Table Talk

So I would like to talk about something that I particularly enjoy here at West Point. This doesn't apply to everyone although I'm sure other tables do this as well. At lunch, the two firsties (seniors) who sit at my table introduce topics for discussion. Sometimes these topics are previously introduced and discussed via email and usually involve some article. These discussions which have so far covered religion (not as a debate between different theologies), peoples rights, and why we are proud to be americans. The discussions which involve peoples rights are tied to the fact that myself and the other plebe at my table must pass of an article or amendment of the U.S. Constitution each day at lunch. Most plebes would despise this and view it as just another useless bit of knowledge to be memorized. I disagree. Lt. Larson and Nelson believe that they are obligated to help shape myself and my fellow plebes into productive officers of the U.S. Army. By learning and applying the Constitution to different topics I learn not only what this country stands for but also what I stand for as a soldier in the U.S. Army. After our particular section or amendment has been passed off we are usually asked to analyze it and apply it to particular situations which Lt. Larson and Nelson provide. I always look forward to lunch for our discussions and also for the emails introducing new articles of discussion. The most prominent discussion which we had dealt with an article written by an officer who felt that their was an overbearing Christian attitude in the Army. Included in this article was the inclusion of the "So help me GOD" statement on our army oath. I hold a fairly strong opinion on topics concerning religion or at least its separation from the state. In response to this topic I managed to cite and incorporate the U.S. Constitution, Jefferson's Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, and the Supreme Court Case Lemon v. Kurtzman. Not only did I voluntarily reply to the topic, but I analyzed the facts and my thoughts on my own. These discussions are interesting and therefore encourage me to think on my own and develop my own opinion. This is outside of class and therefore allows for more open thinking and further development of my intellectual being. I feel that I am very lucky to be at this particular table for lunch. Instead of small talk and bullshit, I recieve critical thinking skills and interesting discussion. I will provide insights into future discussions I encounter. I will also try to post a few times a week on my blog but Cadet life is busy so no guarantees.