While reading the most recent edition of the Renegade Rip, it has become blatantly obvious that a large number of your staff are unsupportive of the United States Military. This is evident, as seen in an article titled: “Military Gunning For Students,” and in an on-line poll.
In the article, the Federal Government is accused of using their legislative powers to coerce colleges and universities into breaking their policy. The article alleges that a Federal Bill forces colleges to allow military recruiters into their campuses, while the military is not an equal opportunity employer.
I do not have a problem with the staff making allegations about things that are alarmingly true. However, I do have a problem with fabrication of information, or misleading accusations. The military of the United States of America is in fact an equal opportunity employer. They do allow homosexuals to join the military. But just as heterosexuals are not allowed to fraternize with other military members (a display of heterosexuality), homosexuals are expected to adhere to the same rules.
The specific regulation in the uniform code of military justice, in fact says nothing about being homosexual. It merely states that three things in regard to homosexuality are grounds for disqualification into the armed forces. 1) Any homosexual statements or affirmations (it is generally seen as sexual harassment when heterosexuals make these statements). 2) Any homosexual acts (also seen as sexual harassment, also there is the no- fraternization rule). 3) Any same sex marriages (seeing as they are a recent development, they were illegal at the time when the codes were established). Most interesting of all, are the fact that all of these regulations are used on a basis of keeping sexes separate (does homosexuality defeat the purpose of that rule?), and keeping a tone of professionalism in the work environment. To an extent, regarding the recent development of marriages and civil rights movements for homosexuals, the military is still in an archaic age.
More important to me, however, is the apparent anti- armed forces movement as evident in this college. While many of our fellow American citizens are fighting, and risking their lives across the sea, we continue to thrash their very existence. I would argue that although many of them choose to join the armed forces, they in fact, desire nothing more than to serve their country. There are likely a great many number of individuals who are opposed to the war in which they serve, but out of respect and dedication, they do their part. I would encourage fellow American citizens to support our troops. I personally don’t like it when people thrash an institution which I am a part of (especially when I am risking my life for the dissenters) and I am sure that many of them do not.
A sarcastic poll on the Rip Website (2004/05/04) had the following as options:
What would it take for you to join the military?
The promise that the Army will help me “be all I can be”
Five tequila shots and a dare
A six-figure paycheck
Being able to hang out with those fun-loving Navy SEALS
Getting a Hummer
Being drafted
A submarine berth for two
While I admire the humor, I encourage the staff in the future to please leave more reasonable choices. Although many people see it as funny, there are also many others who do not.
-Nicholas Moore