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EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:
Military Service - The Ultimate Act of Standing Up?
Juan said, “How many people served in the military?” Twelve of
us raised our hands.
Juan asked,
“How many of you volunteered instead of being drafted? Harry,
Larry, Terry, Gary, Old Mike, Kurt and I were the only ones that
volunteered for the regular branches of the military, Fred and
three other guys volunteered for the National Guard. Some of the
women said that they had husbands, brothers, or fathers that
have served time in the military.
Juan asked,
“When and why did each of you volunteer for the service?”
Harry said, “I
volunteered for the Coast Guard during the Vietnam world,
because I wanted to serve my country.”
Some people
moaned because they had heard his numerous bullshit stories of
his alleged daring-do.
Mike said,
“Sounds like you joined the Coast Guard to get out of serving in
Vietnam.”
Harry said, “I
served over there!”
Larry said I
joined the Coast Guard during Vietnam to serve my country.”
Terry said, “I
joined the Air Force because I knew that I had a better chance
of not going to Vietnam and I could get better academic and
technical training in the Air Force.”
Old Mike said,
“I Joined the Army during the Korean War to serve my country.”
Gary said, I
volunteered to join the Air Force, during Vietnam but at the
time I was found unfit to join, -- looking back now I am glad I
didn’t make it over their.”
I said, “I
volunteered to join the Marines during the last part of Vietnam,
because I wanted to serve my country, see the world.” “I wanted
to be on my own away from my parents, to be independent.”
Kurt said, “I
knew I would be drafted, but I volunteered to join the Army to
serve in Vietnam for my country, instead of joining any other
branch to avoid Vietnam.” He looked at Harry, Larry, Terry, and
a few of the guys that he knew had joined the National Guard.
Fred said, “I
joined the National Guard after the Vietnam War, to serve my
country.”
One other gym
rat said the same thing that Fred had. The two other guys said
they volunteered in the National Guard before they got drafted
during Vietnam to have a better chance to keep from going over
there.
Juan asked Todd
and Norm about their induction into the military. The both said
that they were drafted in the Navy towards the end of the draft.
Both of them also said that they would have never joined if it
was left up to them.
Norm said he
even considered leaving the country.
Old Mike said,
“How about you Juan, since you’re asking us, I want to know if
you joined the military?”
Harry and Larry
yell out their desire to hear if Juan ever served. I listen
quietly with anticipation of what Juan had to say, since I was
also very curious.”
Juan said, I
volunteered twice because I believed in certain causes and I
wanted to serve.” “The second time I was motivated by mostly a
desire to serve myself.”
I asked Juan,
“What branch of the service did you join and during what
campaign?” I asked him that because I wanted to get an idea of
his age, and because in his application under military he put,
“nothing to brag about.”
Juan said,
“That’s not important to this discussion right now.”
Harry said,
“Hey, you want us to be forth coming, what about you?”
Juan said, “I
am more interested in all of you, although I am not here to
judge what is right or wrong, just what you all think is right
and wrong.”
Juan asked,
“Harry I am interested especially in what YOU think is right or
wrong, is that okay?” Hearing how Juan was inferring that all of
this hinged on what Harry thought, seemed to stroke Harry’s ego
and he acquiesced to Juan’s questioning.”
Juan said,
“Harry why did you think it was important to serve your country
by serving in Vietnam?”
Harry said, “I
think as American citizens it is our duty to serve out country,
and to protect our country, and our fellow citizens, even if it
means risking our lives.”
Juan asked,
“Are you glad that you served during Vietnam?”
Harry’s chest
swelled with affected rigthousness, “Of course. A man’s got to
do what is right.”
Juan looked
around at each of us and asked if why we thought it was
important to serve our country during our stints in the
military?”
Old Mike said,
“Yes it was important to fight the spread of communism.”
Larry said,
“Yes.”
Terry said, “It
depends, I think the War in Korea, and Vietnam was not
important, but World War one and two were.”
Fred said, “Yes
I thought it was important to serve my country.”
Kurt said,
“Yes, I think it is important to serve your country in the
military, but Vietnam was wrong.”
The guys who
joined the National Guard (Except for the guy who had thought of
leaving the country said, “Yes it is important to serve your
country”
Todd said,
“Only if we are attacked.”
Gary said, “I
don’t think Vietnam was a good idea, but I agree with Terry, I
think that protecting our country like we did in World War one
and two was essential.”
I said, “I
think it is important to serve your country for just causes even
if it means sacrificing your life for your loved ones.” “I agree
with Terry and Gary, about the World Wars, or if someone breaks
into my house and attacks and puts me or my family at risk.”
“However, I am
really sorry that I was brainwashed to believe that if I went to
Vietnam that I would be helping to fight the spread of
Communism.” “I feel outrage at the thought that we were given
propaganda to fight a war when in reality it was for the benefit
of special interest groups trying to protect their assets.”
Juan looked at
me with what I thought was an odd smile, and he clapped slowly
and with force several times and just as it appeared as if he
was going to address what I had said Norm blurted out his
thoughts.
Norm who
thought about leaving the country said, “No I don’t think
Vietnam was a just war, and I don’t think that there is ever a
good reason for killing.”
A lot of people
in the room where jumping all over Norm for his comment.
All sorts of
accusations were flung at him.” “What are you, a religious
freak?” “Who do you think you are Muhammad Ali?”
I said, “You
wouldn’t even if your parents or loved ones were getting
tortured or killed in front of you?”
Norm said, “No,
their lives are in God’s hands.” This comment incited more
disbelief and outrage.”
Juan said, “I
think we are all entitled to our own opinions and philosophy.”
Harry said, “Oh
sure your all for him having his opinions and philosophy but not
us”
Juan said, “I’m
for anyone having any philosophy that does not step on the toes
of other people.” “I do find it amusing when people have
incongruent ideologies that cause lots of confusion in their
lives.”
Harry said,
“You haven’t proven that to me.”
Juan said with
a smile, “I’m sure that I haven’t and perhaps no one ever will.”
Harry said,
“Enough of the innuendos lets get on with the point you’re
trying to make.”
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One Primate's Search For Intelligent Life
(EXODUS)
MOST PEOPLE TALK BULLSHIT:
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(REVELATIONS)
MOST PEOPLE TALK BULLSHIT:
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(JUDGMENT DAY)
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THE MARINES: GOD'S CHOSEN
WARRIORS
CONVERSATIONS WITH NEO
NEO TEACHES ME THE ART OF WAR
& PEACE;
His Version of The Matrix
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ZEN & THE ART OF RESISTANCE
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A Yogic & Scientific Approach To Weight
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ZEN & THE BIOLOGY OF
TRANSCENDENCE:
The First Matrix of Psychic
Phenomena
ZEN & THE ART OF KINESIOLOGY:
The Yogic & Scientific
Approach To Movement
ZEN & YOUR ENERGY SYSTEMS
ZEN & VARIOUS ASPECTS OF
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HOMEPAGE TO VINCE'S GYM
HOMEPAGE |
