War is a terrible thing, but what viable option do freedom-loving men have against an oppressive government?
Years ago, when I was much younger and subject to the draft that could well have put me in Vietnam, I felt differently, having been thoroughly indoctrinated by the free home Bible Studies of the WTB&TS. I was a conscientious objector and earned a 4-D ministerial deferment.
My father and my uncles served in WWII. My dad was in Patton's Army, one Uncle was wounded on Iwo Jima and another was in the Caribbean. Another went around the world with the Navy and was among the first frogmen prepared for the invasion of Japan. Fat Boy saved his life.
Today I deeply regret not having served.
I think this sums up my feelings well:
IT IS THE SOLDIER
It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
©Copyright 1970, 2005 by Charles M. Province
As for women in the military, I can see how in the Air Force they may be able to fly with the best of the guys, but on the ground I think the woman who can really carry her own weight is rare.
Maybe we should see what a female-only division can do.
