Posted on Dec 13, 2015
Millennials support 'boots on the ground' to fight ISIS, but not necessarily their 'boots'. Is this survey surprising to you?
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The institute has asked millennials about the idea of American boots on the ground at three different times this year, and the survey results have fluctuated somewhat, but there seems to be a "hardening of support." In this most recent survey, 60 percent of the 18- to 29-year-olds polled say they support committing U.S. combat troops to fight ISIS. But an almost equal number (62 percent) say they wouldn't want to personally join the fight, even if the U.S. needed additional troops. The disconnect in joining the fight comes down to how millennials feel about the government writ large, according to Harvard IOP Polling Director John Della Volpe. "I'm reminded of the significant degree of distrust that this generation has about all things related to government," said Della Volpe. "And I believe if young people had a better relationship with government ... they'd be more open to serving."
http://www.npr.org/2015/12/10/459111960/millennials-want-to-send-troops-to-fight-isis-but-not-serve?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20151213&utm_campaign=bestofnpr&utm_term=nprnews
http://www.npr.org/2015/12/10/459111960/millennials-want-to-send-troops-to-fight-isis-but-not-serve?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20151213&utm_campaign=bestofnpr&utm_term=nprnews
ISIS
Service
War on Terror
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 59
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By way of a crossover topic (Swiss gun laws) I would the following concept also be U.S. custom and law: "Since 1291, when the [Swiss] landsgemeinden (people's assemblies) formed circles in the village squares, and only men carrying swords could vote, weapons have been the mark of citizenship. As a Military Department spokesman said, "It is an old Swiss tradition that only an armed man can have political rights." This policy is based on the understanding that only those who bear the burden of keeping Switzerland free are entitled to fully enjoy the benefits of freedom."
http://www.guncite.com/swissgun-kopel.html
http://www.guncite.com/swissgun-kopel.html
"What America can learn from Switzerland is that the best way to reduce gun misuse is to promote responsible gun ownership."
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LCpl Jesse Foust
MSgt John Carter - I don't think there is a good answer to the question, but I do observe that even rights protected in the Bill of Rights seem to be becoming more negotiable as time goes on.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Great information regarding the Swiss in this book review.... Hitler said he would be the "Butcher of the Swiss"..... http://www.davekopel.com/2A/Mags/TargetSwitzerland.htm
Book Review
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
SSG Gerhard S. - Thanks for a great share. I especially loved this part of the review: From the Anschluss of Austria to the Fall of France, Hitler swallowed nation after nation where cowardly ruling elites surrendered the country to the Nazis—either before the shooting began, or a few weeks afterward. But such a surrender would have been impossible in Switzerland, explains Halbrook. The Swiss governmental system was decentralized, with the separate 26 cantons, not the federal government, having the authority. The federal government did notify the Swiss people that in case of a German invasion, any claim that there had been a Swiss surrender should be disregarded as Nazi propaganda. And because the military power was in the hands of every Swiss man, the federal government would have been unable to surrender had it ever wanted to. Nothing could stop the Swiss militiamen from fighting to the very end.
America’s Founders admired Switzerland as a “Sister Republic” amidst the despotisms of Europe. The American Founders—like the Swiss—understood the moral implications of a universal militia system: a people who are trained to self-reliance and responsibility will defend their freedom to the utmost. But a people who rely on a professional standing army may not have the nerve to resist tyranny.
When, as William Shirer wrote from Berlin, the lamps of freedom were going out all over Europe, they burned brighter than ever in Switzerland, as the Swiss people maintained their democracy, their right to assemble, and their freedom of religion. And the Swiss people saved thousands and thousands of refugees from the gas chambers. A well-regulated militia really was necessary to the security of a free state
America’s Founders admired Switzerland as a “Sister Republic” amidst the despotisms of Europe. The American Founders—like the Swiss—understood the moral implications of a universal militia system: a people who are trained to self-reliance and responsibility will defend their freedom to the utmost. But a people who rely on a professional standing army may not have the nerve to resist tyranny.
When, as William Shirer wrote from Berlin, the lamps of freedom were going out all over Europe, they burned brighter than ever in Switzerland, as the Swiss people maintained their democracy, their right to assemble, and their freedom of religion. And the Swiss people saved thousands and thousands of refugees from the gas chambers. A well-regulated militia really was necessary to the security of a free state
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SSG Gerhard S.
Indeed, Switzerland is a great model to consider from a security, and responsibility aspect! It IS the model the US began with. Unfortunately we have no lack of interlopers intent on weakening our inherent security.
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Today, "leaders" send troops into battle. In days gone by, many leader were in front of the troops on the battle field. Just too bad we don't have leadership from the front any more!
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MAJ Ronnie Reams
Infantry changed from Follow Me to After You long ago. It is true you can control action from behind much easier than from front. You get the big picture of what is happening and not constantly turning around to see what is going on with your troops.
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PO1 Aaron Baltosser
I was raised to lead by example. That was expected of me wherever I was stationed. That one thing remained constant throughout my career. I retired in 2011 and the principles of leadership from the front were still strong then. Having worked in the civilian workforce since I have seen much of millenial after me attitude. It bothered me to such a degree, I accepted a pay cut and just flat retired completely so I didn't have to mess with them. There was a lot of just pay me and don't expect me to work hard I had to see as a civilian worker. That population is not going to stand up and do what's required for this country.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
PO1 Aaron Baltosser - For you, it was the same for me. One thing I know if you're not out there you don't get complete feel of things.
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