Bush-hating liberal patriot wondering about Reserve options

[Mr Blonde]

Hey,

My name is Eric. I'm 21 and I've made a small number of posts here. I think this is an excellent site and I love reading "Idiots" every week.

Anyway, I've been thinking about some job opportunities in the maritime industry for quite a while now. As it stands, I have a fairly good job on land working for a large retailer. I've been promoted recently, I get good health benefits, and my "commute" is a mere 10 minutes.

While this job is okay and convenient, it's not exactly thrilling. I'm looking for something challenging, adventurous, etc. Before the retail job, I obtained a Merchant Mariners document and a passport in anticipation of joining the merchant fleet. To make a long story short, It's been frustrating trying to get a job there. I thought about the Military Sealift, but I'm having my doubts. Entry level gigs seem scarce and I don't think I want to abandon my promising current job in order to be an overlooked grunt for several years for almost the same pay.

To get to the point, I'm having thoughts about the Navy Reserve. At one time (last year) I wanted to go active. I was about to sit down with a recruiter when my conscience took over. As a man who despises the President and all that he stands for, I could not accept putting myself in harms way for his War. Now I know that the Navy has a limited role in this conflict, but serving actively under this man gave me an ill feeling. Naturally, I prayed in my own secular way for Sen. Kerry to smash Bush in the 2004 Election. He didn't, and amongst my massive disappointment was the realization that I would not be going active anytime soon.

I don't know, I think the Reserves would be good because I could use the benefits, experience, college money, etc. I'd love to serve my country as well. I consider myself a Patriot, contrary to what some conservative thugs might believe. It's a goddamn shame that so many in my generation are now turned off to service thanks to this assclown and his bungled reverse-jihad.

In closing, I'd really like a way to serve, gain the experience, but also keep my current job and not make a huge commitment to sea life. The Reserve seems like a good option, but I just can't stand Bush!

What do you think?