Transfer the Expectations

Acknowledging all the issues and matters that we Americans disagree on (and we surely disagree on many) there is one thing Americans seemingly embrace collectively with respect, support and admiration, it is our military. That said, only an idiot would not agree that the military service- organization is the most demanding, selfless, imposed sacrificing group of people who have totally relinquished personal rights for the good of the order. God only knows the extent to which we private citizens refuse to sacrifice or give up anything for the good of the order. Let some other suckers give up their rights or privileges but not me buddy!

If this military (profile) behavior is so terrific and unquestionably desirable then why don't Americans promote and emulate those characteristics and disciplines in all other aspects of life? It would seem a natural starting point would be parenting. Instead, we have become an enabling parenting society demanding very little discipline from our children and consequently we have more narcissistic entitled young people. Funny thing but the military demands the little things believing it will develop a person all can 'count' on. The hair is cut the clothing neat and the work duty is demanding. Teens today often dress as rebellious bums and seldom lift a finger to assist parents who are busy busting their butts to 'give their kids a better life than theirs.' Too frequently the life given is not better just softer.

Our public schools seek mediocrity in an effort to coddle a child's psychic instead of challenging and pushing for excellence. Whereas the military is all about physical conditioning and preparedness, our society fails to financially support schools, which results in requiring program cuts. Historically, we see cuts and limits on physical education classes. This mentality flies in the face of well documented findings that our youth face unprecedented obesity and childhood diabetes. Go square that! Perhaps our homage for the military increases proportionately to our own decreasing lack of sacrifice and accountability because THAT desciplined (military) behavior is more foreign each passing generation.