As someone once said – you don’t serve in the military for your health or good looks. For some, it might just be a job. For others, a way out of a rural area, inner city, poverty. For me, initially it was a chance to practice in a new environment and care for people. I figured that if others were risking their lives, the least I could do was make sure that they, and their families, had high quality medical care.
Remember this was the Cold War Era. We were the US (sorry for the EU/UK/OZ people reading this) and an anchor in NATO. I had been in the active reserves for three years before going on Active Duty in 1981 for what was going to be one tour in Europe and turned out to be a 30 year career (23 years of which were spent OCONUS). For the other veterans reading this – it makes perfect sense. For those who haven’t served in a military (regardless of country), it might well not.
Freedom of speech is (was) a core value of the US. There are some exceptions for those on active service which should make total sense. If it doesn’t make sense, just ask. But part of the core is also freedom of belief & religion. I have served in “Christian Countries” as well as Mideastern Countries. I have seen both the positive but more importantly the damage that a state inflicted (yes, I am choosing words deliberately) religion can place on its citizens.
There is nothing in the US that says “give me your tired, your poor…..” but only if they are “christians.” We have long since left the 1600s. 1700s. 1800s… I would hope we are beyond active witch hunts, but it doesn’t seem that way. I do NOT believe the US is a “Christian God Fearing Country” nor should it be. Freedom of religion is also freedom from Other people’s religion.
Returning to “Founder’s Values” means limiting everyone’s options for life, careers, families, choices. I repeat. We have come a long way from the late 1700s. I really don’t want to go back there. I like clean water, disease prevention, heat in my house, materials for crafting, and, obviously, the use of the Internet to communicate. There are negatives (active dspread of disinformation) along with the good.
I am truly sorry that the young man in Utah was shot. We should not be a country that “solves” problems with weapons. I am more sorry for all the innocent school children who have died over the last 20 years. None of them, nor their parents were doing anything other than living their lives.
The issue today isn’t DEI, weapons, free speech – it is being a responsible citizen by everyone AND respecting the rights & opinions of others. No, we may not make the same choices. That is an essential part of a democracy.
-Holly
