Modern Pacifist Defies Logic

An editorial published in the February 5th, 2003 Oshkosh Northwestern

We yearn for the days when pacifists burned their draft cards or became conscientious objectors. They at least had the courage of their convictions.

Jason Moon, a 32-year-old student at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, says he joined the Army National Guard a decade ago for the money. Now he's a pacifist who is in it to create "change from the inside." He expressed doubts about taking the life of an enemy and sees his role as fighting more for free speech than to fight a war.

We will not argue with one person's right to speak his mind as he sees fit. There is room for his anti-war sentiment in the community debate regarding Iraq. The military, however, is one of the poorest forums to express that opinion. This is not the place to be for someone who has doubts about taking an enemy's life, or acknowledges he may hesitate to respond if attacked.

It has been said an Army is only as strong as its weakest link. An Army relies on the consolidation of like-minded soldiers to carry out the processes and strategies of its goals. Anything less invites problems.

Much as we wish it were otherwise, war is a prevalent 21st century reality and so is the need for a standing army to respond.

The best place for Moon to serve is in the army of public opinion and not on the fields of battle.

Click Here for Tony Palmeri's response to this editorial

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