Posted on Jun 7, 2015
The "right" to serve, or the "privilege" to serve?
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With all the discussions about the "rights" of individuals what are your thoughts. Growing up in the 70-80's we had this concept ingrained in our hearts: "ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY!" It seemed the thing to do today is to ask what can my "Army" do for me?
Patriotism
Rights
Freedom
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 34
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If we're talking about rights and military service, I'd fall out on the other side, saying that someone has the right NOT to serve, when there's a draft. Of course, I don't believe in a draft, because it violates individuals' rights to liberty, and possibly to life, and certainly to equal protection under the law. Then again, I've also read the Militia Act of 1958 and agree with it. except with the gender part. Almost no one would refuse to defend his own home or his town directly.
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SGT Anthony Rossi
I've always been on the fence with the draft issue.
1 On one hand my attitude is if you want to live in our country than you should be ready and willing to answer the call to arms.
2. On the other hand I don't believe an individual should be forced to fight for a cause they don't believe in.
I wish there was a way that Americans could have a greater impact on what military conflicts servicemembers are ushered into.
1 On one hand my attitude is if you want to live in our country than you should be ready and willing to answer the call to arms.
2. On the other hand I don't believe an individual should be forced to fight for a cause they don't believe in.
I wish there was a way that Americans could have a greater impact on what military conflicts servicemembers are ushered into.
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CDR Michael Goldschmidt
You never have to force people to defend their homes and towns. Fighting to build an empire, on the other hand, to die on foreign shores, that's another issue, altogether. Until the 20th Century and the rise of the American Empire abroad, the only draft the US ever had was for the Civil War, and I don't think it was legal: it was by Executive Order, if I remember correctly. Not all calls to arms are equal, that's why the Constitution is against standing armies, yet Congress is supposed to arm and see to the militia's training.
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SGT Anthony Rossi
I do know one thing though. I'm glad that we didn't have the same kind of thinking that other Superpowers had. If we as a country didn't value freedom we may have taken over Germany and possibly Japan after World War II and turned them into American territories. It was a blessing to the world that at the end of WWII we were the ones holding the "big stick."
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This is a matter of Capacity.
The Citizen has a Duty and Right to serve. We are not always called to serve, nor to we always exercise said Right, but it is ever present.
When speaking of a specific service, like military or election, this becomes a matter of "privilege" because of selection criteria.
So although we have the Right to serve (Jury, Vote, Draft, etc), because their are qualifications for specific service, an individual may not be able to serve in a desired capacity.
The Citizen has a Duty and Right to serve. We are not always called to serve, nor to we always exercise said Right, but it is ever present.
When speaking of a specific service, like military or election, this becomes a matter of "privilege" because of selection criteria.
So although we have the Right to serve (Jury, Vote, Draft, etc), because their are qualifications for specific service, an individual may not be able to serve in a desired capacity.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Maj Richard "Ernie" Rowlette That's why I say Capacity. I don't believe People have the "Right to Serve in the Military," just the "Right to Serve." Those are two distinct concepts.
A Citizen should always have the ability to give back to the Nation. Always. What capacity that is, will not always be their choice however.
A Citizen should always have the ability to give back to the Nation. Always. What capacity that is, will not always be their choice however.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Maj Richard "Ernie" Rowlette I like that "violent agreement."
I look at it much like the description of Service in Startship Troopers (R.A.Heinlein), for the claiming of Citizenship. If someone wants to take the leap to claim full Citizenship, the government will find "something" for them, regardless of their actual qualifications. The protagonist ended up with his last choice (Mobile Infantry), but they explored it deeper by saying that if someone who was essentially an invalid but wanted to serve applied for citizenship, and was only qualified to stare at a screen and push a button, that's what they would do.
But Serving is a Subjective concept, much like Capacity. We served one way, while others served via simpler things like Jury Duty, Volunteer work, and even Taxes. I remember the story of one immigrant couple who bequeathed their fortune to the Nation. If that isn't Service, I don't know what is, and I don't think anyone can say People don't have that simple Right.
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/2015/05/22/seattle-couple-donates-fortune-to-america/27786103/
I look at it much like the description of Service in Startship Troopers (R.A.Heinlein), for the claiming of Citizenship. If someone wants to take the leap to claim full Citizenship, the government will find "something" for them, regardless of their actual qualifications. The protagonist ended up with his last choice (Mobile Infantry), but they explored it deeper by saying that if someone who was essentially an invalid but wanted to serve applied for citizenship, and was only qualified to stare at a screen and push a button, that's what they would do.
But Serving is a Subjective concept, much like Capacity. We served one way, while others served via simpler things like Jury Duty, Volunteer work, and even Taxes. I remember the story of one immigrant couple who bequeathed their fortune to the Nation. If that isn't Service, I don't know what is, and I don't think anyone can say People don't have that simple Right.
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/2015/05/22/seattle-couple-donates-fortune-to-america/27786103/
Seattle couple leaves entire fortune to 'America'
The U.S. government is $847,215.57 richer thanks to an extraordinary gift from an immigrant couple.
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CDR Michael Goldschmidt
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS : Serving through taxes, LOL. There's a diff between service and servitude. When upwards of 40% of your productivity goes forcibly to someone else, that's not 40% service, but 40% slavery. The 13th Amendment ended slavery only temporarily, until the 16th Amendment expanded it.
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I am privileged to serve. The Army owes me a paycheck and common respect. I owe them hard work and dedication!
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The Israelis have an interesting concept. They see it as a right and even the mentally and physically challenged can serve. They see it as giving them pride in serving alongside their more able bodied countrymen.
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