sat 11/18/2006
Mun2 News takes a closer look at the options young Latinos face upon graduating high school and the pros and cons of enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. This hour-long report chronicles the personal experiences of Mexican-born Diego Sosa as the 21 year-old former high school student enlists in the Marine Corps. Follow us as we travel from high school campuses to boot camp training to the halls of the Pentagon.
Download the entire 42 minute program by clicking on the iPod button above or get the highest quality version at the mun2 iTunes Music Store page.
Update: Winner of the 2006 Peabody Awards.
┼♥┼ яosαяio ┼.. Says:
i think latinos should think really hard on wheter to go to the army or not because to tell you the truth i don't think bush appreciates us latinos por que nos quiere echar so in my opinion latinos shouln't go to war
karina c.
11/13/2006
Wake up Latinos. If you know your history, you'll know that "Hessians" were hired mercenaries who fought for the British during the revolutionary war. Unfortunately, Latinos have become the new Hessians and are cannon-fodder for the Republican party's misguided war in Iraq. If there were a draft, this war would be over in a minute because the white middle class would never want to send their kids to Iraq.
This war is all about oil, it has nothing to do with stopping terrorism. If the GOP cared about stopping terrorism, they'd put 150,000 troops in Afghanistan (which is where Al Queda is based) rather than Iraq. Instead, they put a measly 20,000 troops in Afghanistan - which makes it impossible to actually find Bin Laden.
Notice how the troops in Iraq are overwhelming Latino, black, or rural poor white. I have 2 high school classmates killed in Iraq. Latinos should focus on staying in school and getting the best education possible, even if it means taking out loans. Better to be in debt than dead in Iraq.
Josue
11/14/2006
Latino or not (the word is being used inproperly, Latin-American would be more accurate), enlisting in the army is a big deal. The US keeps on engaging in wars that are unnecessary and unfair. Thousands of young soldiers have died or have had deep psychological damage. I would not want to risk my life for a cause does not exist, why would anyone? All the money that the goverment spends on advertisement to convince you that being a soldier is "cool" could be used for purposes that serve better purposes, not to mention what is being spent on actual war. Are the benefits that the army offers really worth risking your life? do you really believe in your goverment enough to fight their wars?
Daniel
11/14/2006
Being a 5 Year Navy Veteran myself, I can tell you first hand that Latin-Americans in the Military are unappreciated and constantly taken advantage of. Throughout my Military experience I faced racism, bias, and ignorance. Although these obstacles were constantly attempting to stifle my career I excelled and overcame. The atmosphere in this country right now should dissuade young Latin-Americans to enlist however, we still choose to fight for a country that has turned its back on our families. The fact that young Latin-Americans still choose to join shows how honorable we are as a people and how much we want to help this country and not hinder it. I would not reccomend any Latin-American join the Military, especially now when the U.S. Government is trying to blame all of it's problems on illegal immigrants.
Mario-Alexander
11/14/2006
I THINK THAT THAT IS GOOD TO HELP THE US BECAUSE IT HELP US 2
la caballota
11/19/2006
I have always wanted to join the army, but i had my doubts. Hopefully with this it will give me more insight. Real experiences from the people who are in the army.
...but how can i defend a country where my race is being blamed for social and economical problems.
Cynthia
11/20/2006
Anybody notice that the Marine recruiter spelled Yale "Yail". A role model that can't spell... ay
Kelly
11/21/2006
i think if some latinos really and truely want to go in the army its ok. i wouldnt go though because nobody would apprieciate it, i mean not Bush anyways because he is one of those americans that think latinos come to this country just to take from it! Im not saying that all americans are like that though. My sister wants to go to the army and i understand why but i would rather her not to. anyways if i just want to advice the latinos that want to go to the army to think real good about it
Josefina
11/21/2006
I have given thought to enlist myself after i finish high skool to go, and join the army. but no i really have my doubts because yes this country has given mi more education that i could have had in Mexico that is why my parents brought mi family to the US but it seems now that the US goverment is blaming anything that is going wrong to all the Hispanic Community and i really think is not our fault that the goverment has made a couple of wrong choices and blaming it on us.
that is why i think i am better of doing something else that join the army where i could just die and it would not really matter.
liSs
11/21/2006
I am CPL Santos USMC, I truly believe that everyone on this page needs to realize what all our RAZA is fighting for out overseas! Its not for oil, its not for someone telling you "we did good job" just as you out in the FREE world that WE allow YOU to have we are all fighting to come home. And to show that even though this country is mostly run by white america we all fight for the same morals! to allow our families to walk free and live without fear. We the lations have earned much respect on the ground more than ever before! so before you open your mouths talk to someone thats been their and done that. We all have to survive, and someone ALWAYS has to do the dirty work. Send me back so I continue to allow all of you to sleep safely at night! By the way Im the one that pulled Diego Sosa out of the line of fire but you people will never realize how we live...SEMPER FI
CPL Danny Santos
11/22/2006
(37 total)
your response