Opt your child out of military recruitment

carnivore

Bush's "No Child Left Behind" Act included a sneaky provision that allows the government to collect information about children in public schools and use it for military recruitment.

You can opt out of this:

http://searchwarp.com/swa425429.htm

obamanut

Something tells me that the possibility of any of the new generation of Park Slope/Prospect Heights privileged youth running off to join the military is about as likely as us going to war with Canada. I don't think you need to lose any sleep over this.

modsquad

Obamanut wrote: Something tells me that the possibility of any of the new generation of Park Slope/Prospect Heights privileged youth running off to join the military is about as likely as us going to war with Canada. I don't think you need to lose any sleep over this.

I strongly disagree. As a father of 3 kids who I think have learned to think independently I expect them to make up their own minds regarding military service. I consider it an honorable calling but I don't want the decision to join to be made under duress like maybe after a bad semester in school or what ever, with a recruiter pressing a little bit harder because of a presumed personal relationship.

Thanks Carny, I'm downloading 3 copies today and passing this on to some parents I know who's kid is graduating from HS with no plans for the future.

obamanut

Obamanut wrote:

Thanks Carny, I'm downloading 3 copies today and passing this on to some parents I know who's kid is graduating from HS with no plans for the future.

Right, I mean, one of the worst possible outcomes for a kid graduating from HS with no plans for the future would be for him or her to end up in the military for a few years. God forbid that happen. They're much better off hanging out on 7th Ave popping pills with the rest of the privileged kids on the fast track to success.

modsquad

like I said nothing wrong with the military. Just don't want a Marine blowing smoke up some kid's ass looking to make his quota for the month.

bohuma

Irrespective of what you think about it, all male US citizens or permanent residents have to register for selective service, which could lead to military service if the federal government reinstitutes the draft. I got my green card after I turned 41, so it doesn't apply to me. Failure to register can cause your sons lots of headaches with the federal government later in life. I've heard of men being denied federal employment or federal benefits (including social security) because they didn't register.

bluemagoo

I guess if parents had this option back in the '40s we could all be speaking German or Japanese right now.

carnivore

Obamanut wrote: Something tells me that the possibility of any of the new generation of Park Slope/Prospect Heights privileged youth running off to join the military is about as likely as us going to war with Canada. I don't think you need to lose any sleep over this.

Not the case.

http://brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=48439

underhill_mt

bluemagoo wrote: I guess if parents had this option back in the '40s we could all be speaking German or Japanese right now.

Call me naive, but I think the "wars" we're fighting now are rooted firmly in half-truths and deception. As a woman about to have her first baby (5 & 1/2 weeks left - gulp!) this opt-out is something I'll be filing as soon as my tot is school aged.