So sorry you felt compelled to break off our beautiful friendship–I can’t imagine why–but in any event in memory of our relationship here’s a toast to all that might have been from an irredeemable reprobate:

Here’s to you as good as you are and as bad as I am–

But as bad as I am, and as good as you are–

I’m as good as you are, as bad as I am–

Or something like that….

PS: Breaking up was bad enough, but the GO NAVY! bit REALLY hurt…..to the quick.

The book ought to be required reading. My own take, for which I’ve often been pilloried, is that some form of military service is required. Could be perhaps we fold in the Border patrol and TSA, etc, maybe include the various Plice and Fire departments.

But, if you are not willing to stand up and be counted, then you don’t get to vote, you also don’t get to ever hold a government job at ANY level, you don’t get to run for any elected office, nor to receive government grants or loans for college, housing, etc.

In short, if you aren’t willing to serve in some capacity, to have an “ownership stake” with your country, then your country doesn’t owe you anything. You can still be a great citizen, own your own business, work where you like, live how you please, etc. You just don’t get to slurp at the public trough if you aren’t willing to help muck out the stalls.

respects,

Lest any vet bridle at this, it was not until the late 50s that service leadership even began to register to vote. The idea was that civilian control of the military was supreme, and that was not compatible with GOFOs voting.