(no subject)

[pastorlenny.livejournal.com]

In what ways are poor people oppressed?

Comments

[pattyoplenty.livejournal.com]

Although it may no be for everybody, sometimes the military is a means of escaping. When I was in HS, my old BF was 17, parents died, living in a 2x2 shack in the dumpiest part of my county with his brother & wife who were on their 3rd kid & basically kicked him out when he finished HS. He went in the Airforce & did quite well for himself. It all depends on what someone is willing to do to better themselves. Again, milititary is not for everyone, but it can help a lot of poverty stricken teens 18 & up to get out.

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

That's the economic draft. Our poorer get to fly to another country and kill their poorest.

It all depends on what someone is willing to do to better themselves

My friend joined in 1989. He was living with me at the time. He was in and out of foster care for most of his life. He went into the Marines "to be a man" and to escape the scene we were in then.

He served in the 1991 Iraq conflict (Gulf War 1) and came back unwilling/unable to do anything for himself and he was homeless in 6 months. He remained homeless until 1998 when we got him VA benefits with the help of Swords to Ploughshares in SF. He doesn't trust anyone. He was a communication officer and say he learned that what we see on the news is lies. Its all lies, so say he.

So, its not always nice story.

My friend needed high school and college and family. He didn't need the Marines and they didn't teach him ANYTHING about how to survive on the streets of the big city.

It did get him a pension and VA benefits, which have helped him a bit.

[pattyoplenty.livejournal.com]

I agree. The military isn't as useful just doing a 4 year stint which some kids go into it doing. But I'm talking kids who make it their career. It may not have been what they wanted to do in life, but it got them out of poverty, gave them 3 squares a day & health insurance. It stinks during war time, I'll admit, but for those lucky enough during peaceful times it could pay off learning a trade & going to college on the GI bill. I know there's pluses & minuses to all situations, but when you have nothing, it's always an option to consider.

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I hear ya, sorry that I ranted.

[pattyoplenty.livejournal.com]

Also, Marines is a tough run, no lie. Everyone I knew who fell on hard times opted for the Navy & the Airforce and found life to be okay. Marines is definitely not for everyone...I agree it's for a special tough breed of people. That's too bad about your friend, I'm sorry to hear about his tough haul. I hope he is doing better now.

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

Thanks for such a kind reply. He is actually doing better a bit this year.

[pattyoplenty.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear it, especially around the holidays.