Military recruiters don't belong in high schools

I am a student at Sandpoint High, and I would like the community to know what's going on in my school.

The U.S. Navy, Army, and occasionally even the Air Force, are setting up booths in the high school's lobby. There, they solicit upper classmen to enlist right out of school. Lately, they have been giving things away that would appeal to teenagers. Besides the typical pens and pencils, they give away folders, key chain holders, mugs, bracelets, and book covers, all imprinted with their emblems. They play a movie for the students that flock to their booths, showing dramatic rescues, and heroic things.

I consider this manipulation, but that's just my opinion. Still, to me, setting up a military booth in the lobby of a public school is a little like inviting the tobacco industry in, too. Even though the military pays for college, and promises to educate you in any field you wish, this is not always the case.

I don't want anyone to think I hate the military. I appreciate them, but feel that if kids want to join up, they are free to go to an office in town. I do not believe that they should be in our schools, luring upperclassmen with free gifts and promises of glory.

TALA WOOD

Cocolalla