Reinstating draft will help spoiled kids build character

Editor,

This country is abusing its warriors in the Middle East by sending them on multiple tours. It’s taking its toll on the soldiers and their families. Units in the Marine Corps are serving nine tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, causing more injuries and death to our soldiers. On the horizon, I can foresee involvement in Iran and North Korea.

These warriors who serve are coming back in body bags, maimed or emotionally destroyed. Yet there are not enough volunteers to take their place. Our reserves and National Guard (who are supposed to be protecting the home front) are sacrificing their lives, jobs and careers so the rest of us can live in freedom.

Their contracts to serve are being extended involuntarily, because there are too few people who will stand up and serve. To be fair, most people should be forced to serve for a time in the military, if not only to instill discipline in their lives, then at least to witness what conflict is all about.

Being a combat veteran myself has opened my eyes to the importance of giving this country my service to experience why our forefathers bled for this free land that we live in relatively safely.

What is resulting from non-service is a generation of young folks who are spoiled and have life served to them on a silver platter with a silver spoon. Children disrespect this country and their parents. What they need to learn is to appreciate not having to live in fear of some dedicated, suicidal car-bomber.

The young today are wasteful and feel they are owed a living, instead of earning their way like the honest citizens of the United States do. Perhaps some time facing reality and risking their lives would snap them back to reality.

This country needs to bring back the draft to open some eyes. Running away to Canada to get out of it is harder than what young people are doing now. Citizens need to get a taste of the medicine our soldiers take daily. Either that or let’s get the hell out of the Middle East and let them all kill themselves. This country needs some shaking up, and it needs to face the jeopardy our freedom is in.

I challenge you all to man up and volunteer in whatever capacity to help this country. Your country is in dire jeopardy.

William Valentine
UNM student