Comments on: Thoughts on Memorial Day http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day Human Capital & New Media Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:08:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Karla Porter http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-576 Karla Porter Wed, 02 Jun 2010 06:43:29 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-576 Brenda L - thanks =) BTW the experience made me understand what I was made of, to not doubt myself, to trust myself and to know I could depend on myself, be self-sufficient, strong and decisive. Those are attributes I value greatly. They have saved my butt on several occasions. Brenda L – thanks =) BTW the experience made me understand what I was made of, to not doubt myself, to trust myself and to know I could depend on myself, be self-sufficient, strong and decisive. Those are attributes I value greatly. They have saved my butt on several occasions.

]]> By: Karla Porter http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-578 Karla Porter Wed, 02 Jun 2010 06:33:47 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-578 I'm OK with people demonstrating and burning flags. I don't believe it is their God given right, just their good fortune to have been born here or have processed papers..I would much rather that than a country that cut your hand off for stomping on a flag... or worse. however, if I have to pay taxes then so does everyone. I'm OK with people demonstrating and burning flags. I don't believe it is their God given right, just their good fortune to have been born here or have processed papers..I would much rather that than a country that cut your hand off for stomping on a flag… or worse. however, if I have to pay taxes then so does everyone.

]]> By: Karla Porter http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-580 Karla Porter Wed, 02 Jun 2010 06:30:09 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-580 ndslotnick - I have seen suggestions for something like a national service corp, kind of like a domestic peace corps. I like that idea too. We need people to help with natural disaster relief and development of areas in Appalachia, etc. What I am not fine with is kids learning a system that was put in place with good reason but worked over by people who feel entitled to have others do the work of supporting them or those raised to think it's acceptable or worse - desirable.. Having the freedom to be non-productive at the cost of others is not acceptable. I believe there are better ways than currently in place to engage youth. Maybe not the same way for every child is the answer. Schools are run like assembly lines to pump out people who can recite times tables... ndslotnick – I have seen suggestions for something like a national service corp, kind of like a domestic peace corps. I like that idea too. We need people to help with natural disaster relief and development of areas in Appalachia, etc. What I am not fine with is kids learning a system that was put in place with good reason but worked over by people who feel entitled to have others do the work of supporting them or those raised to think it's acceptable or worse – desirable.. Having the freedom to be non-productive at the cost of others is not acceptable. I believe there are better ways than currently in place to engage youth. Maybe not the same way for every child is the answer. Schools are run like assembly lines to pump out people who can recite times tables…

]]> By: Brenda L http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-575 Brenda L Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:49:27 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-575 Karla,<br><br>One more thing - you wear that uniform well, lady!!! Karla,

One more thing – you wear that uniform well, lady!!!

]]> By: Brenda L http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-577 Brenda L Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:44:45 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-577 Karla,<br><br>That is an excellent idea! Our schools are so burdened with drop out prevention classes and other issues, it would make perfect sense for students to have a program they could turn to. So many small towns across the country have no educational alternatives, and students are not encouraged to seek an alternative way of education. It's either traditional public education or drop out and this is not working any more for our youth. Some of the kids just can't learn in traditional classrooms, they need the 'hands on' approach, along with a strong sense of accomplishment and self worth. It would work to turn a whole generation and future generations around in a positive way. I'm all for capping public school age at 16 and requiring either finishing school or military. Maybe our Jr./Sr. high schools should be turned into finishing schools, instead of traditional classes? <br><br>On a side note - Locally, our technical school which trained a lot of electricians, masons, draftsmen, mechanics, plumbers, firemen, etc. closed their doors after 40 years of service......I've seen it as a real mistake. Our 175K population has only two choices - Community college or a very, very expensive private 4 year college. No real option for 'hands on' technical training. <br><br>Finally - it is great to hear you say your military experience shaped who you are! It's refreshing to hear for a change. Does it make you sick to read the news around the country of how many American flags were burned and destroyed on Memorial Day? No respect - and I don't want to hear that it's someone's God given 'right' in this country to desecrate the flag - they should be held accountable! Karla,

That is an excellent idea! Our schools are so burdened with drop out prevention classes and other issues, it would make perfect sense for students to have a program they could turn to. So many small towns across the country have no educational alternatives, and students are not encouraged to seek an alternative way of education. It's either traditional public education or drop out and this is not working any more for our youth. Some of the kids just can't learn in traditional classrooms, they need the 'hands on' approach, along with a strong sense of accomplishment and self worth. It would work to turn a whole generation and future generations around in a positive way. I'm all for capping public school age at 16 and requiring either finishing school or military. Maybe our Jr./Sr. high schools should be turned into finishing schools, instead of traditional classes?

On a side note – Locally, our technical school which trained a lot of electricians, masons, draftsmen, mechanics, plumbers, firemen, etc. closed their doors after 40 years of service……I've seen it as a real mistake. Our 175K population has only two choices – Community college or a very, very expensive private 4 year college. No real option for 'hands on' technical training.

Finally – it is great to hear you say your military experience shaped who you are! It's refreshing to hear for a change. Does it make you sick to read the news around the country of how many American flags were burned and destroyed on Memorial Day? No respect – and I don't want to hear that it's someone's God given 'right' in this country to desecrate the flag – they should be held accountable!

]]> By: ndslotnick http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-579 ndslotnick Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:22:12 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-579 Wow, Karla! It is great to hear another veteran advocate for compulsory service. I have been an advocate of compulsory service since early in my military career, and it only increased as I was assigned to other countries that had it. My husband doesn't agree with me on this, but his opinion is colored by serving during the Viet Nam era. He volunteered, but got an up close look at a drafted Army of soldiers often didn't want to be there, but weren't as adept at getting out of it as many who fled to Canada, burned their draft cards, or had the political pull, money, or other means to avoid serving. When I talk about compulsory service, I am talking about it being an obligation for everyone (of course, minus those who are disabled, etc.) The first year of military service is a tremendous time of growth for most young people. Compulsory service would greatly enhance the maturity level of those same young people before they enter college and/or the workforce, as well as giving them a greater appreciation for the freedom we are afforded in this country. There are a number of countries that have been doing it for years that have good models in place - some with obligations as short as one year and as long as 2 1/2 years. Many countries also use military service as a meanst to teach their young adults about life in other parts of their country - by intentionally assigning city boys to the country, mountain dwellers to the oceanfront areas, etc . I think that the capability to pick and choose from the best aspects of different systems could be a great benefit. Wow, Karla! It is great to hear another veteran advocate for compulsory service. I have been an advocate of compulsory service since early in my military career, and it only increased as I was assigned to other countries that had it. My husband doesn't agree with me on this, but his opinion is colored by serving during the Viet Nam era. He volunteered, but got an up close look at a drafted Army of soldiers often didn't want to be there, but weren't as adept at getting out of it as many who fled to Canada, burned their draft cards, or had the political pull, money, or other means to avoid serving. When I talk about compulsory service, I am talking about it being an obligation for everyone (of course, minus those who are disabled, etc.) The first year of military service is a tremendous time of growth for most young people. Compulsory service would greatly enhance the maturity level of those same young people before they enter college and/or the workforce, as well as giving them a greater appreciation for the freedom we are afforded in this country. There are a number of countries that have been doing it for years that have good models in place – some with obligations as short as one year and as long as 2 1/2 years. Many countries also use military service as a meanst to teach their young adults about life in other parts of their country – by intentionally assigning city boys to the country, mountain dwellers to the oceanfront areas, etc . I think that the capability to pick and choose from the best aspects of different systems could be a great benefit.

]]> By: Tweets that mention Thoughts on Memorial Day | KARLA PORTER | Human Capital & New Media -- Topsy.com http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-574 Tweets that mention Thoughts on Memorial Day | KARLA PORTER | Human Capital & New Media -- Topsy.com Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:20:16 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-574 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Recruiting Animal, Brenda Le. Brenda Le said: @karla_porter I commented! Excellent idea for drop out prevention... http://sn.im/wzpq3 [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Recruiting Animal, Brenda Le. Brenda Le said: @karla_porter I commented! Excellent idea for drop out prevention… http://sn.im/wzpq3 [...]

]]> By: Karla Porter http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-571 Karla Porter Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:58:09 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-571 Shennee - I highly doubt the blessings part is true but the authentic part is for sure. I hope your weekend was fantastic too! Shennee – I highly doubt the blessings part is true but the authentic part is for sure. I hope your weekend was fantastic too!

]]> By: Karla Porter http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-572 Karla Porter Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:55:01 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-572 Rinish - Our military is no doubt GREAT but really our generation is the first to see it all volunteer. So many drafted soldiers did amazing things from Washington's Army through the Vietnam War, it must be a testament to their patriotism and understanding that failure was not an option in order to preserve what we have, our way of life and borders. Above and beyond the benefit of a more educated nation the benefits of going through boot camp could help stem our obesity epidemic, train the majority of our population in basic first aid and defense - not to mention how to iron a shirt for a job interview. I hear what you're saying about the word "compulsory" and I think offering incentives too attractive to turn down (like tuition forgiveness, tax incentives, etc) could work to engage people without having to go that route. I'm starting to like it more and more... if it ever gets to Congress I'll count on your support =) P.S. I would only be in favor of volunteers being deployed. Rinish – Our military is no doubt GREAT but really our generation is the first to see it all volunteer. So many drafted soldiers did amazing things from Washington's Army through the Vietnam War, it must be a testament to their patriotism and understanding that failure was not an option in order to preserve what we have, our way of life and borders. Above and beyond the benefit of a more educated nation the benefits of going through boot camp could help stem our obesity epidemic, train the majority of our population in basic first aid and defense – not to mention how to iron a shirt for a job interview. I hear what you're saying about the word “compulsory” and I think offering incentives too attractive to turn down (like tuition forgiveness, tax incentives, etc) could work to engage people without having to go that route. I'm starting to like it more and more… if it ever gets to Congress I'll count on your support =) P.S. I would only be in favor of volunteers being deployed.

]]> By: Shennee http://karlaporter.com/just-me/thoughts-on-memorial-day#comment-570 Shennee Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:13:37 +0000 http://karlaporter.com/?p=1089#comment-570 Karla-<br>You really are an most wonderful authentic person. I am so very blessed to have met you and I consider you a true friend:) I thank you for your past service to our country, and all you do to impact the lives of countless others.<br>Happy Memorial Day!<br>Shennee Karla-
You really are an most wonderful authentic person. I am so very blessed to have met you and I consider you a true friend:) I thank you for your past service to our country, and all you do to impact the lives of countless others.
Happy Memorial Day!
Shennee

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