Ever thought about joing the ARMED FORCES?

[uncle_el]

Uncle El- I must first say that I am sorry if I offended anyone in anything that I have written so far. Second thing is-- In the MILITARY, all are treated equally. That is something you would have to experience to believe.

current and past treatment are far different, as the military was formerly segregated.

And you will have to excuse me but the "Crap" I was referring to would be that of ignorant, simple minded individuals. Kind of like the recent Katrina Issue. What RACISM? If your Kids runninig around in the 9th ward at 10:00am in the morning while they should be in school, what is the chance they are going to be like their " poor me " parents. Or how about all those projects that have escalades sitting out front all day. Race card is very played out--
African Americans have as much or better chances to get ahead in this world, but the same people that you seen on TV in N.O. didn't get off their butt to take advantage of it. For someone that is an alumni Of the "almighty"
Xavier University, I would think you could see that.

1. have you been to new orleans?
2. do you understand the geography of new orleans?
3. have you been to the magnolia projects or the caliope projects? before or after katrina hit?

i suppose the answers to these are better served in a separate thread, but when you understand that the placement of the "projects" and "wards" in the current uptown new orleans were formerly the slave quarters of the plantation homes in the current garden district, one can perhaps begin to understand the complexities and issues that new orleans faces. when you understand that the area between cafe du monde (near the french quarter, on the mississipi) and the small shops and restraunts just east of the riverwalk mall which is currently used for performances on an elevated block... and this elevated block was formerly used to sell slaves, again, one can perhaps begin to understand the complex issues in new orleans.

when one understands that the amount of people that live in new orleans that live below the poverty level far exceeds the national average; when one understands that job opportunities in new orleans aren't that great; that the politics in the state of louisiana is beyond corrupt (edwin edwards ran for governor in the 80s and stated that he wasn't as corrupt as the other guy, and won!); that the politics in the city of new orleans is beyond corrupt ($1.5 million spent to fix a 1/4 mile stretch of road)... suffice to say that there are plenty of things beyond what you see on tv that have contributed to the state of that city today.

but damn, i'm digressing...

And I have had the great honor to serve with several African Americans in the military, that I considered my friends and BROTHERS.

that's good.

[uncle_el]

this thread is closed since it seems to have progressed from a rather peaceful discourse to that of a member of the marines threatening bodily harm to other members of the board.

perhaps this thread will be re-opened by deevergote, but i doubt it.

suffice to say, if you want to join the armed forces, just make sure you look before you leap. many go in and come out thinking it was great, others go in and come out thinking the opposite. as it goes with the military, it can go with any decision in life. it's the right decision for some people, and not the right decision for others.

again, look before you leap.