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.