Free Press – May 8, 2008

Radio Times, Pope Visit Sex Abuse, Coyotes, Military Felony Waivers

Dear Friends,

Good morning. I thought of Congressman Patrick Murphy as I listened to two interviews on WHYY’s Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane (May 1). The first was Mickey Edwards and his new book, “Reclaiming Conservatism.” The second was Edward Humes and his new book, “Over Here,” the case for putting the G.I. bill back on the front burner.

But first, there are three topics I’d like to briefly address.

Number one.

The recent visit to America by Pope Benedict XVI rekindled the argument before the Pennsylvania Legislature. In rallies throughout the country, the Pope addressed the painful clergy sex-abuse scandal. He vowed to do what is possible so this cannot happen again.

“However, Catholic conferences and church lobbyists in such states as Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Colorado, and Ohio have been ruthless in their opposition to the complete removal of statues of limitation regarding the sexual abuse of minors,” Sister Maureen Paul Turlish wrote in the Inquirer (April 23).

It was Sister Maureen who successfully led the fight in Delaware to allow a two-year window during which previously barred suits could be filed. Critics of the Philadelphia Archdiocese believe that it has stalled similar bills before the Pennsylvania state legislature. Why would that be the case? Protecting its coffers, of course.

State Representative Paul Clymer told me that he believes these bills will finally pass…but he won’t predict when. I’ve never been able to understand why legislators follow their political leadership’s snail-pace style. Unfortunately, you’ll find blind allegiance to both party’s desires…Democrats and Republicans. There’s plenty of blame to go around.

Second.

The Coyotes case in Milford Township continues to mystify me. Township supervisors were able to prohibit nude dancing…but not for long. Pennsylvania bans nude dancing only in venues, which do not have a liquor license. What prevents Coyotes from providing nude dancing is the absence of a liquor license…and they’ll undoubtedly apply for one.

That’s not what mystifies me.

I don’t understand why a restaurant, which permits patrons to bring their own alcohol, is prohibited from nude dancing…but a local bar which sells booz can. Maybe Paul Clymer can explain it to me. In any case, as the famous line in the Broadway show “Music Man” proclaims…”There’s trouble right here in River City!”

Third.

To meet military recruitment goals, strained by the protracted war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the armed services are relaxing felony waivers. “The number of waivers issued to active-duty Army recruits with felony convictions jumped to 511 in 2007, from 249 in 2006,” The New York Times reported (April 22). “Marine recruits with felony convictions rose to 350 from 208.”

What we need is compulsory service where each high school graduate or young adult who’s reached 18 would make the choice to enter military or non military service for two years…men and women…no exception.

Compulsory service would mature young people who may not be ready for the rigors of college or the work place. And, for those choosing the non-military option, it would prepare America’s young people for community service. Just as important, it would end the disconnect, which Americans have with the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Only one half of one percent of young people has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. That’s a far cry from World War II, Korea and Vietnam where every block, in every town and city, had families with a loved one in the service. We Americans blithely go about our lives and seldom think about the few who lay their lives on the line, daily. That’s why the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have relatively no impact at the local level.

I thought about this subject and Congressman Murphy as I listened to Mary Moss-Coane’s interview with Edward Humes. Humes has written a new book, “Over Here,” which makes the case for expanding the G.I. bill.

Humes believes that passing the “Post 911 Veterans Assistantance Act” will attract a higher quality recruit because it would pay for veterans’ college education. It would also reinforce the middle class in America.

Why?

Humes says that the G.I. bill of the 1940’s made it possible for every veteran to get a college education. Veterans suddenly entered the work force with college degrees. It also changed America from renters to homeowners. But the original G.I. bill has been badly eroded and no longer makes those dreams possible.

Strangely, the administration and the Defense Department oppose the proposed act, claiming that the military will flee its ranks to better themselves through education. What bunk! Hume thinks that the opposite is more likely. He predicts that an improved G.I. Bill will make it easier to recruit for the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy. Hume’s is right.

Strike another check in the stupidity column for George W.’s administration!

I predict that Congressman Murphy will understand the wisdom of the Veterans Assistance Act and aggressively support it. Stay tuned.

I’ll save some room next week to comment about the second Moss-Coane interview on reclaiming conservatism. And, I’ll write about this: We Americans…you and me…deserve what we get [in our Presidential choices]. I’ll tell you why…you may not agree.

Sincerely,

Charles Meredith