Anti-war judge rejects foster teen’s bid to join military
California is straight out of control.
A Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner dashed [Shawn Sage's] hopes of early enlistment for Marine sniper duty, plus a potential $10,000 signing bonus.
In denying the Royal High School student delayed entry into the Marine Corps, Children’s Court Commissioner Marilyn Mackel reportedly told Sage and a recruiter that she didn’t approve of the Iraq war, didn’t trust recruiters and didn’t support the military.
Since when is it the job of a judge to inject her personal views into the lives of American citizens? A judge’s job is to interpret the law and act in the best interests of the public and resolve disputes in a legal and objective manner.
Thankfully, there is a bright side to the California insanity that seems to plague the state.
Assemblyman Cameron Smyth introduced legislation last month that would allow foster teens to enlist in the service without express permission from a judge.
Instead, AB2238 would allow foster children 17 or older to sign up with the consent of a foster parent or social worker.
“Here is one impressive young man who somehow made it through the challenge of the foster system, had a clear sense of a career path and was denied that opportunity by a judge basically because of her personal bias,” said Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, who will honor Sage today at a Royal High assembly.
“I find that to be a horrific abuse of her power.”
I want to personally thank Assemblyman Cameran Smythe for what he is doing to allow our nation’s youth to sign up and serve their country. This all started when the teen entered a “There Oughta Be A Law” contest sponsored by the Assemblyman and chosen to be introduced in law. There were over 700 entries in the district and most were more than a page long. Shawn’s entry was a single paragraph.
From the time Shawn was 7 years old, he’s wanted to join the Marines. Unfortunately, to join the Marines under the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), one has to get the permission of parents or guardians if they are under 18 years old. Shawn is a foster child and a “ward of the state”, he had to ask the court for permission to join the military. This puts teens in the unfortunate position where they are subject to self-righteous, special interest judges for permission.
Under Smyth’s bill, titled AB238 “Foster Care Military Bill”, foster children 17 or older who reside in the state, will be able to enter DEP “with the consent of his or her foster parent or social worker”, both of whom were supportive of Shawn’s decision but powerless to do anything about it.
Today, the Assemblyman was invited to attend a special assembly (strange coincidence for sure) being held at Shawn’s school, Royal High School in Simi Valley. At the assembly, Mr. Smyth presented Shawn with a certificate of appreciation for bringing this important issue to light. In front of hundreds of fellow students, Shawn tearily described how much he wanted to be a Marine. The high school has been very supportive of Shawn and his desires. In attendance were also students that obviously opposed the Iraq War, but they showed strong support for the military and Shawn.
I called Assemblyman Smyth’s office to personally thank him for attacking this problem head on. Smyth represents the 38th State Assembly District, which includes Santa Clarita, Simi Valley and San Fernando Valley. Our country deserves to have loyal, patriotic Americans willing to serve it and its citizens, regardless of the situations in which they find themselves.
If you live anywhere near the state capitol in Sacramento, there will be a committee hearing on the bill on April 1st at 1330 in room 437. This is your chance to express your support for the bill and encourage lawmakers to pass this otherwise unecessary law. If you have any questions about the hearing, you can call Mr. Smyth’s office at Ph: (916) 319-2038. Please pass this along to anyone you know in the area and have them show up if they’re able.
I’d also like to ask you to send Shawn a quick letter or card of support for his decision to the join the military. Regardless of your opinion about war, military service itself is an honorable profession and a necessary one. Without willing volunteers, this country would be forced to man the military with drafted citizens who don’t want to be there. Please send your letters and cards of support to the following address:
Shawn Sage
c/o Royal High School
1402 Royal Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Additionally, please take the time to write a thank you note to Assemblyman Cameron Smyth through his aides to the following email address: ed.masterson@asm.ca.gov
See, I’m just as good as asking for positive action as I am negative action!
