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.