To the Editor:
Mr. Scheiman seems to have a style that mimics shadow boxing an argument without examining in depth the arguments of others.
The most egregious argument I found was not in his presumed understanding of theology, but rather his historically inaccurate, and current belief that “individuals go into war and dangerous professions willingly, such as the military, police force, Coast Guard, etc.”
He further mistakes this fact by using the words “an innocent man is coerced” (presumably meaning Jesus), as if there is no social, parental or community coercion that occurs throughout our lives that leads innocent individuals into these professions.
Staying away from theological precepts I want to address the most egregious aspect of the use of the term “willingly” as it applies to war. This term blatantly flies in the face of history when individuals were conscripted to fight wars.
It ignores the conscription of children, known to have occurred in WWI, WWII, and the latest public example of this in Africa. Many countries continue to use conscription, if volunteers are insufficient. For war volunteers it takes a number of inducements as these individuals are at high risk every minute of every day.
In this country we are well aware of the toll this takes and the difficult re-entry into a society that has not lived under those circumstances and therefore is often unable to help as much as they would like.
There are many documented stories of men going to war because they felt their father would approve, or peer pressure got them there, or they were homeless and food and a roof over their head was good, or they were unhappy, or a long list of other inducements. It is hardly a single reason, or set of reasons and it is reinforced by movies and society in general, in part because they don’t want the draft system again.
All of these warriors were babies at one time. No baby begins life wanting to kill or be killed.
What happens to them affects their future, including their chosen careers and happiness.
Lastly, I do not feel the need to thank the paper for doing their job in printing letters to the editor.
I do thank God that I was born into a country that values free speech and has newspapers, such as the LCN, who publish these letters.
Jarryl Larson, Edgecomb
