I wonder if we should change this nation”s qualifications to hold state and federal office for anyone who is elected to office before they are sworn in. They should spend a week with an Army infantry rifle squad under fire in the front lines.
Many have done this before running for office and they would be exempt from this having already fulfilled this requirement.
With the new voluntary Army we have today few of those who run for office are filling leadership positions that gives them the insight of what war in reality is all about, yet, they hold the power of their vote to go to war or not.
This goes for both genders. Understanding they would not have the training or even in shape to be at the par of a regular soldier, those experiencing this part of being an American citizen could be assigned a buddy/helper to assist them for that week.
A second week could be added, that would have them work in the wards of one of our VA hospitals to gain an even deeper understanding of all the aspects of military action that we ask so freely of some of our young men and women in the protection of our nation.
None of the future leadership of this nation as intelligent and well schooled as they maybe can truly learn or understand fully this aspect of making good judgment with such an issue as voting to go to war.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
