Military Rights

Military Rights

At the beginning of this week's assignment, we touched on one of the most familiar arguments regarding the military and certain rights we think they should be recognized. As civilians some of us stand firm to the argument that men and women under the age of 21 should not be allowed to consume or buy alcohol. But on the other side of that, why are they not old enough to have a drink but yet they are old enough to put their lives on the line for the freedom of their country. They defend a country that is free; they fight and protect this country from allies that want no more than to destroy what America has built for decades. So why shouldn't they receive a few extra rights that civilians don't? I'm very thankful for all the men and women that volunteer for this, years ago it wasn't a choice it was a must (draft). "Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer." (Amethyst, 2010)

I don't think that the military expect to receive these special privileges but instead find themselves very appreciative that they are treated with such respect. Every military personnel that I have encountered when treated with special treatment have always felt and believed that they didn't deserve it; they are only doing their job. "Without the benefits included in the compensation package, most military members would not be able to survive, especially if they have a family. Congress has passed many benefits packages to help military members live a better life. One such example is the proposed extension of the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Credit for military members." (Guina, 2009)

Yes it's true that these service men and women choose this career path and are paid what some people assume to be a fair wage to do so. And yes they know going in this career that they will likely be in harm's way and will also likely be away from family for an extended amount of time. Now they are the ones that assume just because they have served in the armed forces that they will be able to get out of say speeding tickets or other violations just by flashing their military ID. They believe that they should first in line and don't need to wait behind civilians that have been waiting just as long as they have. Everyone should be treated equally and one person is not better than the other.

I think that military personnel should be paid better and should receive better benefits. Ironically, the most patriotic among our elected representatives are the least likely to want to increase military pay or benefits. Instead, they want to cut the VA budget and willingly under fund protective gear and other necessary equipment that directly benefits military personnel.

Why shouldn't the military receive some special treatment