The proposition is, “Every able-bodied citizen should be required to serve for a two-year period of time in the military: Why or why not?”

An 18-year-old young man from Coupeville, DANIEL BROWN, disagreed with this and called on the wisdom of Socrates to explain why.

“In ‘The Republic’ at 370b Socrates said, ‘as you spoke, it occurred to

me . . . that no two people are born exactly alike. There are innate differences which fit them for different occupations’.”

In defense of individual rights, Brown wrote, “The military is right for some, but not everybody. I think it presents those who are unsure of a career with a solid foundation, but no one should be forced into service.”

Full of confidence, he walked his entry into the Seaplane Base Navy Commissary on Feb. 20, the actual deadline day. Besides maintaining his perfect 4.0 grade point average, he is often found in such sports as football, track and field, High Q and soccer. In addition to serving as president of the Honor Society, he has been a class officer for the past two years and class of 2008 valedictorian.

Manufacturers doing business with the commissary divert a portion of the money they would use for other promotions to cover the scholarships. The Defense Commissary Agency reports the program has awarded over 4,000 scholarships totaling more than $6.4 million since its inception in 2000.

LEONARD and DEBRA BROWN were at the Commissary on July 9 to see their son accept his check for $1,500. He is the lone winner on Whidbey Island. Over 5,000 students applied. All recipients are listed at www.militaryscholar.org.

“I believe everyone has a place in life, and nobody should ever be forced to live their life a certain way,” he said.

Brown will attend Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore.

Walking shoes suggested

How many of us have lived here for 20 or 30 years and have yet to walk in the footprints of our area’s pioneer families? “Roam with a Ranger” can fix all that.

This creative and fun way to explore our island’s history is as close as Coupeville and a wonderful gift from the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing. Every day, 7 days a week through summer, either CHRIS SMITH or RACHEL PROTAS, two seasonal interpretive staff members, will be your guide. They were hired by the National Park Service just for the summer.

At 10 a.m., the first walk covers one mile and begins at the kiosk in the parking lot at Ebey’s Landing beach on the corner of Ebey and Hill Road. This is described as a moderate 50-minute hike with steep inclines.

If that’s too much for you, try the two-mile walk that begins and concludes at the Prairie Overlook across from Sunnyside Cemetery. Start time is noon. It is described as a moderate 50-minute walk along prairies with little shade.

At 2 p.m., an easy one-mile walk along the sidewalks of Front Street starts and concludes at the Coupeville Wharf.

Pick the time and degree of difficulty you prefer. What you miss today you can pick up tomorrow. It won’t cost a thing.

Call the Trust board office at 678-6084 if you want to say “Thanks!”

Idle time reinterpreted

Were you ever told as a child that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop? The Sisters of Mercy believed it was a sin to waste time and daydream.

A few weeks ago, the Oak Harbor City Council dealt with idle time of a different kind, namely unhealthful fumes that cause breathing problems for many and simply waste fuel.

I was delighted to read on the front page of the July 5 issue of the Whidbey News-Times that the City Council passed a resolution to implement an anti-idling program within the city. It applies only to city vehicles and doesn’t affect the rest of us, although the environmentally aware citizens of North Whidbey are bound to love the idea.

So, if drivers of city vehicles expect an idle time of over two minutes, they must turn off the ignition. SANDRA PLACE, assistant to CATHY ROSEN, City of Oak Harbor Public Works director, said there is work to be done to change the old school mentality. “We will be putting up signs and using our environmental educator MARYBETH CRANDALL to spread the word,” she said.

What about those who argue it takes more fuel to restart an engine than to let it idle? “That’s not true in newer vehicles,” Place contended. “We are also doing our part by using electric/hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.”

I’d say Rosen, Place and Crandall deserve our thanks, if not a bouquet of roses.