Words and pictures from the author of And the Crows Took Their Eyes as well as the Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mysteries . . .
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day
Today we honor veterans -- all who served their country in the military -- and I wonder what changes would occur if a term of service to the country -- military or otherwise -- were mandatory for all who wanted to vote. . .
That's an interesting thought, Vicki, but my question would be: vote for what? For whom? Why would anyone in this country offer to sacrifice their life in order to vote for the likes of a Rick Perry, or a Michele Bachmann--or even a Barak Obama...when the ultimate pricetag can be measured only in how much oil a life can buy. I think, instead, the opportunity to become a professional activist might have some appeal. Does anyone realize that there are brave human beings out there who stand ready and willing to take on all comers for the opportunity to change the world? That's bare-bones courage. Not very remunerative, though... Elora
Yes, some form of national service might be something that would change attitudes and perspectives in the country. It might just create a citizenry that took more pride and ownership in this country and it's potential.
Singapore is one example of that, without going into detail. Elora poses a valid question by asking "vot for what?" And I agree with her assessment of the candidates. As I've opined before, I think both parties are rotten and corrupt to the core. But if we were to nurture our young citizens (some would argue "brainwash") to have the above attitudes, then her question might be irrelevant.
As for oil. Yawn. I'm so tired of hearing that every thing, every conflict, is about oil. Lookit, by no means is our planet dependent upon hydrocarbons through some corporate conspiracy. That's the resource that has been oozing from the ground since before Jed Clampett made it big.
The corporate conspiracy, however, is in their dragging feet for decades to wean us from this resource, and develop cleaner energy sources. THAT'S what we should be voting against. THAT'S what these occupy people should be protesting CLEARLY.
Unfortunately, by being complacent, by not being attentive, by not taking ownership and pride in our selves and country, it's now legal for these very corporations to donate and pay for their senators and congresspersons in government.
SHAME ON US VOTERS FOR BEING SO ENGAGED WITH OUR SHINY TOYS, GADGETS, AND GIZMOS, THAT WE HAVE ALLOWED THIS TO EVOLVE.
I voted in my local elections this week. And while I don't believe we have much, if any, influence as to who is appointed to the Oval Office, I DO think we can influence government locally.
And it has to start there, and work its way up. We need to think about those sacrifices you remind us of and make our actions increase the value of those sacrifices.
Interesting thought. I know that in Sweden, when I lived there (don't know how it works now) they had mandatory military service, which basically was training to become soldiers. Sweden has not been involved in any wars for a very long time, so no one actually had to go to war. And that would make a huge difference of course.
I think you are on to something--that is what JFK considered with the Peace Corp; it takes generations for good ideas to come to fruition. Service to the country what a concept!
Very interesting thought Vicki. The military in most instances certainly helps young people grow up and become responsible, productive citizens. In my day during the draft I would have had to serve had I not been a female.
I have enjoyed reading other's thought-provoking comments. Some kind of national service would be an excellent idea. It's sad to think that a lot of people today don't realize that freedom is not "free". Sam
Thanks for all the interesting and thoughtful replies. This week's TIME magazine just arrived and there's a big article about the growing disconnect between the military and the general population. We are waging wars but rather than being asked to sacrifice, as was the casr in WW's I and II, with War Bonds, rationing, Victory Gardens, scrap drives, etc, we're told to go out and buy more stuff.
The science fiction film Starship Troopers has such a society -- only those who serve, or have served, are citizens, and have voting rights. A tad tough on those of us who are simply not soldier material, but I suppose some other form of service could be devised, as it was for conscientious objectors.
11 comments:
Interesting question.
Yes, I wonder.
Hello Vicki
I wonder too.
Have a nice day and week end.
Best
Tracy
i think that would be a great idea...and regardless of social class...
That's an interesting thought, Vicki, but my question would be: vote for what? For whom? Why would anyone in this country offer to sacrifice their life in order to vote for the likes of a Rick Perry, or a Michele Bachmann--or even a Barak Obama...when the ultimate pricetag can be measured only in how much oil a life can buy. I think, instead, the opportunity to become a professional activist might have some appeal. Does anyone realize that there are brave human beings out there who stand ready and willing to take on all comers for the opportunity to change the world? That's bare-bones courage. Not very remunerative, though... Elora
Yes, some form of national service might be something that would change attitudes and perspectives in the country. It might just create a citizenry that took more pride and ownership in this country and it's potential.
Singapore is one example of that, without going into detail. Elora poses a valid question by asking "vot for what?" And I agree with her assessment of the candidates. As I've opined before, I think both parties are rotten and corrupt to the core. But if we were to nurture our young citizens (some would argue "brainwash") to have the above attitudes, then her question might be irrelevant.
As for oil. Yawn. I'm so tired of hearing that every thing, every conflict, is about oil. Lookit, by no means is our planet dependent upon hydrocarbons through some corporate conspiracy. That's the resource that has been oozing from the ground since before Jed Clampett made it big.
The corporate conspiracy, however, is in their dragging feet for decades to wean us from this resource, and develop cleaner energy sources. THAT'S what we should be voting against. THAT'S what these occupy people should be protesting CLEARLY.
Unfortunately, by being complacent, by not being attentive, by not taking ownership and pride in our selves and country, it's now legal for these very corporations to donate and pay for their senators and congresspersons in government.
SHAME ON US VOTERS FOR BEING SO ENGAGED WITH OUR SHINY TOYS, GADGETS, AND GIZMOS, THAT WE HAVE ALLOWED THIS TO EVOLVE.
I voted in my local elections this week. And while I don't believe we have much, if any, influence as to who is appointed to the Oval Office, I DO think we can influence government locally.
And it has to start there, and work its way up. We need to think about those sacrifices you remind us of and make our actions increase the value of those sacrifices.
Rick
Interesting thought. I know that in Sweden, when I lived there (don't know how it works now) they had mandatory military service, which basically was training to become soldiers. Sweden has not been involved in any wars for a very long time, so no one actually had to go to war. And that would make a huge difference of course.
I think you are on to something--that is what JFK considered with the Peace Corp; it takes generations for good ideas to come to fruition. Service to the country what a concept!
Very interesting thought Vicki. The military in most instances certainly helps young people grow up and become responsible, productive citizens. In my day during the draft I would have had to serve had I not been a female.
I have enjoyed reading other's thought-provoking comments. Some kind of national service would be an excellent idea. It's sad to think that a lot of people today don't realize that freedom is not "free".
Sam
Thanks for all the interesting and thoughtful replies. This week's TIME magazine just arrived and there's a big article about the growing disconnect between the military and the general population. We are waging wars but rather than being asked to sacrifice, as was the casr in WW's I and II, with War Bonds, rationing, Victory Gardens, scrap drives, etc, we're told to go out and buy more stuff.
The science fiction film Starship Troopers has such a society -- only those who serve, or have served, are citizens, and have voting rights. A tad tough on those of us who are simply not soldier material, but I suppose some other form of service could be devised, as it was for conscientious objectors.
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