TV News-looking for advice

[esday1]

About a week ago I got an email about how a local TV news station (New England Cable News) was planning to do a segment on their evening show about why students at "top" colleges don't usually serve in the military after graduation, and they were looking for students who had strong feelings about military service (for or against) to come on the show. Without really thinking about it a lot other than thinking "that sounds sort of cool," I sent back a reply saying that I was applying to Marine OCS and I might be interested. Someone from the station called me back to find out if I could do the show in the next couple of weeks. However, since then I've thought that it might not be a great idea for me to be shooting my mouth off on TV at the same time that I'm trying to put my application together. I'm probably going to be paired with this rabidly anti-military kid I already know from school, so there's a chance that things could get nasty on the show if I'm not careful. On the other hand, the show might help convince a few people to think more about joining the military, which would good, plus it would be fun to go on TV. So- should I do it, and try to stay poised and present a good image of a wannabe Marine on local TV, or play it safe, have a nice cup of shut the f*** up, and keep a low profile while I'm applying to OCS?

"Peace on earth to men of goodwill. All others stand by."

 

[kimphil]

Go for it. Just remember, if you start to bad mouth your country, make sure you're clear that it's your opinion and doesn't represent the Marine Corps.

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Mongol General: ...Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!
Mongol General: That is good.

 

[webmaster]

As kimphil mentioned, the main thing would be for you to make clear that you are not in the military and/or representing the view/position of the DOD/Marine Corp. It sounds like you would just be providing your rationalization/debate on why you want to join the military. Just maintain your professionalism.

 

[kimphil]

And wear clean underwear!

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Mongol General: ...Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!
Mongol General: That is good.

 

[vegita1220]

knowing first hand how stupid some anti-war people can be...I don't know if it's a good idea. For example, I don't argue with my dad when he's drunk, cuz u can't win an argument with a drunk man. If your counterpart is even half as illogical, good luck. You won't get anywhere.

 

[NuSnake]

vegi..just wait man..when you get to college its gonna be worse, especially if youre in the liberal arts college at your school and you have to listen to it ALL the time. You learn to state your peace and then just sit back and listen to the fools argue about stuff that doesnt even matter. The only time I speak up is when somebody has offended me personally or said something so dumb that something needs to be said. It can be a trip sometimes, very entertaining.


esday---I was kind of in your situation a while back....a news crew came into a middle east class i am taking and my teacher...haha who is an INTEL Officer said..hey talk to him, hes a Navy boy..hahahaso I got put on TV, I said pretty neutral stuff so it wasnt that bad, they couldnt make me look like a left winging liberal so it turned out good. But I usually dont say anything when the news ppl are there(theyve come in about 4 times this semester) just because I dont really want to be on TV. haha.

now I need to go rest my fingers...I think thats the longest post I've ever had, WHEW!!

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
--Edmund Burke

 

[neo]

just remember some anti-war people can b stupid but i would consider anyone who is pro-war an even bigger idiot - war is a necessary even that must be undertaken sometimes - but not something anyone should b in favor of

 

[vegita1220]

It gets worse in college!?
Nah, seriously speaking, I doubt it. My high school is about as liberal as they come. Practically EVERYBODY goes to lib arts schools. Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Amherst, the UC's, Stanford. It runs like a freaking list of former/current protest sites. Which is why I stay shut in all history classes. I don't feel like taking on 20 ppl in a debate every damn day.
And thankfully, I didnt pick arts and sciences, I picked engineering. Wait, that's not good either. Many many long nights up studying. Throw in some partying, that means no sleep for a few straight weeks. Hope it doesn't fry my eyes.

And neo...you're right. But I wouldn't say bigger idiot. I'd just say slightly depraved in addition to being an idiot.

 

[NuSnake]

neo...strike one, typing 'b' in place of 'be'...come one man..haha..but I do agree, im not pro war...nobody should be, its a terrible thing, but yeah it does need to be done sometimes.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
--Edmund Burke

 

[kimphil]

esday,

You're discussing your motivations for wanting to serve in the Marine Corps, not the War in Iraq. Don't let the topic stray from that focus. And wear clean underwear!

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Mongol General: ...Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!
Mongol General: That is good.

 

[vegita1220]

Wow, looking back...that's actually probably the best advice.

 

[neo]

true - that was the best - don't let it degenerate into that - make it about serving your country as a marine - i'm an extremely liberal - some would even say radical person - but i understand that i have that right because others are willing to serve, and if im not willing to serve to protect my rights how can i expect others to do it for me - my dad did as a marine for 20 years and i'm looking to be an nfo in the corp