OPINION:
Tom Jurkowsky’s recent op-ed fails to address two major reasons why so many people today decline to join the military (“Veterans: all hands on deck to remedy dire recruiting situation,” web, Nov. 15).
One is found among people with a strong moral sense. These types avoid the military because they know that our leaders (Democratic or Republican — it does not matter) are likely to send them to fight in unjust wars (e.g., our aggressive wars against Iraq and Afghanistan). Quite naturally, they simply do not want to participate in injustice.
Another reason is that some people have enough worldliness, common sense and pragmatism to see that America’s recent military ventures (including its proxy wars) have had nothing to do with their own earthly interests — and everything to do with either the interests of other nations or various insiders (politicians, arms contractors, bankers, K Street lobbyists, etc.).
It is time to end the American empire and restore the American republic.
As a first step, I urge all young men and women to avoid the military — at least until we obtain wiser, more ethical leaders.
CHRIS ALBRECHT
Bethesda, Maryland
