Don't discount us gray beards

Don't discount us gray beards.  There is still a lot of energy and interest in serving our nation in the hearts of these guys.  Periodically, in a variety of forums and at disjointed events, I hang out with military veteran gray beards.  As a group, we shouldn't be discounted.  Whether it is a group of Patriot Guard Riders standing a flag line at the funeral for a fallen member of our military' three comrades conversing over breakfast on a Saturday morning; former commanding officer and staff officer chatting over lunch (after some time on the tennis court); or two random vets (one drafted to serve in the Army in Vietnam and one a career Marine) discussing the Syria situation and national level politics, this collective group cares passionately about our country.

Surely some shared experiences form the foundation upon which the relationships are built, and even serve as the source of the humorous anecdotes.  But at the core is the unyielding love for our country and an associated gut wrenching concern for what is happening.  

Lest one assume all the comments are from the perspective of a "vast right wing conspiracy" hyped by progressives, many of the views are liberal (by my definition).  Across this spectrum of political and social gray beard views, there are numerous views:

• The President and Congress must adhere to the Constitution, which they are failing to do.
• The nation owes its unwavering support to the men and women who volunteer to serve in the Armed Forces, including while they are active duty, veterans, and retired.
• The various levels of government cannot spend more than they bring in.
• Welfare is for the truly needy; not those who can work.
• Free speech applies on college and university campuses, regardless of points of view.
• Individual accountability and responsibility are missing throughout society.
• Political campaigns should be funded by taxes, with each valid candidate receiving the identical amount of funding support, no more and no less, and may only campaign during a set period. 
• Parents are responsible for their minor aged children, at all times and in all cases.
• The draft should be reinstated and implemented effective immediately.  No exceptions, but for verified mental or physical infirmity.  Associated is mandatory national service in either the military, Peace Corps, or Americorps.
• Teacher unions should be abolished in favor of rank and file collective bargaining.  (No more union dues employed for non-representational purposes.)
• Businesses that attempt to manipulate prices should be immediately shut down.
• The CEOs of companies that glaringly fail their investors and the public should be held criminally responsible.
• A flat tax for individuals and businesses should be immediately implemented.  Associated is a massive reduction of the IRS.
• Congressional term limits should be instituted immediately.
• The federal government must reduce its civilian employees by 30% within two years.
• Insurance companies will be severely curtailed.

All of these points, collected from various gray beards I have met, point towards individual responsibility and performing our duty as citizens.  At least the gents who are the sources of the above are committed to serving our nation, improving it as they so serve.

So don't discount that gray beard you see when out and about.  He's probably willing to do more than most, and may well have done more than you.