Military and Adulthood

There is a long neglected age related issue within our military forces that I believe cries out for redress.  How often do we see and hear the patriotic affirmation, “Support out Troops”?  Or we may often say, “Pay honor and respect to our military men and women”. 

I certainly agree with both of those affirmations.  But would you not also agree that the same respect should be granted to all military men and women, not just those who are 21 years of age and older?  After all, age does not prohibit a lethal weapon being put into their hands and their being sent to a battlefield.  Age does not prohibit their being required to make a split second decision on who is friend or foe; whom to kill or spare. 

Considering then the responsibilities placed upon our military men and women regardless of age, wouldn’t you think those under 21 who happen to be home on leave would be old enough, respected enough, “adult enough” to be able to stop at their local bar and order a beer? 

How about if some of them are home with mom and dad and invite some of their under age peers to the house for a few beers?  The local police can move in, charge mom and dad with serving alcohol to minors and also charge these young men and women, who shortly before had been recognized as the honored and brave protectors of our nation. 

My answer to this disgraceful hypocrisy is to confront our state legislators and U.S. Congress with the following proposition:  If being under the age of 21 does not qualify a person for full adult citizenship with all the rights thereof, then it certainly does not allow one to be sent into military combat to possibly die for one’s county. 

Obviously alcohol is not the issue.  The issue is to either give young people all the rights and respect they deserve as adults, or don’t lay adulthood responsibilities upon them. 

Buz Cormany
Medina, OH