So what if a person wants to serve his country by joining the military - but his religious beliefs prevent him from some aspect of traditional service?
OK, so kosher / halal dietary needs comes to mind...
But what about hair - hair today, gone tomorrow?
Background - the Sikhs are a warrior class - service is part of their core doctrine - and by tradition the devout Sikh men do not cut their hair...ever!
So what about our tradition of conscription into boot camp - the buzz cut - making all new recruits the same regardless of race, religion, etc.? Forging a common bond, and starting with the least common denominator for all of us?
My point of view is that the Sikh should not be required to cut his hair. This is the land of freedom - ideally the magnet for the brightest and best from around the world - and freedom of religion is among the most fundamental rights upon which this country was built. God bless any of our young men and women who want to serve our country, particularly in these times of peril.
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