Librarians, Keepers of the Liberty

Originally Posted by Bold Brooklynite

The U.S. military is in no way a welfare program. It exists to perform the very function for which the government exists ... that is ... to maintain the freedom of the citizens who form that government.

Those who enrol in the miltary must work very hard ... and meet exacting standards ... in order to remain there. All money and benefits accruing to military personnel is earned by them ... military salaries are not welfare payments.

The military has been an incredible opportunity for people who find themselves in much worse situations than you or I have, to access the enormous opportunity that this country has to offer. In my definition that is a leg up. Helping people to help themselves. The rigor and discipline required in serving ones country is an obvious advantage later in life to many.

Should a government in any way be responsible for helping people to help themselves? Or that should all come privately, or it just does not need to happen at all (people should have no reason to enter any program that will help them to be better equipped to succeed in our society)? Please do tell.