What is your view on conscientious objectors in the military?
By Mommamea
@Mommamea (1215)
United States
December 1, 2006 8:32pm CST
I personaly don't understand this. I know when the person signs up they take an oath. They are totally aware of the fact they may have to go off to war. Why do people join the military if they are not willing to fight for this country? Is this not fraud? Should they be punished for this? I think after they have been in the position, given the privilages the military members get and have been paid for the job they should not be allowed to claim this status. You don't feel you have the right to say anything? If you are in the US you are paying this persons salary by paying taxes. How can they continue to get away with this?
4 responses
@Lugh69 (149)
• United States
2 Dec 06
I think that some people join the military just to have a decent paying job and don't really think about being in a war until they're called to do so or until they personally see the horrors of war. Alot of the enlistees are right out of high school and haven't formed their own opinions on life yet.
There are also some I know who don't believe in war but stay and fight because they think it's their duty.
If a person honestly follows their conscience and takes the stand against war and are willing to suffer the consequences (court martial, can't vote, hard to get a job, wrath of friends and family) then it doesn't bother me. I spent 8 years in the Navy and am re enlisting soon.
@Mommamea (1215)
• United States
2 Dec 06
I understand Recruiters make promises to these high school kids and make it look like the very best of careers but do you not think by the time they get into boot camp that it gives them a reality check and they can quit. There is a way out isn't there? Is is not their duty when they take that oath to protect and serve. I can't believe anyone truly believes they will never go to war when they sign up. My husband made a career out of it and found great pride in doing so. He does not believe in killing anyone out of hatred. But he would to protect his family and keep them safe. Thank you for the work you do in serving our country and continueing to keep us all safe. God Bless you.
@Lugh69 (149)
• United States
2 Dec 06
I agree with the main point about serving and protecting and doing your duty. But I also know that peoples views and choices are based on what they've seen and experienced in their life. Sometimes their experiences are drastically different than yours or mine. So I try to look outside my own views and walk in their shoes awhile.
@Lydia1901 (16351)
• United States
2 Dec 06
Not everyone is for war. Some of the people that join the military do it for the promise that they give them. Such as paying for your college or pay off your loans if you already went to college. They make it look good so people like that join in thinking chances are there maybe no war.
@Mommamea (1215)
• United States
2 Dec 06
But the fact remains they have a 50/50 chance of being called to war and should complete thier obligation shouldn't they? Is this not a part of the oath they take? I don't want war either nor did my husband who served 20 yrs but when the time came he went and did the job he said he would.
@vijay12 (1642)
• India
2 Dec 06
I support the right to conscientious objection of a soldier.
Defending one's nation is one thing and invading a sovereign nation illegally and committing atrocities in the name of patriotism is another.
In that case,whats the difference between a teerrorist and a good citizen?
@sbeauty (5865)
• United States
2 Dec 06
I don't know why anyone would join the military and then decide to conscientiously object. The way I remember that term being used was back during VietNam when people were still being drafted. Is it wrong or right? I don't know. I do know that if it came to the point where they wanted to draft my son, he would probably conscientiously object. He's a vegetarian because he can't stand the thought of killing animals, so I know he could never bring himself to kill another human being.
@Mommamea (1215)
• United States
2 Dec 06
My husband does not like killing animals either but he served 20 years knowing he would have to go to war if called. I do not object to those who chose not to join the military it is those that do join and after years of being in the service when it is time to perform your duty in a time of war they all of a sudden decide they don't want to be in that position. Joining the service is not something one should take lightely. Do you not feel the same way? Why would someone take a job they are totally against in the civilian world?
