Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

As we begin the New Year and survey the social scene, I confess that I am not confident in our future. There is a toxic political environment. Serious issues are substituted for ad hominem attacks (attacks on the person) feeding a destructive interest in the public that is satisfied with sound bites over substance. I admit that I am prejudiced – I do believe that we are citizens of the greatest nation in the history of mankind. However, we have allowed ourselves to be receivers rather than givers. How many today would utter the words, “I regret that I have only one life to give for my country”? Sacrifices were made by many to preserve our freedoms, which have not, and are still not, enjoyed by the vast majority of the world’s population. For this, we all should be thankful. Our gratitude should be accompanied by our willingness to make a contribution to do our share.
 
I’ve worried for a long time that we are losing our sense of gratitude as a people for our nation. At times we are referred to as an entitlement society. We expect things to be given to us. The generations that came before us paid a price, and not just in their service during armed conflicts. My uncles would talk about their experiences in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps. During the Great Depression, the Roosevelt administration established camps for young men to contribute their skills in conserving the infrastructure of the country. They took them from their homes and exposed them to different parts of the country. I know that none of my uncles wanted to do this work. Like most, they wanted to stay at home. But, something significant happened: they made a contribution and through that contribution became owners of the nation in which they lived. This was not just because they were born in this country, but because they gave of themselves.
 
In John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s memorable inaugural address, there is an often-quoted statement: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Perhaps it’s time to consider what our citizens can do for their country. There is plenty of work that is needed, and might I be so bold as to suggest that mandatory conscription might be a way to connect this generation to an America that is in need of help.
 
All individuals ages 18 to 28 could be required to perform two years of service. This may be fulfilled in the military or social service. If I were constructing the program, I would exempt no one, not even divinity students. One could be deferred until graduation, but two years of service must be fulfilled. We have areas of conservation, the need for urban restoration, teachers and medical assistance. There could be building and trade projects which could help young men and women develop skills. This would be an army of young people who could make a contribution and earn their rightful place among responsible citizens. Then when college students request free tuition, they would have a responsible voice and not just make demands.
 
If I put every effort of my being into establishing a garden, I certainly would not permit careless littering to destroy my work. I would be invested and I would protect my investment. In that same way of thinking, I will not allow irresponsible leadership to destroy the country that I helped build. Voting becomes a privilege that I take seriously.
 
For the most part, I don’t have to worry about the patriotism of those who have served in the military; their passion about the flag is that they see this symbol as one which they have trained under, fought for and even viewed their fellow soldiers suffer and die. It is little wonder that they go ballistic when people choose to burn, mutilate or disgrace the flag.
 
Conscription is not popular, but neither are the chores that we do to promote the well-being of our family. The sacrifices we perform today will be the benefits experienced by our children. After all, we are called to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the January 12, 2016 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.