The Conservative Son

I sometimes get very annoyed at the young people in our wonderful country who feel no obligation to defend the freedom they daily take for granted. It occurs to very few that their liberty must be occasionally defended. Many think that somehow this country just sprang into existence from thin air; many think things will always be the way they are now. You see them standing on the street corner or hear their stereos screaming obscenities so loud that they are in serious danger of acute hearing damage. You see their names in the police blotter; you see them graduated from high school and flipping burgers with no real prospect for anything better.

Many young people work hard and study and graduate from college with a very bright future. Others find a good job and manage very well working with their hands. Still, others are seemingly bound and determined to lower themselves to the gutter with no apparent aspirations for self-improvement. Some in the middle and are decent human beings, but seemingly haven't any goals for their lives. In any case, I always think when I see them, "A couple of years in uniform might just give them a different perspective on life."

Not all can serve in the military. Some are hampered by poor health or are needed more desperately by their families than by Uncle Sam. Yet, those who merely just don't join, should. All young, healthy men, and I emphasize men, should either join up or receive a nice letter of greetings from the draft board.

I'm not saying that a young man who doesn't go in the service is irresponsible or has no future. Some of my heroes have never served a day in uniform. I'm just saying that we live free or die. We all love the benefits of American citizenship, but a very small minority finds it necessary in their lives to get in the game and get knocked around, so to speak. (Just ask Corporal Pat Tillman.) How few are willing to give up just a couple of years of their life, perhaps to lose their life, to keep our country free.

For now, the armed services recruiters report that they are meeting their quotas, which shows that there is hope for our country. Patriotism is, for now, alive and well. The question is, with diminished benefits and many serving overseas and being away from home for extended times, and many of those men and women in their forties, what will be their retention or replacement rate? When will things reach the point, especially if these don't get the benefits and recognition they deserve, that those faithful few will tire of being taken for granted and grow weary of being "over there" while so many are over here enjoying the fruits of their labor.

I know the politicians, patriotic Americans, et al., are truly proud of our all volunteer Army, Navy and Marines, as well we should be. I was Regular Army myself back when the Great Communicator was our commander-in-chief. I defended the free world from the Communist hoards while driving my truck at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and it didn't hurt me one little bit. Although my time in service was less than eventful, I feel a certain amount of humble pride when being counted, even in a small way, among those brave souls who purchased and protected our freedom by sacrificing theirs.

Having a military that can't blame someone else for being there has its certain advantages. No one in our armed forces can say that they didn't sign up for the ride. Still, asking so much from so few while so many give so little is enough to wear thin with even the most patriotic among us. Remember, you can ride a good horse to death. I think it's time to spread the labor around. If we don't, there may one day, and perhaps, one day soon, be no one left to defend a bunch of ingrates who know all about "rights," but nothing about responsibility.