[Freedom_no_exceptions]

"What I want for my life is to stand above the majority," [the nephew] wrote. "I believe in honor, discipline and courage…

I'm not defending the LA Times, but someone should tell this kid that joining the military does not automatically make him better than everyone else, and he should not look down on the rest of us who made different career choices as dishonorable undisciplined cowards.

[RobbyS]

He didn’t say that. You are being defensive, like a guy who did not try out for football.

[clamper1797]

he should not look down on the rest of us who made different career choices as dishonorable undisciplined cowards

I try not too ...

[Tax-chick]

not look down on the rest of us who made different career choices

I don't think that's implied, at all. A young adult might easily say something like "stand above the majority" about embarking on any course in life that he feels is demanding and worthwhile: entering medical school, becoming a missionary, being a police officer, for example.

In 20 or 30 years, I think he would agree that, no matter what career a person is in, he's "above the majority" if he consistently lives with "honor, discipline, and courage."

[elcid1970]

Joining the military DOES make this kid better than the L.A. Times!

[maine-iac7]

My My!

[A.A. Cunningham]

Sounds like the “kid” hit a nerve.