MILITARY RECRUITING THE AUTISTIC

Hey, I know this story isn't going to cheer anyone up, but I feel compelled to share this tragic article with everyone I know in case they aren't aware of wrong things have gone. And Bush is now threatening a new war against Iran?!? Him and whose army? Who's left to recruit to fight this new war since recruiters have already exhausted the candidates who they helped cheat on their entry exams, criminals whose ineligibility was relaxed for recruitment, and now autistic kids like this 18 year old who is terrified of loud noises--and he's being sent to one of the most dangerous posts? Soon, they might even have to start tapping into the gay community for recruits, for chrissakes! Get out your handkerchief for this one.


From the Oregonian:

Sunday, May 07, 2006

by MICHELLE ROBERTS

Jared Guinther is 18. Tall and lanky, he will graduate from Marshall High School in June. Girls think he's cute, until they try to talk to him and he stammers or just stands there -- silent.

Diagnosed with autism at age 3, Jared is polite but won't talk to people unless they address him first. It's hard for him to make friends. He lives in his own private world.

Jared didn't know there was a war raging in Iraq until his parents told him last fall -- shortly after a military recruiter stopped him outside a Southeast Portland strip mall and complimented him on his black Converse All Stars.

"When Jared first started talking about joining the Army, I thought, 'Well, that isn't going to happen,' " said Paul Guinther, Jared's father. "I told my wife not to worry about it. They're not going to take anybody in the service who's autistic."

But they did. Last month, Jared came home with papers showing that he not only had enlisted, but also had signed up for the Army's most dangerous job: cavalry scout. He is scheduled to leave for basic training Aug. 16.

FULL STORY: OREGONLIVE