OPINION:
This is not the America in which I grew up (“Culture war casualty: Military recruiting,” web, July 17).
I am a child of the “Silent Generation” (born 1928-1945), taught by World War II propaganda to despise America’s enemies. I grew up afraid the war would be over before I could enlist in the military and help eliminate our foes.
I was also taught from birth to love thy neighbor — and that there are no free lunches. These are two lessons I’ve practiced these past 88 years.
I cannot understand how baby boomers and later generations could not love America. I served this nation proudly in the military, obeying my commander in chief in Vietnam and other nations and using arms to protect citizens of our ally countries.
Naively, I always thought others agreed with me on this score, and I have been truly surprised to find that many people would not volunteer to protect America.
Our education system does not teach that about 150 million workers in the private sector (profit earners) produce and sell goods and services for profit, which the government seizes to pay public sector bills and uses for handouts to those on welfare, as well for bribes.
I will not let my children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren volunteer to protect the socialists who are intent on destroying the America for which I fought.
JOE BOYETT
Montgomery, Alabama
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