League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Humboldt County, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Measure J Military Recruiting City of Eureka Majority Approval Required Pass: 4850 / 56.16% Yes votes ...... 3786 / 43.84% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure J

Arguments Against Measure J

This measure will enact an ordinance to prohibit military recruiters from initiating contact with anyone under eighteen for the purpose of recruiting in Eureka. This measure in no way prevents anyone from contacting a recruiter should they choose to do so. Military recruiters glorify military service, exaggerate the educational and career benefits, and minimize the dangers of serving in the military. They target teens through ad campaigns, mailings, telephone calls, e-mail, direct personal contact, and a free online war game. Wartime troop levels increase pressures on recruiters to enlist greater numbers. They're rewarded for meeting enlistment quotas and risk reassignment if quotas are not met. The U.S. military aggressively recruits on high school campuses and throughout the City of Eureka, targeting kids at as early an age as possible. A 2006 Department of Defense Youth Poll shows younger kids are more likely to have a positive view of the military. Adolescent brain research shows younger teens are more accepting of violence and are more easily swayed by outside pressures. Both of these characteristics have begun to subside by the age of 18. The Army's School Recruiting Program Handbook instructs recruiters to initiate contact with younger students, advising: "If you wait until they're seniors, it's probably too late." This evidence explains why recruiters encourage 16 and 17 year olds to commit to the Delayed Entry Program. Our society believes, and research into the adolescent brain proves, people under eighteen lack life experience and physical brain development to make informed choices of this magnitude. They cannot vote or sign contracts. They should not be subjected to highly sophisticated and well-funded efforts of military recruiters to enlist them in the military where death or serious physical and mental injury is a very real possibility. Vote yes. Stop recruiters from targeting kids. s/ Winfield Sample s/ Jack Nounan s/ Jane Stock s/ Douglas Stock

Please Vote No on the Youth Protection Act In November, Eureka voters should vote against the Youth Protection Act. As proposed, this restrictive new law will prohibit military recruiters or any other military personnel from making contact with students under the age of eighteen. During this time of their lives, students are deciding their future careers, and they need access to information. Supporters of this ordinance are trying to solve a "problem" that doesn't exist. In 2007, there were 1397 high school seniors graduated in Humboldt County + only 22 enlisted in military service, less than 2%. Students should have choices in making their career decisions and choices as to their interaction with military recruiters. None of our students need an unnecessary, restrictive new ordinance that censors free speech, limits freedom of choice and discriminates against the military or other organizations. Your vote against the Youth Protection Act will: Protect Freedom of Choice and Freedom of Speech. Parent permission is already required for students considering military service, and they cannot enlist until they are 18. Today's youth should make their future career decisions + college, business or military + with family support. Prevent Discrimination. If this ordinance becomes law, what groups will be banned next? College and business recruiters? Informational groups? Fair and equal treatment under the law requires free speech be provided to everyone. Stop Censorship. A well-rounded education depends on access to information. Military recruiters provide information about specialized training, career and education options for students to make appropriate decisions regarding their future. Young adults need education and opportunities. Among many possible alternatives of education and training, military service has been an honorable profession for them to consider. Many hard working, honest, responsible citizens have served in the military. Please join us in voting NO!