Is the United States sealing its fate? This Monday, President Bush addressed U.S. soldiers who later took the oath to become citizens of the United States. Amongst his comments sits nestled an awesome proposal that will fundamentally change the makeup of the US Armed Services.
President Bust pointed out that about 33,000 non-U.S.. citizens serve in the American armed services. He then went on to say,
"...I signed an executive order making foreign-born members of our military immediately eligible for U.S. citizenship when they serve on active duty. It made sense to me. If somebody is willing to risk their life for our country, they ought to be full participants in our country..."
Historically speaking, this may be the most fundamental act of his presidency, and quite possibly the most important national decision ever taken.
The short term impact is positively genius, in that countless young individuals who have crossed the Mexican border will flock to sign up. The depleted ranks of the Armed Services due to an increasingly unpopular Iraqi war will no longer be a problem. Millions of young Central Americans would more than fill the ranks and take their chances for the prize of becoming an American Citizen.
Interestingly, this solution has its parallel in Ancient Rome. As Rome moved further from Republic roots and slipping into empire, the citizen army dwindled, being replaced by foreign mercenaries. Eventually, inevitably, they consumed Rome and put an end to the imperial age.
By using the youth Central America to further the short term goals of the United States may seem convenient in the short run. However, how would such an army fare if it were at any time pointed towards, say, Central America? Could one expect unquestioning loyalty of such an army?