my cousin, the soldier
I learned yesterday from my grandmother that my cousin (who's a dual citizen) has enlisted in the US army. When I first heard that he was thinking about it, it didn't really touch me because our lives have never crossed very much. But I'm finding that now that it's a done deal, it bothers me a lot (to put it mildly).
I feel like, as his family, we've failed. We should have helped him to find a place, or a life direction, outside the military. And I'm starting to wonder what could be done (or what is being done) in North America to counteract the pull of the military on young men who don't feel like they have any other options.
I've prayed for soldiers in a vague kind of way from time to time, but you can bet I'll be a bit more intentional now.
I feel like, as his family, we've failed. We should have helped him to find a place, or a life direction, outside the military. And I'm starting to wonder what could be done (or what is being done) in North America to counteract the pull of the military on young men who don't feel like they have any other options.
I've prayed for soldiers in a vague kind of way from time to time, but you can bet I'll be a bit more intentional now.
posted by dm at 1:53 PM
2 Comments:
Funny you mention this. Yesterday I just picked up a copy of this very slick and snazzy counter recruitment magazine from War Resister's League:
http://www.warresisters.org/youth/organizingmanual1.html
They also have a list of downloadable counter-recruitment resources from other organisations:
http://www.warresisters.org/youth/materials2.html
Having a relative in the army is definitely a challenge for a peace activist. Charletta has a sister in the National Guard and its made for some very interesting discussions.
Inspired by your earlier "Gulf War Song" post, your post about your cousin reminded me of a Natalie Merchant song, Gun Shy. I think the song can be summed up with the line "There is a world outside of this room and when you meet it promise me you won't meet it with your gun taking aim". It underscores the issue of the U.S. sending underpriveledged teenagers off to fight halfway around the world, and then being surprised when things go "wrong" (e.g. prisoner abuse scandal).
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