Tone Parsons

My eldest sone turns 18 in a couple of weeks.

He’s a very bright kid (on the honor roll, lettered in academics) and he has a plan. He’s been in the running start program for the past two years, going to college instead of high school (tuition free). After he gets his Associate of Arts degree, he’s planning on heading directly to a 4 year university (EWU, to be exact) for his Bachelor of Science degree.

He’s thinking of following in my footsteps and majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics.

Unlike me, he’s not going to wait to do this. I goofed off after high school, did time in the army (91A10 – combat medic), got married, had a couple of kids, and lived in poverty for a decade before I went to college. Like I said… he has a plan.

This plan does not include the military.

We have discussed that option, and he’s not interested… not one bit. I fully support his decision.

So… this is an open letter to all the recruiters out there. We don’t care what branch of the armed services you represent…. stop calling us. Seriously!

I’m sure you’re having problems getting good recruits, but my son isn’t interested. Yes, I know you have a need… so go recruit from a red state (they voted for Bush, we didn’t). Call the children of anyone who is a registered Republican… they’re the ones that voted the President in. Better yet, make it mandatory for all politicians who voted to allow the current administration to start this shit storm in Iraq to send their children first.

If they lead the way… perhaps my children would be inspired to follow.

But I wouldn’t hold my breath.