Anti-war judge rejects foster teen’s bid to join military
Having been a truck driver for 18 years I know how messe up California can be. I know I shouldn’t be surprised at this story, but I am. Since when is a judge suposed to inject their personal view into their ruleing? It was my understanding that they were to uphold, and interpt the law, with the best interest of the public in mind.
Shawn Sage long dreamed of joining the military, and watching “Full Metal Jacket” last year really sold him on becoming a Marine.
But last fall, a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner dashed the foster teen’s hopes of early enlistment for Marine sniper duty, plus a potential $10,000 signing bonus.
In denying the Royal High School student delayed entry into the Marine Corps, Children’s Court Commissioner Marilyn Mackel reportedly told Sage and a recruiter that she didn’t approve of the Iraq war, didn’t trust recruiters and didn’t support the military.
“The judge said she didn’t support the Iraq war for any reason why we’re over there,” said Marine recruiter Sgt. Guillermo Medrano of the Simi Valley USMC recruiting office.
Why does a foster kid have to petition a court to serve his/her country? At least whhile in DEP, the recruiters try to influence their DEP’s to stay on the straight and narrow.
It was Oct. 12 when Medrano, in crisp dress blues, appeared with Sage before the commissioner to petition for his early enlistment.
The USMC Delayed Entry Program, like those in other services, allows high school seniors to enlist in the service up to a year before starting boot camp.
Recruiters encourage students to hone their study skills, learn to eat right and become fit enough to don a uniform.
Because of all of this,
Assemblyman Cameron Smyth introduced legislation last month that would allow foster teens to enlist in the service without express permission from a judge. Instead, AB2238 would allow foster children 17 or older to sign up with the consent of a foster parent or social worker.
You can read the full article here.
CJ over at “A Soldier’s Perspective” has also posted on this issue. He has a mailing address for Shawn so people can show their support by sending him cards and letters. He also has up the addresses of the judge and the court that issued this decision so you may voice your opinion. You can also find an email address for the Assemblyman to thank him.
