Apart from the spectre of him being killed in action, we'd be happy for Hugh to join the Armed Forces. If he decides that role of discipline and honour and serving, is one he'd like, then we'd support it.
If only the hoodlums and the power freaks go in, there is no one to create balance and pride and honour.
Being raised in Europe, and not being raised to speak German, may have more to do with our differences on this. I think it would be very difficult to have a balanced perspective on war if you were raised in the USA, and had the slightest knowledge of how... ehm unevenly... the USA has used it's armed forces around the world.
Of course, eternal vigilance is a pre-requisite... don't get me started on "Believe me I can't tell you but honestly there is good evidence" Iraq!!!!!!
I do beleive in non-violence.. to a point. yes, I understand the self-limiting nature of say "I beleive in non-violence BUT..." But.. I won't stand by and see babies ripped from wombs and testicles and breasts collected as war trophies. Ever.
I think what's happening in Tibet, is proof that non-violence only works if the system is capable of listening... when the Dalai Lama has to sit and watch his own monks fight... you know non-violence is part of a whole host of solutions, not The Only One. The Aim, but sometimes you need to defend in order to achive the name.
I would hate it.. as a mother.. but I'd respect it. And hope we'd given him what he needed to be a _decent_ and powerful soldier... one capable of leading.
And if he wants to be a grunt... oh well, he'll be a grunt! :-)
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-03-30 09:22 pm (UTC)If only the hoodlums and the power freaks go in, there is no one to create balance and pride and honour.
Being raised in Europe, and not being raised to speak German, may have more to do with our differences on this. I think it would be very difficult to have a balanced perspective on war if you were raised in the USA, and had the slightest knowledge of how... ehm unevenly... the USA has used it's armed forces around the world.
Of course, eternal vigilance is a pre-requisite... don't get me started on "Believe me I can't tell you but honestly there is good evidence" Iraq!!!!!!
I do beleive in non-violence.. to a point. yes, I understand the self-limiting nature of say "I beleive in non-violence BUT..." But.. I won't stand by and see babies ripped from wombs and testicles and breasts collected as war trophies. Ever.
I think what's happening in Tibet, is proof that non-violence only works if the system is capable of listening... when the Dalai Lama has to sit and watch his own monks fight... you know non-violence is part of a whole host of solutions, not The Only One. The Aim, but sometimes you need to defend in order to achive the name.
I would hate it.. as a mother.. but I'd respect it. And hope we'd given him what he needed to be a _decent_ and powerful soldier... one capable of leading.
And if he wants to be a grunt... oh well, he'll be a grunt! :-)
He is starting martial arts training at 5....