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| Socrates, fulfilling his obligation to the State. |
In Plato’s Crito,
Socrates makes many arguments for why he is not willing to escape from
prison and his eventual demise. One of
Socrates’ arguments refers to the contract that he has with the state of
Athens, and that he is obliged to obey the contract since he is a citizen of
Athens. He continues with his
declaration that because the State has protected him and has provided him with
a place to stay, he has no right to take away that which the State has asked
for, which in this case is his life.
While not in the same position as Socrates’ to say the least, there are
many people today who believe that because the State has given them so much,
they are responsible, perhaps even obliged to answer the call when the State
asks for their service, even potentially their lives, in return: the volunteers
who serve in the military (for the sake of this article, let’s focus on the
American military).
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| I Want You (especially those of you who are successful as a result of my assistance). |
Since 1973, America has had an all-volunteer army,
many of whom are in the army because they had nowhere else to turn after high
school, or they are currently enrolled in college and are involved in the
R.O.T.C. program, receiving the benefits of a cheaper tuition cost that
comes with the promise to serve (just look around campus every Thursday, you’ll
spot them). And then there are those who
are well of financially, are college graduates, or have a stable job, and still
decide to join the service. Now why is
that? Many from this group reflect on a
sense of patriotism (not as if any of the other groups don’t have a sense of
patriotism as well), feeling that “this is America, the greatest country in the
world” following along the line of the “gung-ho” mentality. And then there are those who join because
they feel that it is unfair that they get everything in life and don’t have to
give anything back in return. Living in
what is arguably the greatest country the world has ever seen, they have been
giving many opportunities and resources that have allowed them to succeed in
the world. Because of all these “offerings”
that have been given to them from the country, they feel that when the country
gets involved in a war and comes asking for people to sign-up to defend her, it
is their responsibility to answer the call by enlisting and preparing for war,
knowing full well that there is a possibility that many of them will not come
back.
I would like to end this article by saying that I am
currently thinking of joining the Marines after I get a bachelor’s degree,
mainly because I too feel that I have been given so much as a citizen of this
great country of ours. I wonder if
anyone else in this class, who hasn't served already or is currently enlisted
with the R.O.T.C., has ever thought of joining because they feel a sense of
obligation to the country, as well.
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| I Pledge Allegiance, to the Flag (and Country). |
Pictures found at:
Death of Socrates: http://www.artelista.com/ypobra.php?o=2323
"I Want You": http://www.flickr.com/search/?l=comm&q=uncle%20sam
Soldier Saluting the Flag: http://www.flickr.com/search/l=commderiv&w=all&q=soldier+saluting+flag&m=text
I have always wondered how the United States has been able to maintain such a powerful, large army over the years that remains volunteer. While patriotism and giving back to the country probably represent why a large percentage of soldiers join, I was never satisfied with this answer. Not all of the over one million people that are currently in the army are trying to give back. Many who join the army haven't lived fortunate lives and haven't been given great opportunities, but instead join as a way to change the course of their lives and get a college education. Soldiers put their lives at risk and give everything they have to their country upon joining the army, but the army also provides a service to many soldiers. I believe many join the army for the self-discipline, mental and physical strength and feeling of belonging that they gain in the army. The soldier is giving back to the country he loves, but is also bettering himself as a person in return.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do not agree with your implication that Socrates chose to stay in his cell that night due to his love for his city, I think you raise some interesting points. I do agree with how you say that it is a sense of patriotism and a feeling of giving back that leads many people to joining our armed forces. I don't believe that America is the best country in the world but we do possess many great qualities, patriotism being one of them. This is what sets us apart from other countries around the world.
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