Would you want your son or daughter...

@nehrlas (202)
United States
September 19, 2007 7:46am CST
If your child was about to graduate high school and was deciding between going to college and joining the armed services, would you encourage them one way or the other? I just think with todays events, I would personally be too scared to have my son or daughter heading towards Iraq so I think even though I come from a military family I would encourage college. I would however support their decision. I know myself though, I would do everything to "lightly" persuade.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@skydancer (2101)
• United States
11 Oct 07
Those who fight for my country are among the bravest, most admirable people I know of. My mother's family has fought for freedom here ever since the American Revolution. But aside from it being a major part of my family history, (and maybe this is part of the "American" in me) I never believed freedom was carried through the bloodstream. We won our freedom by fighting for it, and as long as there are people out there trying to take it away from us, we must keep fighting for it. I do support a just war for that reason (with a heavy heart of course). I do NOT like unnecessary wars. I do think in some cases it's the only other option. I hear people speak against it, but if someone threatened to invade their house and kill their family, I don't think they'd sit around waiting to be hit either. It's the same principle. But I support war only when the causes are just. Yes, it's 2007, but people need to defend themselves as long as there are people posing violent threats against them no matter what year it is. I am proud of anyone who joins the military, and would certainly be proud if I had a son or daughter who wanted to do so as well. I would be equally supportive if they wanted to go to college. I agree that going into the military isn't the right thing for everyone, and for some people college would be a better choice, and that's something to be proud of too. Whatever their dream, I believe that's what they should reach for.
@rave700 (247)
• Philippines
11 Oct 07
...i'd better encourage them to enter college rather than battling in a war...it's very difficult to see your child being on a war risking his/her own life...however i wouldn't insist what i want, i would just like them to know that as a parent i wouldn't like them to be in such situation especially trying to risk ones life...however if they still choose being in the army then it would be ok for me since it's their decision then i'll understand and respect that....
@mkirby624 (1598)
• United States
20 Sep 07
College ALL THE WAY. As bad as it sounds, I'll be talking "down" the military the entire life of my child in hopes that they won't choose to go into the military. I don't want my child having to put his/her life on the line for something that they may or may not believe in.
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
19 Sep 07
I would also try to head her towards going to to college. I would be so scared with the way things are in this world to have my child join the service.
@msjigga (864)
• United States
19 Sep 07
Hi nehrlas! I would try to support my child's decision and would try to encourage my child to make the best decison for his or hers future. If my Child wants to join the Armed Services I would support Him or Her even if I would not encourage it, I would be scared as heck but I believe you cannot change who people are. If my thinks he or she is a hero than I will support.
@huntbird (277)
• China
11 Oct 07
If i as a parent,i would rather my child to be a college student,because i don't want my child die in the war with tai wan.It doesn't mean i am not a patriot,we can support the front line army,just like produce the weapon,many things.Hope the war will not happen for ever,especially in 2008,it is the key time,hope we can achieve the peaceful reunification.