After Memorial Day

First, my apologies for letting this languish for a week. With that out of the way, and having celebrated Memorial Day by taking off for the weekend, I was somewhat taken aback by another pundit suggesting we bring back the draft. My response is easy: ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I like the all volunteer force. I like knowing that the soldiers and sailors serving in the armed forces chose to serve their country. After reading and listening to a few odds and ends I find myself appalled by some of the sentiments masquerading around our country as noble! For example, right before Memorial Day I saw a bumper sticker that said "He's not MY president." Now that is another one that deserves the "horseshit" moniker. While serving in the armed forces, one of the presidents I served under was Bill Clinton, a president I wasn't entirely glad to have in charge… especially as my Commander in Chief since he frequently failed to offer the simplest of military courtesies to those who served him honorably. Know what? He was MY president. After the vote was tallied, OUR country had made their choice, WE had a new president.

I like the all volunteer force. I like knowing that the soldiers and sailors serving in the armed forces chose to serve their country. By mutual consent, OUR country's citizenry agree to be governed by those selected via the exercise of OUR franchise. So, when some chubby little Dixie Chick says that veterans are not fighting for or defending her, I don't have a real problem saying that she's an ethical moron. When you eat a steak, you have the same moral standing as the butcher. When you participate in a REPRESENTATIVE democracy, you have the same moral standing as those who represent you.

I like the all volunteer force. I like knowing that the soldiers and sailors serving in the armed forces chose to serve their country. I especially like the way Robert Heinlein put it:

No state has an inherent right to survive through conscript troops and in the long run, no state ever has. Roman matrons used to say to their sons: "Come back with your shield, or on it." Later on, this custom declined. So did Rome.

We deserve to lose our freedoms when our citizens are no longer willing to defend them. I like the all volunteer force. I am more than proud of my father's, my daughters', my family's, and my friends' (you all know who you are) service to country, I honor them and their brothers and sisters in arms.