First off like many have said in other threads my prayers are with everyone who was in someway hurt by yesterday's events. I have been here just kinda thinking about the new view my generation will have after yesterday. I'm 18 and have grown up in pretty much a peaceful United States. After a while you get the idea almost that no one will mess with the United States. Then you see how much damage a few people can do. Who knew 4 planes could forever change United States history. I wasn't alive during Vietnam so the only thing I've really been alive during is the Persian Gulf War.. so my generation is having this happen for pretty much the first time. I was curious for the older posters.. how similiar is this to Vietnam or the day after Pearl Harbor? I'm sitting here thinking how much confidence I have in the United States army and government and I think everything will work out, but at the same time I think.. oh no I'm 18.. and I sure dont' want to go to war at this point of my life over a few terrorists.. hopefully it won't get to that point... anyways this post might not have too much merit to it, but just felt like expressing some of my mixed emotions... i've always have been and still am for the country taking whatever action is needed .. but right now i'm thinking.. i have nothing to do with this... and neither do any of my other friends so just hoping this doesn't end up leading to a draft or something..
I'm old, but I'm not that old! I was 10 when Vietnam came to an end in '73, but I remember scenes on the TV, and memories of my older cousins who served. I was too old to serve in the Gulf War, so I'm much like you....never had to worry about going to war.
I think that Behad and I are 2 of the oldest here, but I was not here for Pearl either. I remember Vietnam on the news as a child, but it was no surprise. As far as we knew, there was always war. I remember writing letters to servicemen in 'Nam. That all seemed surreal also. As for getting drafted, I empathize with your view but am disappointed (i.e. "..over a few terrorists"). I had to register for the draft when I was 18, but the draft itself ended before that. I was prepared to protect this country at any cost. Regardless, don't worry. I think that there is lttle possibility of a draft. We have a large enough 'hired' force to handle current threats.
I think every American and probably every person in the entire free world has some fears of one kind or another today. RocketFan I wonder what it would take for you to volunteer to fight. The World War II generation, often called our greatest generation, saw thousands upon thousands of young men all across the country volunteer to fight in an instant after Pearl Harbor. I'm just barely over the draft age but if the call came I would be forced by my own conscience to volunteer to fight if they would have me. This wasn't just some terrorist attack, this was an attack on our way of life. We can't hide our heads in the sand and hope this goes away.
I think I totally worded my post wrong. If needed I think I'd totally go to war.. I guess what I was trying to get across was the whole idea kinda scares me though. I'm thinking I'm only 18 and still in high school and just can't see myself in a war. Anyways what I was saying with the few terrorists thing is.. it's amazing how a few days ago this wasn't in my mind at all and a few terrorists totally changed that.. anyways just wanted to clear trhat up.. i'm t otally for standing up for my country.. idea just scares me a little though i guess
