So many people, on this blog as well as other places claim that, “If I can go to war at 18, why can’t I…<fill in the blank>.”
Not that I have a problem, per se, with those who do go to war for our country (I was one of them- as were my: husband, brother, father, grandfathers, etc).
I joined for one reason, not for college money (I received NONE), or any other reason except to give back to all of those brave men and women who had so unselfishly laid their lives on the line for the freedoms that I now enjoy. I thought it was the least I can do.
My problem is this- of those out there that use this argument how many of you really would even go to war? How many would truly join the military?
As our country becomes a land of, dare I say, “PANSIES” I doubt many at all would even consider it. I think ALL, yes I said ALL citizens would learn invaluable lessons, etc. if only they had to serve a mandatory two year tour in the military.
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I do think everyone would do well to serve overseas for a couple years. But not to kill people.
I do see your point, but I see theirs as well. I think a big issue is "well if I can go to war at 18, why cant I drink". And, I have to agree. I'm 20, and my boyfriend is 24. It makes it ridiculously hard to go out, even to EAT without getting carded and turned away. Now, in my opinion, for those who do go to war at 18, 19, 20, the idea that they are mature enough that we can put guns in their hands and put their lives on the line and ship them away from their families and expect them to be capable of killing someone, whether warrented or not, but not mature enough to drink a beer is slightly...unbalanced.
My boyfriend is Canadian, and in Canada the drinking age is 19. I think that's a totally decent age. In my opinion, I think it would have a very positive outcome on teens in terms of reducing DWI. Most of the people I know who were involved in DWI reports were a.) underage and b.) driving because they were too afraid to tell their parents where they were going, or call their parents for a ride. It's hard being in college and not drinking, it's hard dating someone older and not being allowed to drink, and the idea that you can go to war, win, and come back and not be allowed to celebrate with your friends is a little unfair, in my opinion. You can drive, smoke cigarrettes, have sex, go to war, get married, get a job, but you can't have a beer? I mean, come on.
Up until a few years ago (during the time I served) anyone in the military could drink (on base).
As for the comment "It makes it ridiculously hard to go out, even to EAT without getting carded and turned away." and "It's hard being in college and not drinking, it's hard dating someone older and not being allowed to drink." Everyone has had to deal with that at some point. Others have survived it.
As for the positive outcome- I have to disagree with you on that. I think the only positive outcome would if we taught children from a young age (preferrably from birth) that it is "just another drink" as they do in Germany and Italy, etc. The fact that teens are afraid to contact their parents for a ride, etc is just proof positive that if we (as parents and other adults) teach our children TURE responsibility when it comes to drinking then thi wouldn't happen as often as it does.
Trust me as you get old, and you have children of your own your views on this subject will change.
~~~Jacque~~~
"About as subtle as a flying brick!" Check out my other blogs: http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/jacquedale
I don't think that the point is "what people will do." Rather, arguments revolving around the phrase "If I can go to war" propose that it takes a certain maturity level and decision-making process to choose to enlist in the armed forces, one that potentially surpasses the decision-making process to purchase alcohol, etc...
Yes, it absolutely has something to do with "what people will do." Think about this- do you really care if someone gripes and complains about the current state of the federal government if they didn't vote? If you don't then you are among the minority on this. It is the same type of thing.
So to your logic it would be fine for a 16-yr-old to own a gun and ammunition. Right?
It may seem that it "surpasses the decision-making process to purchase alcohol," however it doesn't. When you join the military- you train, hardcore train! You learn what to do, what not to do, etc. Most of all- you learn how, when and why to use your weapon. Something that simply CAN NOT be said for drinking alcohol.
~~~Jacque~~~
"About as subtle as a flying brick!" Check out my other blogs: http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/jacquedale
I don't necessarily mean to "fight," just to serve. They don't even have to be sent overseas. Just learning the discipline, wearing the uniform and seeing how life is on the othersideof the fence, so to speak.
~~~Jacque~~~
"About as subtle as a flying brick!" Check out my other blogs: http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/jacquedale