No, that’s not new, either. You already told us about that in your other thread:
Their rhetoric might be getting to me. However, I disagree with their statements. Trust me.
Maybe you should be telling them that.
Maybe it depends on where you are. It doesn’t seem unreasonable that a person who may not have been afforded and education or job skills would join for the purpose of getting and education, securing a career or, yes, just plain old didn’t know what other direction to take. I’ve know plenty of people with kids that did just that; hell, I suggested it to a friend whose kid was lacking direction and otherwise might not have achieved much success. No need to label it " a hand up" like it’s a bad thing. Also no need to pretend it doesn’t happen.
Out of curiosity: did your ‘co-workers’ serve? Did you? For what reasons?
I did not serve, but I know people who have. I am worried about how the world views the military. I am worried about how some people want to de-fund the military. My co-workers are worried about who is entering the military.
I asked whether your ‘co-workers’ served.
I don’t know. I should ask them. They might just be disappointed in the U.S.
The simple answer to the OP is that it’s just fiction. Not only that, **but your statement that it’s “the biggest belief” is ITSELF unsupported fiction. **
Assure “your co-workers” that people today are joining the military *for the same reasons *they have at every single point in living memory. And that the US still outspends the next 6 major powers COMBINED on military budgets. What you repeat from “your co-workers” is complete illusion or even delusion that reveals ignorance of actual military policies. They are worrying for nothing, their disappointment or peevishness originates from a position contrary to facts and to reason.
And if they are disappointed in the USA for somehow transforming into something other than their idealized illusion of what America should be all about, their arcadian myth of an America that never was, then booo-*****-hooo, cry me a damn river, the nation is evolving in the direction it is evolving and let them adapt or be left behind in the dust.
Yes. Can we, for once, not let someone dance around the issue. Please, let’s not allow the OP to address any item until he or she proves what he or she stated in the OP. Let’s not let any other item be addressed until then.
You guys don’t hear what my co-workers are saying. C’mon, man. I’m just telling you guys what goes on in my workplace and around my neck of the woods. You guys don’t understand what’s happening in America. Let’s have a smart, reasonable, civil discussion.
Let’s take a look at this closely.
The phrase “handout” implies that the military is some sort of welfare state with uniforms. I have never heard of anyone, anywhere, joining the military because they thought it would be an easy paycheck. A steady job, perhaps, but not an easy one.
Secondly, the time period of four decades happens to coincide with when the draft ended. Are you saying that only people who chose enlistment over draft thought they were making a difference? That seems strange to me, because I’m of that generation, and I can assure you personally that a large percentage of people who enlisted during that time did so because they were desperately trying not to be drafted into a combat position.
I happen to think that anyone who volunteers for military service knowing that the government can, at any time, send their asses thousands of miles away to get shot at, deserves respect, not some condescending comment about them wanting a handout.
In this post http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=19063075&postcount=34 you made this claim yourself, so don’t hide behind your co-workers, or the people you meet in the subway.
My friends tell me that African-Americans have already snapped because of the opinions of people like your friends. Shouldn’t we be doing everything possible to address their concerns instead of those of the bigots and know-nothings? Isn’t the most important social issue in the country ensuring that people like your friends never have a say in anything ever again?
Their rhetoric might be getting to me.
If you feel like you are a danger to yourself or others, I suggest you get help.
I know. I want to hear all sides, no matter how crazy it may be sometimes.
I’m okay Andy.
Really. So just to prove that we’re not wasting our time, why don’t you do this: Sum up all the opposing opinions you have received here and tell us what you’ve learned.
Glad to hear it. Stay well.