My friend's son is being sworn in to the Army right now

[johnnie]

She is a close friend of mine, but we disagree on politics. She is from Texas and all of her family members are bush supporters. We have had many words through the years and most of the time we don't get into it now.
Her son got into a little trouble (nothing major) and was told charges would be dropped if he joined the service. He was trying to get into the Air Force, but they were dragging their feet and he ended up talking to some Army recruiters.
She is not taking it well, but she wants him to have a chance at a future. They are from a pretty small town and chances are he would just be stuck there doing crap work for a living.
I am trying to be as supportive and positive as possible, but on the other hand it is very hard to keep my thoughts to myself. I told her over and over what a mistake it was going into Iraq, voting for georgie and supporting these killers that are running this country. She would say "Well, it doesn't affect me". Guess what? Now it does and she is taking it pretty hard.
I am proud of the boy for joining up, and obviously wish no harm on him or any other person that is being sent over there to do bush's bullshit. I hope he gets stationed somewhere else, but I have no say.
I just wanted to say this here. Sorry if it is boring, it's just that I have been listening about it for a while and today is the day. They are acting like he is the only person ever to join, but I understand it is her son and she loves him dearly. I just needed to "vent" I guess. She called about 20 minutes ago from the Federal building and said he is up next.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. It's one of those times where you just can't feel smug and say "I told

you so" because it would just be too cruel.

But you are a good friend and she is lucky to have your support.

*hugs*

[johnnie]

3. I could never say that..lol

Although, I'm sure she feels a little strange because she knows my views.
I am worried about this kid a lot too, because I do care for him. I just hopes everything turns out well.

[liberalnurse]

2. It is a hard way to learn the truth.

My heart goes out to the family.

[johnnie]

4. Yes, it is a hard way to learn the truth

I am trying my best to just listen to her and remain positive. I have become pretty close to the family and it is tough to listen to how much they are hurting.

[AllegroRondo]

5. What MOS is he going into? What unit?

[johnnie]

6. All I know is

He will be in Oklahoma for basic training. The name of the base escapes me right now. He is going for 14 weeks.

[Aristus]

7. Fort Sill. If he is undergoing "one-stop" training, then he is

probably in Field Artillery. Prime candidate for shipment to Iraq. Sorry.

I will pray for him to return safely, as I do for all our troops in the ME.

[johnnie]

8. I think you are right about the field artillery

She told me that he will "be firing the missiles". I didn't ask much more, but had a feeling he was going to be shipped over. Thank you for the prayers. I think our men and women over there need as much as they can get.

[chookie]

9. Similar story

The son of a cousin of mine enlisted in the Air Force. He is the first member of our extended family -- indeed, of anyone in our circle -- who ever enlisted (not counting WWII, of course).

I vented here too, at the time, just trying to figure out why someone would want to join up when it was clear a monkey was taking us into a wrenching world war.

The kid had done ROTC in high school, and was, well, some might call it brainwashed. He wanted to join right of out school but parents, who can pay for college, dissuaded him, and he joined up after his first semester of college.

Among ourselves, we are all saying "HOLY SHIT! WHY?" but we seal our lips when we are with his parents.

His parents are very concerned, but like all parents want to think all will be well. But like a lot of people, they are in denial about how grave a position Bush has placed our nation in. They told me that Iraq would be resolved within months, the troops withdrawn, and no more wars. A parent would want to believe such a thing.... I kept my mouth shut. Now that it is a done deal, to talk about it would be cruel.

I understand what you are feeling. It is maddening to see someone give up their lives and simply walk into peril, trusting in a malevolent chimp.