Normally, I wouldn’t take a stand like this. But, this time, I feel something should be said.
Often times, veterans are told, “thank you for your service,” however, there does not seem to be a real connection to what is truly relinquished by a person to become a member of the Armed Forces. While it is noted that we lose time with our loved ones, that our lives may be forfeit to complete a mission, that our very bodies may be expendable, however the true “nuts and bolts” of the rights we lose while “in the uniform” is never recognized or discussed. I assume that is because the average person doesn’t know what rights must be relinquished in order to serve. Here are three of many:
1. The right to free speech. We are never permitted to openly discuss dissention in the ranks. We are not permitted to speak to the press without prior permission of the officers appointed over us.
2. The right to a fair trial. Military service members are governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice and are subject to a different set of standards than the average civilian.
3. The right to free expression. Have you seen military service members with multiple piercings, extravagant hair colors or haircuts, facial tattoos, or even really bad sunburns? It’s not permitted.
At any time we may be ordered not to go to an event, not to patronize a business, or not to go greater than 75 miles from our base. At any time, we may be ordered to say things that we don’t believe, do things that we don’t want to do or befriend people we wouldn’t normally even speak to. Service members give up many of their unalienable rights. We lose the very rights that we fight to protect for our country, its interests, our people and our allies.
Now, once again it seems that we may have to give up more rights. During the Presidential election, there was talk of taking away the right to vote from the military. Even criminals, as long as they are not incarcerated, are permitted to vote in most States.
Currently, Senator Coburn is lobbying to take away Department of Defense schools and commissaries, two of the essential foundations to military life. This action would rend the very fabric of military living. These establishments are extremely essential for the formation of our familial support networks and the health and well-being of the service members and their families. (The original article can be read in its entirety by clicking ==>> Coburn Calls out Energy Projects, DOD Schools, Commissaries for Wasteful Spending
Senator Coburn believes that research on diseases such as prostate cancer and breast cancer should be discontinued because these ailments, to paraphrase, “ don’t affect the troops.” Actually it has been found that service women are suffering a disproportionately larger amount of breast cancer than their civilian counterparts. Service men are being diagnosed with a disproportionate amount of prostate cancer and diabetes. But, this research doesn’t affect “the troops.” (The original article can be read in its entirety by clicking ==>> Drop commissaries, schools, beef jerky research and Klingon workshops)
And, he wants to do all of this because, once again, the military community has been reduced to a line item on a budget. Given all that the military community gives up, is it worth it?
What are your thoughts on the closing of State-side commissaries and schools? How about losing the right to vote? Please leave me a comment here on my blog or on my Facebook Page.
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Deanna Wharwood’s passion is to help veterans, service-disabled veterans and their dependents create the systems they need to start and grow businesses from their first dollar to six-figures. Unlike other coaches, consultants, mentors and trainers, she is a veteran who successfully transitioned from military life to entrepreneurship. Learn more about Deanna – The Veterans’ Coach and how she can help you!
