Public Service Is An Obligation We Too Often Shirk
Stanley McCrystal spoke of the need for public service and I agree completely. He rightly says that public service goes beyond just serving in the military and there are many areas where some public service can go a long way.
My own ideas about serving in the military have switched about 180 degrees. I'm not sure having an all volunteer, professional army has worked out as intended. There are many good things you learn in the military but making it entirely volunteer have sheltered a lot of folks from serving and really put the burden on others. Politically I doubt we would have been as adventurous as we have been had we needed to draft young men and women to serve. It's a little bit unseemly when poor rural areas, military families, and the urban unemployed are recruited for jobs others are too busy to consider.
Going where services are needed is something we need to relearn. Life really is a twelve month, daily activity and there is way too much underutilized capacity in some areas while others really feel overwhelmed.
Teenagers need work experience more than ever. The mall, a movie, and sleep overs need a makeover. Sports are great but they don't always get enough people involved and sometimes competition can run amuck. Nothing is perfect, supervision is needed, but getting kids plugged into something positive is too often over looked and a missed opportunity.
The same can be said for older adults. If you can help with a ride or share some your time and a skill you might have retirement can be more than just television and trips to the doctor.
Much has been said about community and family, and a little bit more effort should be placed on service and cooperation.
My own ideas about serving in the military have switched about 180 degrees. I'm not sure having an all volunteer, professional army has worked out as intended. There are many good things you learn in the military but making it entirely volunteer have sheltered a lot of folks from serving and really put the burden on others. Politically I doubt we would have been as adventurous as we have been had we needed to draft young men and women to serve. It's a little bit unseemly when poor rural areas, military families, and the urban unemployed are recruited for jobs others are too busy to consider.
Going where services are needed is something we need to relearn. Life really is a twelve month, daily activity and there is way too much underutilized capacity in some areas while others really feel overwhelmed.
Teenagers need work experience more than ever. The mall, a movie, and sleep overs need a makeover. Sports are great but they don't always get enough people involved and sometimes competition can run amuck. Nothing is perfect, supervision is needed, but getting kids plugged into something positive is too often over looked and a missed opportunity.
The same can be said for older adults. If you can help with a ride or share some your time and a skill you might have retirement can be more than just television and trips to the doctor.
Much has been said about community and family, and a little bit more effort should be placed on service and cooperation.
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