<p>In my opinion, which doesn’t mean much, I believe that ANY American who is a productive member of society is serving their country. It is the day to day existance to maintains our economy and our political system. Without those, our country would disolve and we wouldn’t be who we are. Mind you, I said “Productive”. I believe that as long as you aren’t a burden on society; where you are TAKING more than you have GIVEN, then you are serving your country. Whether it’s working at the grocery, a farmer, an electrician, telephone technician, salesman at Sears, congressman, military, doctor, etc… Every job is important to the success and the continued prospering of our country. </p>
<p>Those who are retired have GIVEN much more than they will take out. The disabled can give whatever they can; many have. It’s the ones who have generationally been on public assistance/welfare; criminals; drug users/dealers; and other ways of life that “TAKE” more from the country’s resources than they contribute who aren’t worth a damn.</p>
<p>Again, my opinion is that “Duty to one’s Country” and/or “God” if applicable isn’t limited to military service. There are a lot of other professions that keep our country as free and prosperous as it is. Some may believe that most people can do both. A period of time in the military and then a civilian career. That is fine, but I believe that it takes a “Special” person to be willing to spend time in the military. Not necessarily better or worse, just “Special”. Currently, we have plenty of these “Special” people volunteering. Unless we had a war that required a draft, I don’t think it’s a problem. Now, should a draft be required, which it currently isn’t, then just as in WWII and others, both the rich and poor were drafted. Yes, some found loopholes, but generally all eligible men were subject to being drafted. Economics didn’t play a part in it.</p>