Message from the Marine Corps

[uberllama42]

Maybe I'm just fishing for kudos here, but I think it's important to let people know about this. I woke up early this morning (I'm sick with the flu, I went to bed early last night) and found an e-mail from a Marine Captain trying to recruit me to Officer Candidates School this summer. The message in part:

The United States Marine Corps is looking for a few good LaSalle University students interested in developing their leadership skills at Officer Candidates School this summer. This intense training is designed to strengthen both your mind and your body while undergoing what Inc. Magazine calls "the finest corporate leadership school in the world." If you want to utilize your time this summer to gain experience applicable to any field, this program may be for you.
While there is no obligation to remain in this program following Officer Candidates School, students that complete OCS will be offered a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

This is the e-mail I sent in reply. I think it expresses my views respectfully and eloquently:

Captain *****-

Thank you for your interest in me and for presenting me with the opportunity to attend the Officer Candidates School. Please know that I have only the utmost respect for yourself, your fellows in the Marine Corps, and all those who show their willingness to sacrifice for the preservation of our freedom and the security of the American people.

With that being said, I would like to express my total lack of interest in attending Officer Candidates School and with joining the Marine Corps. While I appreciate the benefits of joining the USMC, I consider myself a conscientious objector to military action in general and especially to the present involvement of the Corps and the U.S. Army in Iraq. I am disturbed by the damage it has done to the fight against international terrorism, the destruction it has wreaked on the innocent citizens of Iraq, and most distressingly, the misdirected sacrifice it has elicited from the brave and loyal members of our armed forces.

I feel that any involvement on my part in the Marine Corps or in any of the other esteemed branches of the service would be to condone our government's actions in Iraq, which is something I cannot do in good conscience.

I hope that my concerns do not seem hollow or my objections selfish. I feel resolutely that my opposition to the war is in the best interest of the American public, the people of Iraq, and our soldiers and Marines. I would like once again to express my gratitude for your offer and for your service.

Sincerely and with highest regards,
Joseph M. Gauger

While I was writing this, I got really emotional as it hit me just how wrong the sacrifices of our armed forces in Iraq and how important it is to end the war there if for no other reason. Even if I'm still as sick next week as I am now, I'll be on a bus to Washington. Everything else in my life seems a lot smaller and less important now.

[annabanana]

1. That was a good letter.

I think it sums up the feeling of most here. This cabal has taken one of the most valuable tools in the belt and destroyed it with misuse.

[lligrd]

2. Great Letter.

Kudos!!

[jtrockville]

3. Glad to hear you're coming to town!

Here's to a huge turnout.