all.
Regardless of what the government does to impede or to support the military, there can be no military without inductees or volunteers – so the hypocrisy has real impact upon all citizens. No nation can afford to play with the fire of hypocrisy surrounding its military and still expect to have one.
Jun 5, 2009 - 11:00 am