Earlier this week a photograph went viral of several U.S. marines engaged in conduct unbecoming of professional soldiers. It’s on the Internet and news agencies all over the world are talking about this incident.
When questioned about this matter, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta called the behavior “despicable.” In response, a leading U.S. politician has said that Mr. Panetta was wrong to have characterized the behavior so harshly.
I disagree with the politician because throughout history warriors and soldiers have always been held to high standards of behavior. This might sound strange when the job of a soldier is to fight and, sometimes, to kill. However, it is true.
Soldiers operate under strict laws and non-legal codes of conduct. Very simply, they must never abuse civilians or enemies whom they have defeated.
For this reason, it appears, that Defense Secretary Panetta is correct and that the politician is ignorant both of the law and of history.
Similarly, when students come to Seichou Karate® Dojo we entrust them with special knowledge. They must never use this special knowledge in violent or criminal ways. Instead, this knowledge is intended to help them make the most of life’s opportunities and to deal effectively with its challenges.
Above all, the special knowledge that students acquire at Seichou Karate® Dojo is intended to help them to live boldly, honorably, and to enable them to help others to do the same.
OSU!
