A Few Good Children? Dekalb Marine Corps Institute.

In a previous post, I espoused the idea that many of the young Black men that find themselves coming into contact with the justice system should be forced into a military service OF THEIR CHOICE as an alternative to being housed in the belly of the prison industrial complex. In my perspective, there is the possibility that they would have the opportunity to learn self discipline, learn a trade or skill of some sort, or just be a warrior if they so choose. But, most of all, travel and gain a world perspective about life and who they are. Of course since the country is at war this raised the ire of many, and the fact that the U.S. government has not been very responsive concerning theissues ofBlack people. Yet, with my feeling about the military as a solution for at risk Black men and women, I am in no way for a subliminal military indoctrination of our childlren

Dekalb County Georgia has done just this. Dekalb County represents the third largest school district in Georgia and also represents one of the largest Black populations in the state. Beginning in August 2009, Dekalb County Schools will open the Dekalb Marine Corp Institute headed by a Marine Corp Commandant who will handle all things not related to the scholastic instruction of the students. A principal will handle the academics involving the children and certified teachers will impart the curriculum in all classroom instruction and the students will function under a military, no, more specifically, a Marine Corp regimen.

So, why do I say subliminal military indoctrination? We are talking about The U.S. Marine Corps, Dept. of the Navy, Dept. of Defense. The Marine Corps will share the cost of running and maintaining the school however, they will also share in the cost of paying the teachers. This is the issue. When the federal government comes in and directly pays the salaries of the teachers there is no doubt in my mind that there will be a subliminal message underpinned in the lessons covertly coercing the tender minds of the students attending The Marine Corps Institute to join the Marine Corps or themilitary in general.

I am sure many students will excel in this magnet school, where they may have failed in another school setting. I am sure many that were heading down the wrong path and could likely end up locked in the penal system or as an unwed father or mother will likely straighten their ways. But, do we want the government covertly leading our children into the military? Is this form of school institution what we want for the impressionable minds of thirteen year old children? I am not so sure this is the correct thing to do. Yes, I’m an advocate of military service for at risk young adults that are going astray and could possibly be saved from a life in prison, but not this.

Comments

[wanda]

Having watched my brother make a blazing trail to the prison system and having served in the Marine Corps myself.... I APPLAUD DEKALB COUNTY!!!!! I graduated from Clarkston HS and my brother would have too, if he had not found his way in life as he did. These kids in Dekalb County (and surrounding school systems) are out of control. It made me sick a few weeks ago driving by my alma mater and seeing not only the resource officer's vehicle but FOUR county vehicles at the school. Only to be told that it is a weekly occurrence. Nobody is telling the kids that go to Dekalb Marine Corps Institute they are required to enlist. It is an alternate way to hold class that some of these kids need desperately. There are MANY of these schools around the nation and are doing a wonderful job. Why not here in GA? I look forward to the opening of this school and seeing what it can do to help our kids and their futures.

[[Victor Amenta]]

Wanda, thanks for coming by and stating your opinion. I must say I am not so deftly against this. As I stated in the post it may help much more than it hurts. Yet, my concern hinges on the fact that the Marine Corp will be paying the teachers, in that it may lead to a covert way of coercing the children into the Marine Corp at this war time.

[rawdawgbuffalo]

why not the way we kill each oyther nowadays

[EnSayn]

Big Brother All-Mi-T,Thanks for passing by. Your question is simple but carries a ton of weight.

[Exquisitely Black]

Interesting. I was prepared to be against this idea, the thought of more young black men dying in wars was weighing pretty heavily on my mind. But in reading, I have to say I see the logic and potential benefits. We're talking about a population that has determined they don't want to participate in our society as law abiding citizens, perhaps this - the discipline, the travel, the structure may be of benefit.

[[Victor Amenta]]

EB, Thanks for coming by and leaving your thoughts. I used to be of the mindset that we Black people should not participate in perpetuating the government's imperialistic excursions. However, I now believe we have reached another stage in our evolution in this country. Our Black children have turned into a different sort, and are appearing to be lost and without control. Those that go into the beast of the prison industrial complex are now faced with being told when they can leave their cell, when they can exercise, when to eat and when to sleep, a form of discipline. Within this framework they are not operating much differently than when one is in the military. So why not go into the military instead of the prison system? They will be told what to do, when to eat, what to wear, but on the other hand they will be compensated monitarily, they will have the opportunity to travel and see how the rest of the world lives and may find a worth inside themselves that they thougtht they may not have. However, this school thing only bothers me on the level that unsuspecting students may be guided there unbeknownst to them. Othere wise I have no beet with it.

[Khadija]

Hmmm...I have deeply mixed feeling about this. And not from the typical "I don't want Black youth serving as the empire's shock troops" position.

My concern is that nobody has considered the risks of teaching MILITARY skills to young Black criminals. Do we really want gangbangers who know how to shoot straight, AND how to use rocket propelled grenades? Do we want gangbangers who know these skills returning home to provide military-level training to their fellow criminals in their gangs? Do we want gangbangers in the services who are in a position to sell/divert military-grade weapons to their "homies"?

It seems that folks are assuming that serving in the military will straighten criminals out and clean them up. What if the reverse is true? What if funnelling Black criminals into the military only helps them strengthen their gangs?

Peace, blessings and solidarity.

[[Victor Amenta]]

Khadija, thanks for passing through. You raise an interesting point. And, the fact is the military is dealing with a gang problem on many levels. The Army was dealing with a crip and blood situation in Germany, causing the death of one soldier. The military has long dealt with racist gangs within its corps as well. In fact, I grew up in San Diego, CA. off and on for years the Marine Corp has busted guys selling military grade weapons to anyone that would buy. Overall, I think that more of these potentiial DBRBM could be saved than lost.

[Vincent]

As a vet, i have mixed feelings about this issue also......

i definetely agree that Black children should not be pressured to join the military....since this country is involved in 2 wars, most of the Black kids will be put into combat units....

victor, i agree with you that the military is a better option than prison...but how about this.......

we need to get to the point where prison and the military ARE NOT the only options our kids have....

vicotr, i also agree that only the most at-risk kids should have that option to go to this type of school......the kids that are doing well should be going to top magnet schools OF OUR OWN CREATION.....

but, if clayotn county is an example, black folks arent doing so well with running schools...that's another blog

so, i am leaning 55-45 in favor of only the most at-risk black kids going to this military school

[Peter - VFP]

I have to ask what the USMC is doing establishing domestic schools. (Wouldn't that fall under the Department of Education?) Has the Department of Defense unused resources and funding that they don't need for two foreign wars, the war on terror and "Homeland Security?" (Seems I've read about repeated deployments taking a toll on morale.)

The DeKalb School System has over 90,000 students and will begin a 9th grade class with about 100 students each year. What impact will that have on the DeKalb youth? (The school won't open with a four year curriculum because the USMC won't get a return on a single year investment in the 12th grader. Only after four years will the candidates be easily swayed to the military lifestyle, the purpose of this farm system.)

The program has all the traits of taking the civillian population by the hand and driving public opinion. The Department of Defense has better rate of recruiting in military enclaves (around bases). Where there is little exposure the sell is tougher. How better than to introduce the war machine in this manner?

Beware!

President Eisenhower said in his farewell address in 1961:

“A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction...”

“This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence — economic, political, even spiritual — is felt in every city, every statehouse, every office of the federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society. In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together.”

[[Victor Amenta]]

Peter-VFP, thank you for the insightful comment. Very well stated and I live the way you characterized this new alternative of schooling as a "farm system." Excellent!

[Big House]

My people you have missed the point. I am a high school teacher and resident of Dekalb County. This school is needed in Dekalb County. For the earlier comment no school in Dekalb County opens with grades 9 - 12; not even the Arabia Mountain High School which is deem to become the premier school of Dekalb County. Dekalb County Schools does not ask seniors to leave the school they have attended for 3 years. Also all public schools in Georgia must teach the same curriculum, the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS); including the Marine Corps School. The school will enroll 600 students and more than likely enrich their lives over the next four years.

If you are against the school: google, “scan dekalb county mugshots” see how many young Black faces that you see in 10 days. This is the problem! So what if more Black men go into the military that is less in going to prison. Our President has shown us that we must take responsibility for ourselves, our community, and our country and that means service. We as a people need to quit complaining and learn how to appreciate action and become more proactive vs reactive.

South Dekalb (the Black side) is saturated with mega churches and so called great Bishops that teach a false doctrine of prosperity rather than serving like Christ and investing in your community, schools, and self. Here is my proof on Tuesday and Wednesday nights the churches in the area full. (Some mega churches hold Bible Study on Tuesday so their bishops can go speak at other churches, for extra pay; not sure the members know this). On PTSA night the schools are empty. The mega churches have surpluses, while the schools operate in deficit. The mega churches charge the schools mega money to use the sanctuary for graduation and baccalaureate ceremonies; if you are wondering what I mean by mega money, schools now hold graduation at the GA Dome because it is cheaper than renting a mega church in the community.

Dekalb County Schools problem is the Black Parents, churches, and businesses are not part of the school and the learning experience. In other communities: parents, churches, businesses, other government agencies, and schools work together to solve community issues and improve the quality of life. Not us; we just stand up now and then and say “it takes a village;” while other races manifest the African parable in their communities.

The school will save and improve the lives of children and if they join the military we will enjoy and appreciate those that fight for OUR freedoms.

[Julie]

You know there is a website that sells subliminal music and says that it is based on scientific research (some double blind study). Apparently you can use the subliminal music programs to lose weight, quit smoking etc etc. Has anyone ever used subliminal music before? And if so, what were the results?

[Shanta H]

Hello,
First of all let me say, I am in support of the school. I live in Dekalb County and my children go to school here. I am also a former "military brat", and thereby a product of DOD schools. Meaning I went to school on a military base(s). The teachers were in no way pushing any type of militaristic agenda, I took Civics, to learn about government, but that and AP U.S. History were the extent of our military conversations. I believe that is a common myth about schools run by the military, they are not all there to indoctrinate the students. They offer discipline, and generally very competitive curriculum.

I have no doubt in my mind that this type of school would be beneficial to the community to the nation at large, and not only for at-risk students, but also for those that may have decided that they would like to take the military lifestyle as a chosen path. Only 1% of our eligible citizens do. It should not be looked at as a negative option, but rather what it actually is, a new one. Students attending this school will not be heavily recruited. My father was a recruiter for many years, and they have very clear guidelines as to what they can and cannot do, and generally the Marine Corps is a stickler for adhering to the rules (did I mention my father was a Marine- I went to school on a Marine Corps base). I know what I speak of. I had all the advantages of a public school, with discipline -yes, but that should be everywhere.

Our students are in need of guidance, and maybe to be "scared straight" by the Corps. But parents shouldn't feel like their children are being trained to become warriors. Rather they are developing greater character, and self-confidence.

[[Victor Amenta]]

Shanta thanks for coming by and dropping a line. I must say I don't believe the military is a negative option as my son is an military officer and he enjoys what he does. I would truly want the option to be the students form a balanced perspective and not subliminally coerced.