MILITARIZATION OF OUR YOUTH

THE MILITARIZATION OF OUR YOUTH

A TEACHER AFFECTS ETERNITY, NOT KNOWING WHERE THEIR INFLUENCE ENDS.

WE ALL AFFECT ETERNITY

     We all affect eternity as we never know where our influence ends. Each generation is called to pass on to our children what is best from the past, while remaining open to new teachings envisioning a world of compassion for all humankind.

There are over 3,200 U. S. Junior Reserve Training Corp program (JROTC) in high schools throughout the country. On the surface it reflects sound educational goals in developing citizenship, leadership, self-esteem, and team building along with other goals building military skills.

The ads and the recruiters sales pitch sound good. All advertisement does. But military life doesn’t live up to the advertisement, and when enlisted you are obligated for eight years including time in the Reserve when you can be recalled. Know before you go. Check out: www.winningthepeace.org to find out what you should know before joining.

Personally, I say “NO” to the militarization of our youth despite the good intentions of many.  We can do better than that with the ideals that reflect peace or at least make war less likely.  Alternatives to JROTC can be found throughout the country  focusing on the educational goals of building self-esteem claimed by the JROTC program; perhaps not as as exciting as wearing a uniform or shooting a gun, but powerful in the effort to bring a better understanding of good citizenship, reconciliation, creativity, respect, empathy and compassion. These ideals easily translated to  what is best in human beings of all nations. Programs such as the arts, music, and drama should receive as much funding and attention as the JROTC program; thus giving students more creative choices.

I’m impressed with the intelligence and insights of our youth including some in JROTC.  My advice to them is to go to college with the motivation to engage in learning that brings a larger purpose to life than a military career. Read biographies and autobiographies and learn about the giants whose shoulders we stand on.

We need to learn more about serving the wider community: peace makers, conscientious objectors and the great thinkers, artists, and philosophers who make life worth living emphasizing the awesome nature of humankind. Reading stories of people’s lives can be an enjoyable way to learn history whether presidents, peacemakers, athletes, entertainers, and those that grab one’s interests.

Change will come from outside politics when we the people demand more creative funding for our schools on a level and focus that goes into JROTC.  We can include more history, science, the arts, and voluntary programs to create an awareness in peace making,  conscientious objectors and the great thinkers, artists, philosophers, and prophets who seek beyond the love of wisdom to the art of living a good life; 

For more info:  esacco189@gmail.com.