School Military Recruiting Could Violate International Protocolby Jim LobePublished on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 by Inter Press ServiceCommon DreamsWASHINGTON  

Pressed by the demands of the “global war on terrorism”, theUnited States is violating an international protocol that forbids the recruitment of children under the age of 18 for military service, according to a new report released Tuesday by a major civil rights group that charged that recruitment practices target children as young as 11 years old.

The 46-page report, “Soldiers of Misfortune”, was prepared by theAmerican Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for submission to the U.N. Committeeon the Rights of the Child.

This is the reason why the United States is the only nation in the world that has not ratified the UN Treaty on the Universal Rights of Children. (Actually, Somalia also has not because they don’t have a government.)

We insist on sending many children to military high schools where they learn the ways of military training and life, a custom most prevelent in the South. This is an opportunity to remind people of our preference of military solutions to most problems, contributing to our reputation of a pariah of the world.

Why talk, when we can fight. David Strand

Why educate children, when they make such great soldiers. Mike Tikkanen                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Tell us your story, comment, or perspective.  Think of someone you would like to send this to? Press the “share this” button below.