"...we part with tender relations stretching far behind us, that never can be exactly renewed..."
Your son sounds like one anyone could be proud of. I have two sons myself - but I'm sad that he sees going into the military as a way to help people. And thinks he will be a 'liberator and teacher of oppressed people.' To me this is just naiive and youthful idealism.
Iraq is a nation where 50% of the people are under fifteen years of age. And after reading Riverbend's blog 'Baghdad Burning'- I have a different take on what's really going on in Iraq. They are suffering tremendously after our invasion, in some ways even more than under Saddam.
IMHO, I think he could serve his fellow human beings even better by joining The Peace Corps. It gives a very positive image to others about this country without having to take a single life. My own experience was so inspiring and taught me that we have much to learn from other cultures. Also that we need to 'remove the mote from our own eye' before trying to remove it from others.
I agree! Questions come to mind however
1. how do you win this war?
2. where are the borders?
3. is war with Iran next?
4. will Pakistan become fundamentalist?
5. will Indonesia fall to fundamentalism?
6. how long before 1.2 billion Islamists bleed us dry?
7. is this going to be an inter-generational war without end?
Your son sounds like an outstanding young man. I will be praying for him.
while I agree that the Peace Core is a beneficial organization - it is but one arm of keeping the peace.
Does the Peace Corp serve deep in countries that are in turmoil of war?
Or does it depend on countries being relatively at peace?
Who makes the Peace?
We do well to remember those who make it possible to go our chosen ways...those who pay the price for us.
There are those in the world who cannot be 'negotiated' with - whose only goal is to subjugate or kill.
for example: Were it not for those willing to put all on the line, we'd still be ruled by Kings in Europe, we'd still have slavery here, we'd be speaking German or Japanese now - ... Thank you to all the Michaels for my life of freedom in a free country, in my own home...free to choose the days and ways of my life.
zenmoon,
Thanks for coming by and commenting. The Peace Corps is a noble way to serve others in various parts of the world, but keep in mind that in many of the countries where the Peace Corps serves, our Special Forces paved the way. And in a few instances where Peace Corps personal had to pulled out because of political unrest, it was our Special Forces that came in to save their butts.
Each has its specific purpose but both serve the needs of others who are in most need of help.
Scot
Euro,
Your questions are good ones that put into perspective just how dangerous the world has become. The cry from the Islamists is not mere saber rattling, it is the cry of death. They have the wind to their backs, and they are moving forward with their intent to rid the world of the infidels. My fear is that things are going to get a lot worse, especially in Europe. Case in point were the Danish cartoons that stirred the Muslims into a fatah frenzy of rioting and protest.
Scot
Patry,
Thanks for that. I appreciate your kind sentiment and your readership.
Scot
marianna,
Good to see you check in. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this, and for the kind sentiment expressed toward my son. Your readership is appreciated.
Scot
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I too ran across your blog through blogexplosion and you're son sounds like a great kid. I am a former airborne qualified member of the Special Operations community and I applaud his efforts.
I come from long line of soldiers (11th generation to be exact) and understand what the job of a soldier is and what I believe is the nobility of soldiering which is obviousely contrary to popular belief. I wish your son the best of luck with SFAS, the Q course and the rest of his career.
JS,
Thanks for the compliment. I'll stop by and take a look.
Scot
Dutch,
Thank you for coming by and taking the time to comment. Our armed forces represent a civilizing force throughout the world, and as long as there are those who would use their strength to strike out against others to advance their own views and prey upon the weaker, our soldiers will always be needed. Your encouragement toward my son is appreciated.
Scot
He sounds like a great kid (man); you must be so proud. I guess you never stop worrying about them,even when they've grown up.
Thanks, rdl:
Your kind thoughts are appreciated.
Scot
Although I find this war in Iraq distasteful, as a combat veteran of the Marines I believe that there is nothing as noble as serving ones' country in the Armed Forces. Those who serve don't make the wars...they follow orders. May God richly bless your brave son and his family and keep you safe.
Thanks, Moderate, for your kind words.
Scot,
what a beautiful piece! You must be sure to keep this one for your son. The life the energy of it sparkle all through it. You have capture a memory a moment in time between father and son. Congratulations.
Liz,
Thanks for that. After "Becoming an American Soldier" was published in the Village Soup Citizen, my son called a couple days later. "What's this I hear about a story you wrote about me?" A couple of his friends who he went to school with had called him, and were surprised to learn he had enlisted in the Army. They thought he was still attending college in Houston. While talking with me, my son feigned chagrin and said, "Dad, of all the things you can write about, please, don't make me one of them. Write about your daughter, the track star."
I told him I had already done that last year when she graduated from high school, and that this time, it was his turn.
"Well, just don't make a habit of it,"
he said.
This article might be going in either this week or next. I can only imagine what he'll say when he calls again. Ah, the joy of being a father.
Scot
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