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Thomas
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Cline
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McKinney
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“I think the system of United States military service is a great model for our country. I think letting young people make the choice to enter the armed services creates a sense of ownership, respect and pride in what they are doing. I think when something is your choice it causes you to be more efficient and dedicated because you would be doing time in the military by choice, not because someone else made that decision for you. I think as a whole letting someone choose to enter the service will create a better atmosphere for both them and the people that are leading them because they played some part in the decision to enter the military. I also think that there are many ways that the young people of America can choose to serve the United States and the military of our country is just one way to do this.”
Seth Thomas, junior
Roseburg High School
“Many high school kids today, including myself, are thinking about life after we graduate. But what if we didn't have a choice of if and where to go to college and we were required to join the military? For me, it wouldn't be the end of the world. As for other people… well, they may have different feelings about it. A mandatory military would be a good idea for this country because it would strengthen our patriotism. We seem to only be patriotic when we feel like it — Fourth of July, Memorial Day, the 9/11 anniversary and, coming up this week, Veterans Day. Imagine our pride in our country if all of our young people had to serve a few years in the military, but not necessarily in combat. In a time of great expectations of our country in regards to programs and services, this would give us a sense of ownership and pride that we may not be feeling right now.”
Laura Gordon, junior
Roseburg High School
“I think that everyone should have to serve in the military for two years after high school or college. It would be easier to raise an army if a major war broke out and we needed to draft. Many of the people that serve in the military are trained in marketable skills. This nation gave us an environment in which to grow up, provided a free education for everyone and paved the roads on which we travel. We can even elect our own representatives and speak out against them. We have the right to bear arms and to say whatever we want. There are people who enforce the laws that keep us safe and put out fires when they threaten to destroy our homes and workplaces. In serving in the military we are giving back to that nation. We are all proud to be Americans, and the military plays an important role in keeping America great and free.”
Erin Cline, eighth-grader
JoLane Middle School
“America should sponsor a volunteer-only military. Forcing citizens into a line of work (and risk) they do not want to be in can be detrimental for not only the military itself but for the personnel. People will be fearful of the military and look for ways to get out of being drafted into it, or being accepted into it.
Other countries use the model of a forced military, such as Germany. But in most cases these countries aren't really big world players like the United States is. They don't have hundreds of thousands of troops in far-out places fighting wars, operations, revolutions or any other kind of military action. These countries will commit troops yes, but not to the amount that we do.
And just like what the United States was built on, the power of liberty and other inalienable rights, why force a citizen, by the government, to do its bidding. With volunteers they know what they're putting themselves into, and they know the consequences.”
Zachary McKinney, senior
Roseburg High School
Truth of Youth, which appears in Monday's News-Review, is an opportunity for teens to express their opinions. If you would like to submit a question, write to DD Bixby at P.O. Box 1248, Roseburg, OR 97470 or e-mail dbixby@nrtoday.com.
Seth Thomas, junior
Roseburg High School
“Many high school kids today, including myself, are thinking about life after we graduate. But what if we didn't have a choice of if and where to go to college and we were required to join the military? For me, it wouldn't be the end of the world. As for other people… well, they may have different feelings about it. A mandatory military would be a good idea for this country because it would strengthen our patriotism. We seem to only be patriotic when we feel like it — Fourth of July, Memorial Day, the 9/11 anniversary and, coming up this week, Veterans Day. Imagine our pride in our country if all of our young people had to serve a few years in the military, but not necessarily in combat. In a time of great expectations of our country in regards to programs and services, this would give us a sense of ownership and pride that we may not be feeling right now.”
Laura Gordon, junior
Roseburg High School
“I think that everyone should have to serve in the military for two years after high school or college. It would be easier to raise an army if a major war broke out and we needed to draft. Many of the people that serve in the military are trained in marketable skills. This nation gave us an environment in which to grow up, provided a free education for everyone and paved the roads on which we travel. We can even elect our own representatives and speak out against them. We have the right to bear arms and to say whatever we want. There are people who enforce the laws that keep us safe and put out fires when they threaten to destroy our homes and workplaces. In serving in the military we are giving back to that nation. We are all proud to be Americans, and the military plays an important role in keeping America great and free.”
Erin Cline, eighth-grader
JoLane Middle School
“America should sponsor a volunteer-only military. Forcing citizens into a line of work (and risk) they do not want to be in can be detrimental for not only the military itself but for the personnel. People will be fearful of the military and look for ways to get out of being drafted into it, or being accepted into it.
Other countries use the model of a forced military, such as Germany. But in most cases these countries aren't really big world players like the United States is. They don't have hundreds of thousands of troops in far-out places fighting wars, operations, revolutions or any other kind of military action. These countries will commit troops yes, but not to the amount that we do.
And just like what the United States was built on, the power of liberty and other inalienable rights, why force a citizen, by the government, to do its bidding. With volunteers they know what they're putting themselves into, and they know the consequences.”
Zachary McKinney, senior
Roseburg High School
Truth of Youth, which appears in Monday's News-Review, is an opportunity for teens to express their opinions. If you would like to submit a question, write to DD Bixby at P.O. Box 1248, Roseburg, OR 97470 or e-mail dbixby@nrtoday.com.
