Go Ahead and Join

by Laurence M. Vance

Recently by Laurence M. Vance: A War Prayer for the Twenty-First Century

For years I have cautioned against joining. I have written about the pitfalls of doing so. Yet, the criticism I have received has been relentless. There is no harm in joining, I am told; the personnel don’t make the policies, they just do as they are told and take the good with the bad. If something is unjust, it is said, then those who join don’t have to participate. I am wrong to condemn the entire organization, it is further alleged; the few bad apples in the group have clouded my vision and prejudiced me against the entire outfit.

Okay, I give up. I am weary of answering the negative e-mail. I am tired of getting cursed. Go ahead and join. That’s right. Go ahead and join.

And not only that. Encourage your friends to join. Encourage your neighbors to join. If you are a pastor or youth leader, then encourage young people under your care to join. It will build character and foster discipline, I have always been told. Encourage your sons and daughters to join. Encourage your brothers and sisters to join. Encourage your aunts and uncles to join. Encourage your grandchildren to join. Kids can even encourage their parents to join. Sure, there might be some separation from your family, but if it’s for a good cause, then the children will just have to put up with it. But whatever you do, make sure you thank those who do join.

If you just want to get some money for college, then go ahead and join.

If you think you can get by without killing anyone unjustly, then go ahead and join.

If you think God will be pleased because you’re just obeying orders, then go ahead and join.

If you think the organization does some good, then go ahead and join.

If one of your relatives was a member, then go ahead and join.

If you think you can just be a driver, then go ahead and join.

If you think you won’t get killed, then go ahead and join.

If you don’t mind killing for hire as long as your victim deserves it, then go ahead and join.

If you think you won’t suffer a life-threatening injury, then go ahead and join.

If you think the organization has an illustrious history, then go ahead and join.

If you think you can just provide medical care, then go ahead and join.

If you want to draw a salary instead of work by the hour, then go ahead and join.

If you think you can do some good as a chaplain, then go ahead and join

If you think you’ll learn some valuable skills, then go ahead and join.

If you think you’ll like to travel, then go ahead and join.

If you think God has called you to do so, then go ahead and join.

If you are looking for good benefits, then go ahead and join.

If you think there will be opportunities for advancement, then go ahead and join.

If you think you can influence the organization for good, then go ahead and join.

If you think the organization is a divine institution, then go ahead and join.

If you want a chance to serve, then go ahead and join.

If you want some respect just for being part of the organization, then go ahead and join.

If you haven’t been able to find a steady job, then go ahead and join.

Go ahead and join. Go ahead and join the Mafia.

January 26, 2012

Laurence M. Vance [send him mail] writes from central Florida. He is the author of Christianity and War and Other Essays Against the Warfare State, The Revolution that Wasn't, and Rethinking the Good War. His latest book is The Quatercentenary of the King James Bible. Visit his website.

Copyright © 2012 by LewRockwell.com. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit is given.

The Best of Laurence M. Vance