I would first like to applaud you for selecting such an intriguing current event. This is an issue that I’m sure draws opinions both for and against his rationale.
You make and excellent point stressing his need to “honor his commitment”. Serving is the military is a commitment that shouldn’t be made arbitrarily. It is something that needs to be considered very carefully. At some point, he felt the need to make that commitment. He should have considered all aspects of being in the military and how it could possible affect his ability to practice his religion. It appears to me that the reality of what soldiers are subjected to and the difficulties they face during military duty has scared him and he is hiding behind his religion to try to get out.
However, contrary to your point that you make about him “honoring his commitment”, you compare his desire to be discharged for his “religious beliefs” to yourself being a soldier and honoring your commitment. I think it’s a very honorable thing for you to have stayed the course and served/serving your country as you have, but to criticize him for wanting to be discharged because his reasoning (despite how shallow they may seem to you and I), I don’t necessarily agree with. I would assume that a lot soldiers at one point may question their initial decision to enlist. He may not be as strong a soldier as you are and he may not see the importance that comes with being a soldier as you and many more soldiers have. Initially, when he enlisted, it apparently seemed like the right thing for him to do; at some point his opinion changed. I do, however feel like his reason for wanting to be discharged is bogus and that his ultimate fear is dying in the line of duty. The article clearly states that there are “thousands of Muslims” who serve their country and practice their religion at the same time.
Overall, I think you did a wonderful job!
No comments:
Post a Comment