all the little children...
November 1st one of my coworkers came in more excited than usual. This was the first election he was eligible to vote in, and what a huge election it was. He couldn't wait to stand in line for a long time to let his voice be heard.
He's only 18 or 19 and a freshman in college. Tonight we chatted for a few minutes about his major and what he wants to do when he "grows up". He's currenlty an English major and wants to write. He said he has so many ideas for stories, movies, etc. that it's almost too many ideas. One of his English professors has him helping some fellow students, so it would seem he's at least a little talented in his chosen field.
It would seem he's a got a bright future - he's already got a great attitude and work ethic (he's working full time in addition to being a full time student).
Last weekend a friend shared some quasi-insider knowledge with me: it appears our government is anticipating a need to reinstitute a military draft and they may put these wheels in motion as soon as 6 months from now. This news came via a college professor in another state who has been asked to serve on the draft board. And it's traveled through at least 2 people to get to me.
That doesn't change the fact that my immediate reaction was to think of my coworker - a young black man with potential and a future. A young black man who could be called to "serve". I don't want him to come home in a casket. I don't want him to come home with crazy war stories. I want him and all of his peers to be able to pursue their dreams without having to risk their lives fighting someone else's war.
There's a good chance my information is flawed, or maybe even an out-and-out lie. Or, maybe it's true, but a draft won't happen. But it's a scary thought.
He's only 18 or 19 and a freshman in college. Tonight we chatted for a few minutes about his major and what he wants to do when he "grows up". He's currenlty an English major and wants to write. He said he has so many ideas for stories, movies, etc. that it's almost too many ideas. One of his English professors has him helping some fellow students, so it would seem he's at least a little talented in his chosen field.
It would seem he's a got a bright future - he's already got a great attitude and work ethic (he's working full time in addition to being a full time student).
Last weekend a friend shared some quasi-insider knowledge with me: it appears our government is anticipating a need to reinstitute a military draft and they may put these wheels in motion as soon as 6 months from now. This news came via a college professor in another state who has been asked to serve on the draft board. And it's traveled through at least 2 people to get to me.
That doesn't change the fact that my immediate reaction was to think of my coworker - a young black man with potential and a future. A young black man who could be called to "serve". I don't want him to come home in a casket. I don't want him to come home with crazy war stories. I want him and all of his peers to be able to pursue their dreams without having to risk their lives fighting someone else's war.
There's a good chance my information is flawed, or maybe even an out-and-out lie. Or, maybe it's true, but a draft won't happen. But it's a scary thought.
posted by Silver Turtle at
12:45 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home