what do you think about biden's national service program idea?

Question

from the article:

Biden also revealed his desire to institute a "National Service Program" that would require all American citizens between the ages of 18 and 21 to either undergo military training or participate in a foreign or domestic Peace Corps.

"It seems to me that this is a country where we need to reinvigorate the sense of community," he said. "I'm not talking about a draft, I'm talking about participation." Asked to elaborate, Biden said the program needs further debate, but "I think it'd be more likely embraced than rejected by the public."

Answer 1

I think service, either military or civil is vital to the maintenance of our state and nation. Rome fell under a host of burdens, but the burdensome nature of citizenship and appeasing that citizenship bankrupted them.

Answer 2

Many countries have a policy like that.
In Denmark I think it is every person must serve their country in some way, usually for 18 months. The only exceptions are the severly disabled.
You can choose what type of service you want to provide, from the military to community service-type programs.
I'm for it. I think too it would reduce crime and other anti-social behaviour, such as drug addiction.

Answer 3

I agree with it. It does need to be debated to define what national service entails.

I think the younger generation needs to experience a sense of participation, and a sense that they own a piece of the pie.

Answer 4

Israels the right idea. You (both sexes) have to sign up for military service at the age of 18 until they are 49. The government gives them FREE education in exchange for their service. Every one has to sign up including children living abroad who have Israeli parents even if the parents are living in a different country. I agree 100% with this. We have enough people in the peace corps& other govermen agencys. the rest should be willing to help the goverment for the hand outs they get.Military service for a free ed seems so little to ask.

Answer 5

Biden once critcized the Bush administration because they were not up front about the cost of the Iraq war (as in dollars and cents).

Certainly it is reasonable to assert that in order to evaluate this program Biden would have to publish a detailed cost estimate on this proposal.

To embrace it before hand would be ill-advised.

Answer 6

Its long over due, I served in Viet Nam, service makes you appreciate the fact that freedomisnt free, too many have shurked their responsibility and the poor gutys that served got screwed.It also instills pride, and prevents welfare mentality

Answer 7

I do not think it is the government's role to mandate service by people, even a noble service, to the federal government.