by Ed Sperry, Col USAF (ret), Stevensville
A few days ago a young Army Private crossed over from the Demilitarized Zone into North Korea. I understand he had served a short time in a South Korean jail and was due to face some discipline upon return to the States. I’d guess he was afraid and certainly apprehensive. As a veteran, to receive some military and or civil punishment seemed at first glance to be most likely simply tough and deserved. This certainly provided no excuse for committing Desertion. My next thought was that he was unlucky to be by North Korea. After all, I remember that Canada once earned a well deserved reputation for accepting deserters. Then some second thoughts crept into my thinking. I’d like to express an opinion that may surprise some and anger others; but here is what I wonder.
Perhaps the kid is clueless. He is the product of our system of education. Otherwise he couldn’t enlist. Did we teach him the thoughts inherent in our Constitution? For example, did he learn the difference between free speech and suppression of speech one doesn’t like? Did his school give him a chance to understand that “all men are equal” is radically different from “equity”? That our way of government, a democratic republic, is an example to the world and that he lucked out to inherit all the freedoms that provides? Need I continue? The failures of our education system have been and are still legion! Christ! My great grandkids don’t know how to write! Maybe he is from a big city where crime is not punished as they have “Social Justice.” If so, what a shock to encounter military standards.
I’m trying to say that we have failed our youth and might well expect many future incidents like that of Private Travis King. Yep, perhaps we failed him and we are the real deserters. With no knowledge of history, why fear the North Koreans? I’m going to pray for him and sincerely hope he may return to our soil at some future date—a wiser man.
This takes place as the leader of China tells his civil population and military to prepare for war. He makes these pronouncements often and clearly. We don’t seem to listen. I find that our lack of concern is evident in many facets of our society. Education and lack of accountability being only examples. We have a lot to fix and very likely only a little time to do it.