First, I need to begin by saying that I am a pacifist. I grew up in a peace church (Mennonite). I chose to be baptized into that church and am still a member there. I went to a Mennonite college. And I teach at a Mennonite primary school. I believe that war is NEVER the answer. All conflicts, large or small, can be solved if people practice respectul communication. (Unfortunately, this solution is rarely applied.) I am passionately opposed to the current "war on terror". Having said that, I must also say that I am grateful and blessed to live in a country where I have the freedom to say such things. I know that U.S. soldiers risk their lives everyday for this country. I have a great deal of respect for those men and women, though not for their jobs. I also know that many people are offended by such comments as I have just made. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
We hear regularly in the news of wars happening in other countries. Many people here in our own country have seen, read, or heard of child soldiers fighting and dying in those wars. It is atrocious and when we learn of this we are appropriately horrified. No child should be expected or made to participate in something as heinous as war. Unfortunately, we fail to recognize that this is also happening right here in America. Yes, our own country is participating in the recruitment of child soldiers. "WHAT?!?!" you may say. Two instances in the past month have brought this to my attention.
First, my principal shared a conversation she had with one of our 8th grade boys. In the process of enrolling for high school classes for next year, he was somehow convinced to join ROTC. While kids (yes, teenagers are still kids) in ROTC don't, to my knowledge, get shipped overseas or carry weapons, they are, shall we say, strongly encouraged to continue into the military after high school. This is a case of the United States military recruiting children. And this IS NOT acceptable.
Secondly, I live across the street from a public high school. As I head to my bus stop on the way to school I usually pass 3-4 dozen high school students on their way to the high school. On Tuesday morning, during my 5 minute walk to catch the bus, I walked by 4 kids in their ROTC uniforms. Chances are good that those 4 kids will be strongly encouraged to follow a path to the military. Again, this is a case of the United States military recruiting children. And again, this IS NOT acceptable.
How can something Americans strongly disapprove of in other countries be accepted as the norm in our own? How can American parents permit and encourage their teenaged children to join an organization that will eventually push them into a death machine? How can we continue to allow our young people to participate in an organization involved in activities that are sure to maim or kill them? These are questions that I have trouble answering. I ponder these things regularly as I pray for all Americans soldiers to come home.
Postscript: We, as a people, are passionate about our opinions. I have found that people are especially passionate about their opinion as it relates to the military, violence, war, etc. So I expect that this post will prompt impassioned replies. I would ask that if you choose to reply, that you remember what I stated earlier -- each person is entitled their opinion, in fact, our constitution ensures it. I don't expect that everyone will agree with me. But I do expect that everyone will respect my right to speak what I believe. I would welcome a conversation with anyone -- whether you agree with me or not.