Why do Americans have to kill before getting all their rights?

[RandySF]

In the 1940's, Harry Truman desegregated the military, but it would be a good 20 to 30 years later before African Americans had the same rights as everyone else. Eighteen year-olds were drafted for nearly 200 years before getting the right to vote. This weekend, we celebrate the rights of gay Americans to serve in the military, but they still may not marry, enter into civil unions or adopt children in most states and ENDA died in Congress. So why is it, we always have to kill and be killed on a battlefield before being able to enjoy the liberties that are supposed to be associated with being an American?

[Uncle Joe]

1. Two reasons come to mind.

1. The military for the most part is youthful and thus easier to accept change.

2. The military is not a democracy, thus it's easier to dictate change.

Thanks for the thread, RandySF.

[Hawkowl]

2. The right to be slaughtered or maimed

There probably is a Pentagon memo circulating right now detailing the dire manpower shortage in an all volunteer empire. This is a solution.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Black Folks Were Getting Slaughtered And Maimed Before Truman Integrated The Armed Forces

However after Truman integrated the Armed Forces they were no longer getting slaughtered and maimed in segregated forces...

Gay folks were getting slaughtered and maimed in the armed forces before DADT was repeal. We're just acknowledging now that their there...

[MadMaddie]

6. Bingo!

[madrchsod]

3. because we are a young nation that has`t grown up.

we are only a few centuries old. if we have the time we may mature into a nation with some ethical and moral standards.

[inna]

4. excellent question.

[stray cat]

7. The military is a government institution - and can be legislated just like public schools

No one legislates that you havevto associate with those DU likes to call freepers

[RandySF]

8. For some reason, it was the reverse for women

It seemed like women attained most rights BEFORE attaining the right to engage in combat.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. Actually, There Are Still Restrictions

.

[Ozymanithrax]

10. Because we only have those rights that we defend...

and often defending rights is difficult and dangerous work.

[GeorgeGist]

11. Because that's how Americans 'learned' the right to occupy

this land. They killed the previous owners.