America's upper classes have gone AWOL

Christcorp
Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:37:57 +0000

Outside of a “Draft”, there’s really no way that you’re going to see a significant influx of the “Elite” coming into the military. And I personally don’t think that it “Hurts the country”. The fact of the matter is, the more wealth you have, the more options you have. Assuming mommy and daddy and the kids all get along, if they have the money, little Buffy or Chad are probably going to be able to go to an ivy league or similar college. Many who do join the military do it partially for economic reasons. There is a lot of rationalization that goes into it about patriotism and such; which is definitely viable reasons people join the military; (DON’T READ INTO THIS); just that the military is also an avenue to get an education; travel; learn skills; become independent while still having a pseudo mom or dad taking care of you; etc… These are all things that are easier to get and maintain if you have the money. For the average 18-22 year old, the military is a very good option.

I personally have served with some that I would consider quite well off. Or, I should say their family is/was. One of the guy’s reasons for joining was because he really wanted to get the hell away from the family. He graduated from Princeton, then came into the Air Force via OTS. The other one, even though wealthy, had a 200 year family history of military service. He didn’t get into West Point, so he graduated college and came in also OTS.

I personally don’t think it’s a problem that the “Rich” don’t normally join the military. It doesn’t hurt the country; except when the far left tries to play the “CLASS WARFARE” card. Trying to make people who aren’t as well off believe that all their problems are because of rich people; that the rich doesn’t pay their share of taxes; and that the rich politicians are so eager to go to war because their kids aren’t involved. That is what hurts our country. Especially when most of that is B.S.

Not everyone can be everything. Not everyone can be a doctor, fireman, policeman, lawyer, military, etc… Yet, each of these jobs is very important and someone needs to do them. The “Rich” are also the ones who owns companies, employs workers, keeps the economy moving, etc… Seems like a pretty important job to me. I don’t know any “POOR” people who higher workers and substantially impacts the economy. Unfortunately, that’s why the “Class Warfare” crowd tries to push a mandatory service (Draft). Because that’s the only way they can create their socialistic economic equality. The only other way is for them to declare that certain jobs AREN’T AS IMPORTANT. That they are beneath many citizens. That they need illegal immigrants and uneducated and unskilled workers. See, they won’t admit that. They admit that the cleaning lady, and the cafeteria worker, as well as the technicians, supervisors, managers, CEO, stock holders, etc… are ALL IMPORTANT JOBS and are all needed to make the company run and be successful. Yet, you don’t see too many wealthy people working as carpenters, policemen, firemen, or in this case; THE MILITARY. See, when you have wealth and education, you have freedom. When you have freedom, you don’t need the politicians through their social and welfare programs. Therefor, if you don’t need them, they can’t control you. They then have no power and are out.

No, the wealthier Americans not in the military in as large a number does not hurt the country. It’s the “Class Warfare” that some try to make the average person believe in that hurts the country. Forcing envy and jealousy as a prejudice against others. (Similar to racism). It’s the socialist mindset that ALL JOBS are equally as important from a financial point of view that hurts the country. This penalizes people from trying to achieve the American dream and achieve as much success and wealth as possible. All jobs are important in getting mission done. Just that not all of them are worth the same financially.

I grew up extremely poor. For the first 7 years to a single mother. (Pretty rough in the late 50’s early 60’s). I’ve worked my way up; which included a 20 year career in the Air Force. After 9 years back in the civilian world, I am now financially well off. I am not like John Kerry, but I can send my kids to just about any college in the country and afford it. I live in a very nice house and could probably stop working today, at age 46, and still survive quite nicely.

The problem with the attitude of those harping on “THE RICH”, is it’s not really their money. It’s the CHOICES AND OPTIONS that they have. Because of their choices and options, they don’t need to spend time in the military to obtain much of what many go into the military for. I am fortunate that both my daughter and son don’t HAVE TO join the military to satisfy any of their needs. My daughter remembers moving to different bases and making new friends. She preferred to go to the state university. My son; having been accepted to 5 colleges; 2 prestigious; 3 with a full ride; has chosen the military ANYWAY. He received his appointment to the Air Force Academy in November. That doesn’t make him a better person, nor does it make the kid who decides to go to Harvard or Yale any worse.

Our form of government (Republic) works because while there will always be an upper, middle, and lower class economically, each person has the ability to incite change. Change in themselves. Change in who is holding office. Change in their local environment. Change in their children. I have lived/worked/visited in 15 countries. Some of these countries have a rich and poor class. The poor have no say over the rich. Here, our country does. The average consumer or citizen can get a CEO fired; a politician impeached or NOT re-elected; a school board changed; become a member of a city council; etc… That’s why our country and government works. And thankfully for the military, it remains that way. No, not everyone can be a doctor, lawyer, policemen, firemen, scientist, etc… nor should everyone be in the military.