Kids Today

A few days ago, the local newspaper asked 14 young folk the following question: "U.S. military recruitment is down and recruiters are looking for more ways to get young people to join. If you were of age, or if you are of age, would you join the military?" Here's what they said, which can be summarized as follows:

  • No, I'm just not cut out for it: 4
  • No, the Iraqi war was a mistake: 4
  • No, I've made other plans: 2
  • No, the military sucks: 2
  • No, God has other plans for me: 1
  • I won't say, but the military has lousy PR: 1

Wow, 14 kids and not one of them says they're going to join the military? And at least 4 are openly opposed to Bush and the war in Iraq? That's not what I would have expected in the heart of red-state America.

Of all the answers, though, my favorite comes from Julie, a young woman who loves the war but hates the thought of serving:

Julie Flanagan, 15, home-schooled, Charlotte: I would never ever want to be drafted. I believe the certain people are called to serve our country. I will fully support those people in any way I can but don't wish for myself to be on that field…. I am saddened when I hear of all the deaths over some selfish person only wanting his way in the world. I think that President Bush is doing his job wonderfully. He is taking into consideration what our country and people in it need the most.

If a home-schooled Bush worshipper won't get out there and fight, who will? Clearly, Operation Yellow Elephant isn't going very well.

Posted at 6:02 pm by Eric :: Politics :: Comments (0) :: Trackbacks (0)

Theological Fight Club

Mary and I have both been intrigued with the recent rise in popularity of Flying Spaghetti Monsterism. From the concept of noodly appendages to the ritualistic use of pirate regalia, it seems like a religion that really fits our modern sensibilities.

But converting to a minority religion is always risky, and you want to know that you'll be able to stand up to the power of the majority. So I have an important question: who would win in a fight — Jesus or the Flying Spaghetti Monster? After literally seconds of intense thought, I decided to go with the FSM on the basis of its ability to fly. Jesus can walk on water, I'm told, and that's pretty cool, but military history clearly shows the advantages of having unquestioned air superiority.

However, Pat Robertson's recent pronouncement on the Sixth Commandment might indicate that Jesus was more of a badass than I previously thought. So I have to open this up to a broader audience — who do you think would win, and why?

Posted at 4:23 pm by Eric :: Random :: Comments (0) :: Trackbacks (0)