(With apologies to The Beatles)
What will daily life be like in the Citadel?
I can make some educated guesses based on past experience. I served 14 years in the Air Force and many of those years were spent living on base. There are many similarities, both physically and socially to the Citadel.
The bases were, in essence, gated communities. In addition, there was a common culture of military service. Violent crime was virtually non existent. Except for kids stealing bicycles once in a while and occasional domestic disputes, not much happened. The last place I lived, my neighbor across the street left his golf clubs in their wheeled bag sitting in his driveway for several days. It surprised me a little, but no one touched them. You could go out walking anywhere, any time, day or night with no fear at all.
I think the common culture was even more responsible for that than the guarded gates. One of the most tragic losses in modern America is that loss of a common culture, a common expectation of civil behavior, a feeling of being part of something. Very few places have that any more. Being an intentional community, with a common core philosophy, the Citadel has a chance to bring that back.
Something that I can't predict, but am hoping for, is a greater level of social interaction. Neighborhood barbeques, musical jam sessions and plays at the amphitheater or the Citadel Society club house, interest groups, clubs, organized and spontaneous activities of all sorts. I enjoy board games, myself, and used to go to a game club every Friday night. We'll have some great pubs with local brews, walking and bicycle paths, a firing range you don't have to drive a half hour or more to get to. Maybe a hill with a rope tow for sliding down on inner tubes in the winter time. Militia training will also have a unifying social aspect to it.
It's un PC to say this, but I think the type of people who will be attracted to the Citadel will tend to be above average intelligence, less likely to sit around watching TV, more physically active and generally have more interests and hobbies and be more interesting than the average American. At the very least, there will be a lot of gunnies who want to go out shooting together!
And here's a final thought for you. If love of Liberty has a genetic component, and I think it does, would we literally become a breeding ground for Liberty?
VJ
I understand what you are saying about the common culture. When my son-in-law was stationed to Camp Pendelton I went to Calif to visit. They lived on base that time, so of course that is where I stayed. I loved it, compared to the rest of Calif, it was just a peaceful oasis...well, there was that bombing in the background, but, heck, you know Marines. ;) I felt safe there.
ReplyDeleteI expect that same feeling from the Citadel. I also expect that there will be more interaction between the people who live there because we will have many of the same interests and goals.
So, to answer your question. I think it will be the beginning of an awareness of Liberty that will continue into future generations. That is why this project is so important. Now, think of this. Can you imagine the joy and celebration when the first child is born there?
Camp Pendleton
ReplyDeleteWe spent quite some time camping there at the San Onfre Campground on the beach. (The one on base, not the civilian one.) Just up the hill was the Commissary and PX and another hill to Dixie's school. Very close to the gate on 5 also and of course secure.
Good stuff.
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