|
My son is joining the Marine Corps in the Trump era. Thank goodness for Jim Mattis.
[USA Today] Since my son is about to start basic training with the U.S. Marine Corps, I have been thinking lately about honor, courage and commitment -- the core values of the Marines. Citizen soldiers have fought for freedom and democracy since April 1775, when the local Massachusetts militias first confronted the most feared army of its day at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Few could have imagined that a rag-tag army of irregulars and citizen soldiers could bring the British Empire to its knees and win independence for this fledgling democracy. Even more astonishing is the fact that 242 years later, the Republic has not only survived, but it has become the greatest and most powerful nation on earth. Like several generations of his forefathers who have served their country before him, my son will soon raise his right hand along with many other patriotic young men and women, and solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same. They will come from all backgrounds, races, colors and creeds, but the one thing they have in common is a devotion to their country and a willingness to fight and -- if necessary -- die for it. Unfortunately, the spirit of public service and self-sacrifice appears to be waning. Few of my son’s classmates seem to be attracted to government service, such as the Peace Corp or VISTA, and almost none are signing up for military service. I am saddened, but not surprised. How can we expect our younger generation to follow the call of honor, duty and dedication to the common good when they can plainly see that our country’s elected leaders are driven more by craven self-interest and egotism? Our young men and women must be deeply concerned about the direction in which our country is going. Is it still worth fighting and dying for? They must have some doubts. The gulf between the very rich and the rest of us in America has widened over the past several decades. More and more Americans are struggling to make ends meet, and as they see the American dream rapidly fading, they are increasingly turning in despair and desperation to alcohol and opiates. No longer is a good education and hard work a sure ticket to participation in the American dream. The only guarantee now is that you will be paying off your student loans for the rest of your working life. Posted by: Besoeker 2017-07-04 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=491768 |