With you 100%, brother. In 2003, I had drank a gallon on the Kool-Aid, was thrilled to shake hands with Donald Henry Rumsfeld Himself as I boarded the plane. After that little life-changing sojourn, it took years for me to get my head (partly) back on straight. I despise those fuckers for what they stole from me.
Do you know what rate he'll be?
Former Seabee here, and my daughter joined as a CT and is doing great. She brought a tear to my eye when she made the decision to enlist. Great opportunities, hard work and so many great friends. It's a life changing experience.
I'm all for it! Now wait, hear me out.
The US currently spends $1.12 Trillion per year on welfare and associated means-tested benefits. That's $1120 Billion. The average benefit per recipient is about $20,000 per year.
If you take the "reparations" program offered by the US, you first must sign an acknowledgement that you will NEVER again be eligible for ANY means-tested benefits, federal or federally-subsidized state benefits. No AFDC (welfare/food stamps), no government housing, no medicaid, no preferential hiring, no WIC. Not. One. Dime. For the rest of your life.
So, assuming 50% of those eligible are on government assistance, that means we are spending $400 Billion to avoid spending $400 Billion. AND, the problem goes away in 30 years instead of recurring.
Great work! As a single dad of two amazing daughters, I know how tough it can be and the incredible impact you have on your girl’s life. Sounds like you’re doing well.
Let me offer one little piece of advice if you’ll allow it. Suggest the military. My eldest is very smart, always scored very high. Wasn’t sure what to do when she graduated HS - not very interested in going to an institutional daycare for young adults for four years. Took the ASVAB, smoked it (like I knew she would). She’s now a military linguist with plans to go into an officer program. Spent a year in Monterey, CA learning her language, now in Georgia. She has a sense of purpose, and knows where she wants to go.
It’s true there are issues with the military, just like any large organization. But it changed me thoroughly for the better, and it’s doing the same for my daughter. If you couldn’t tell, I’m very proud. 😃
I don't even care about the shirt. What sort of douchenozzle would wear a patrol cap in civilian clothes? And what is that, a CAB (participation prize)? Or is that air assault? Can't tell on my phone.