US Workers Starved Into Service

Americans have a long history of consuming and/or killing their way out of crisis. And it isn’t looking as if that model will be up for reassessment anytime soon. The parameters of what we like to call the “national conversation” are as narrow as ever, and they are not widening under the current leadership. So far at least, even Obama’s ‘Clean Energy Economy’ has failed to deliver enough ‘green jobs’ (or any other color jobs for that matter) to begin the process of meaningful transition. With the season of consuming just around the corner, many Americans – especially those in blue collar jobs like construction, manufacturing and retail service – are staring into the economic abyss. It is hardly surprising in such an environment that a young person with dismal employment prospects and plummeting self esteem would be easily seduced by an ad that promises “more than $49,000 in GI Bill Benefits” as does the US military’s current promo. The same ad promises that young recruits can “connect with military and veteran-friendly schools that offer VA approved education programs,” or “get information” about high-paying degrees like Criminal Justice, IT and Legal Studies.---
4 commentscategory: Abuse of Power/Corruption karma: 151

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  1. #1    Maybe those eager masses of young men and women wouldn’t have been so hot to sign up if, for instance, they understood that anyone enlisting in the military right now – whatever branch – is required to sign a document that states: "Laws and regulations that govern military personnel may change without notice to me. Such changes may affect my status, pay allowances, benefits and responsibilities as a member of the Armed Forces REGARDLESS of the provisions of this enlistment/re-enlistment document.” (DD Form4/1, 1998, Sec.9.5b).
    written by Sparrows since 19 days 13 hours 13 minutesSparrows
  2. #2    Military recruiters lie? I was in the recruiters office taking pre-enlistment tests when I heard the laughter. so I walked out to see what was up. They had just signed up two young black men. Air borne for the jump pay and medics so they couldn't be shot at. They were on their way to Nam within the year. I hope they made it but the odds weren't good. The recruiters were all white southerners. I took my medical deferment. I knew they couldn't be trusted.
    written by southtpa since 18 days 18 hours 25 minutessouthtpa
  3. #3    I guess they were not lucky enough to be placed on the group W bench.
    written by Dano2112a since 18 days 18 hours 22 minutesDano2112a
  4. #4    I used to sit and admire my Honorable Discharge for hours at a time reminiscing of times gone by and friends forgotten...

    Now I've got my DD-214 hung right next to it and find myself admiring this document even more.......

    Such is gone the way of the true warrior.....
    written by mercman since 18 days 16 hours 7 minutesmercman
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