So I decided what better to talk about then the critism arising over army, navy and marine recruiters coming into schools and so-called glamorousing the armed forces. First of all I do understand that its the second time that I have spoken about the armed forces on my blog, and would just like to clear up that I have the atmost respect for any one that choses to represent their country. It hurts me – as well as it would to others, when I hear about British troops abusing Iraqi civilians. I wish that I could say that I understand what they go through – in a different country, with a different climate, with people who are not that nice and with a bunch of insurgents trying to kill them – but I can’t, and I am lucky.
So should army recruiters be allowed in schools? After-all how else does the army recieve more fighters, more heros? They are more likely to go to schools that are failing and try and offer pupils who may or may not become drug dealers and muggers a way out, as the government doesn’t actually offer them another choice. Ok I realise that I sound pretty unfair, I’m not saying that those that do not join become drug dealers or muggers, I’m saying that the army offers them a way out of that life style. and yes I do understand that the most prominant schools hold age old instituitions with the British armed forces – but they are unlikely to produce foot soldiers, nevertheless I still have the greatest respect.
It feels at the moment that everyone is having a go at the army – no this is not the case here! When people speak of anti war most people automatically people think they are anti British soldiers, can’t they just be anti government? Can’t they still support the armed forces, and yet be anti war?
Personally I am unsure about whether armed forces should be allowed in schools. Hell, I remember when I was in high school (three years ago) and the armed forces would come to my school, in the hall and there would be a slide show. I remember a sergeant telling us about the war in Kosovo, and the job that the armed forces do. (I also remember not listening, being disruptive with my best friend rachel and getting a zillion dirty looks from my tutor – can’t remember his name! I also do remember heading up to the stage after the presentation and apologising to the sergeant – of my own accord; I remember him telling me that he was proud of what he was doing, then I walked away thinking only of cake.)
Looking back I didn’t and I still don’t think there was anything wrong with the armed forces coming to our school - I remember a very sexist officer telling me that they wouldn’t put me on the front line because I’m a girl, but lets not go into that, I’m still bitter four years later (year10). Whats wrong with joining the army? I wish I could answer that or at-least provide a good reason for not joining the army – but I can’t, I really can’t.
On another completely different note, free Tibet? Hmm well first of all I have to admit I had no idea where it was until last month when I looked it up. Second; Richard Dean Anderson’s (the greatest actor in the world) character General Jack O’ neill believed that Tibet should be free, third; isn’t it so close to India that maybe, maybe it should belong to her? Or am I just biased (please dont kill me for saying that, I’m enjoying this cake too much) and forth; can Tibet be independant? Can it manage itself?
thats all for now but i might blog one again soon
dont hesitate to leave a comment
xxx
oh yh I’m thinking one more slice of cake won’t hurt, right? :S
chris horrie said,
March 26, 2008 at 12:19 pm
There’s some reasonable opinion writing here. Send me a picture and I will move this to the ‘active’ blogs section. Just on matters of fact I am not a professor, I am a journalist (and author) rather than a professional academic as such.
sandrar said,
September 10, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.