Should Military Service Be Required in order to vote?

Answer 1

first a clarification:

Heinlein, in starship troopers, did not advocate the vote for military veterans only: the franchise was granted to anyone completing a term of federal service. Federal service could be serving in the military, or any what could be construed as a position in the federal service, because the chance for franchise was not denied to anyone. An example in the book was a person was blind and wheel chair bound: his job was to count the fuzzy hairs of caterpillars because that is what he could do to try to earn his franchise.

while the person was in federal service, they could not vote. if they decided to opt out and quit, they lost the chance to vote forever. they still enjoyed the rights of any citizen, and they paid their taxes: they just couldn't vote.

I absolutely hated the movie: it just gave the wrong idea behind that book.

If there was a society like the one described in Heinlein's book, where federal service was required (not just the military) in order for a person to win the right to franchise, then i am all for it.

The main premise: if you are going to decide for the group, then you must prove your service to the group.

Answer 2

An interesting idea, explored in Heinlein's Starship Troopers. But I think not. However, a case could be made to limit the franchise to those who had paid at least the median amount of Federal income tax in the previous year; anyone who fell short could buy the right to vote by paying the shortage. Would reduce the tendency of the economically disadvantaged to vote themselves goodies out of the pockets of the successful.

Answer 3

I loved the premise of society brought forth in Starship Troopers (as mentioned above). Those serving in the military got more privileges within society, and those not serving could opt to apply for those same privileges or do without. This give all people not in the military, for whatever reason, a chance to prove their worth to society.

No, military service isn't the be-all and end-all of a person's value in society, but it does show dedication, discipline, and a selflessness not seen in the general population.

Of course, all of this is coming from someone that believes in compulsory military service for all those able to serve, sooo...grain of salt. =0)

Answer 4

NO! If only those who find violence acceptable are allowed to vote, the country will become a lot more violent. Take Christians out of the voting pool like that, the country will go down hill real fast, we would end up like the US.

Answer 5

Oh yeah, what do the handicaps, especially those in wheelchairs, do? Register, serve with specially hired soldiers to push them around the battlefield, get themselves killed, in order to have the opportunity to vote??? LOL! LOL!

Answer 6

While part of me wants to agree with you, too many have pointed out those who would be disqualified through no fault of their own.

But, a bigger reason for disagreeing, we fight for their freedom, restricting the for to those of us who serve (have served) would be defeating (for some of us) the very purpose for which we serve.

I hope that made sense....

Answer 7

No. A lot of people don't even meet the requirements for enlisting.

Answer 8

No. We should go back to the the original framing of the constitution. You must own land, and you must have a penis.

Answer 9

No the military isnt for everyone

Answer 10

no

there are some people that are not allowed to join the military.

because you have asma doesnt mean you shouldn't be allowed to vote.