Yet more evidence that "Military Intelligence" is an oxymoron

Nine Army linguists, including six trained to speak Arabic, have been dismissed from the military because they are gay.

- from an AP newswire article on November 14

Pathetic.

Here we have the world's greatest superpower, which also happens to be sorely and dangerously lacking in military personnel who can speak critical foreign languages, dismissing folks because of their sexual predilection.

It sometimes takes years to kick out sexual harrassers in the military, and my understanding is that harrassment against women officers is still very much a problem in the military.

But it takes just one admission or shred of evidence to highlight someone's homosexuality, and boom, they're out the door.

How ironic that we trumpet Freedom with a capital F around the world and decry discrimination around the world, yet somehow can't manage to break out of our own homophobia.

Idea for Compulsory Service in America

I think America should have compulsory service (military/humanitarian) for all 18 year olds, male and female.

Germany and many other democratic countries have compulsory service, though many only require men to serve, which I think is ridiculous.

I'd like to see our country require every 18 year old to serve one year in either a branch of the military or in civil service, with the latter including teaching in an underprivileged area, road construction, aid to seniors, etc.

No one would be exempt, period. No deferrals, no buying your way out of it, no nothing. Everyone could -- and IMHO should -- help our country in some way.

College would then (optionally) start at age 19 for most folks.

In exchange for a very modest housing/food coverage, the government -- and our country -- would get new roads built, more English-proficient youngsters (via bilingual ed assistance), more cared-for seniors, and so on.

Also, our military would likely contain a higher percentage of more-educated and upper-class youth.

Another nice side benefit would be that kids would enter college with some additional real-life experience and perhaps a bit more maturity, not to mention an appreciation for the likely-easier student life.

And lastly, I sincerely believe this requirement would add to civic pride and bring meaning to citizenship beyond merely taxation obligations and oft-ignored voting rights.

I don't have any illusions that this would ever happen in America. In the aggregate we're too individualistic at the expense of caring about our community and we're too, well, damn selfish.

But I can dream.

What do you think about this idea of compulsory service?
And have any of you actually lived in countries that already require such 'giving' back to the State?

[ I posted the note above in the 'kitchen sink' (anything goes) topic of a national swing dance board ("Yehoodi"). Read the ensuing (vigorous!) debate here. Feel free to add your own thoughts either (or both!) in the comments section on this blog, or directly at Yehoodi if you wish. ]

Sinful thoughts

A wise old nun was once asked, "Do you ever entertain sinful thoughts?"

"No," she replied, "they entertain me."

On fire

Pot of wine with spices (with a special German name that I forget!) is lit on fire, then happily sipped on this cozy New Year's Eve with friends in Viernheim, Germany.

Click on the photo for a larger version.

"They don't resent our wealth, just what we do with it"

I lived and worked for a year in Germany, and was often amused and sometimes appalled at how others saw America and Americans.

For a warm-fuzzy look at this, check out my essay "on being human."

For a more scholarly, serious, and sobering examination, read this interview with Mark Hertsgaard, author of a book that examines just how the rest of the world sees the U.S.

The people spoke (and I cry)

Some charming samples of "democracy," according to Nevada in the election yesterday.

- Smoke a joint, (still) go to jail.
- Want to marry your same-sex partner? Go to hell.

Republicans are gloating that yesterday signaled a mandate for their 'causes.'

Somehow I just can't get myself to see <50% voter turnout as a mandate of anything except apathy and disenfranchisement.

I wonder if there's something to the whole compulsory voting thing, like they have in Australia. But I think that's material for another entry.

Voting

I've heard there may be, well, a few folks in the U.S. who won't be voting today.

My feeling on the matter is clear: Barring extenuating circumstances, failing to vote is laziness or misguidedness. It is not a vote for change, or a vote for protest. It is simply not a vote.

Don't like the candidates from the 'big' parties? Research about the candidates from the non-mainstream parties and find which are closest to your views.

Can't find ANYONE at all to vote for for the big races? Well, in most jurisdictions, there are still many propositions, school board members, and many other local officials to vote for. Keep in mind that some of the most charming "I don't believe in science / evolution" schoolboard members have been elected in our country due to voter apathy and inaction, probably from folks who were just 'conscientious objectors' to the voting process. So yeah, those votes do make a difference, they really do.

So steamed about the process that you can't even stomach supporting any proposition or any person? At least go to vote and submit an empty ballot. That says that at least you cared enough to vote.

In Australia, voting is mandatory, and -- from what my Australian friends have told me -- few grumble about it there.

I know that no countries and no political systems are perfect, but something tells me that they likely have fewer [bleep'd] up politicians there and less corruption than we have.

Back here in the U.S., you can write letters, you can be "aware," you can know the candidate's brothers' wife's standard poodle's favorite dinner food, but until you punch that ballot or hit that touch screen, you're still giving up not only one of your rights, but IMHO, one of your responsibilities.

What concerns me most is that, as others have noted, the lower that voter turnout dips, the more inclined our local and federal governments are to simply ignore The People. You can claim that you're sending a message, and indeed you are. The message is: Tax me more, [bleep] up my medical care, meddle with other countries' governments, mess up the environment, spend public assistance money on campaign airfare, screw me over! I'm going to stay home with my Cheetos because I don't care what you fatcats do. You're certainly not accountable to ME!

At minimum, promise me, promise everyone that you're not gonna bitch one iota about our society unless you voted, or until you do vote next time 'round.

Thanks.