No matter what the politics, if anybody is going to benefit from the freedoms afforded to them by our military, they should serve the country in some capacity. I doesn't have to be in the military. Everybody should have to give something back. Never mind just paying taxes and being a good citizen. Freedom is not free and everybody should participate in the machinery and methods that allow us to have those freedoms.
I remember how resentful I was when I came back from Vietnam and went to get my first regular job. I saw some friends of mine who had already been at their jobs at least 5 years and were way ahead in their careers while I was just beginning mine. I had gone to war and they were reaping the benefits of the freedoms that I and my fellow Marines and soldiers has afforded them. I felt that those people who had not served were receiving a very unfair advantage in their careers. I eventually caught up, but as far as I'm concerned, it was still unfair.
I would serve my country again if called upon to do so. But, let's make sure the system is fair to everydoby, rich and poor, black, white, hispanic, religious or non-religious, whatever.
Do part of your feelings of "unfairness" stem from being drafted, versus volunteering to serve? Just curious. I'm retired Army. Volunteered in 1978, but was mobilized for Operation Desert Shield/Storm from '90-'92.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat.