Obviously, living in America we have the freedom to choose not to do anything. But should American's give 2 years of service to their country? This does not necessarily mean military service, it could be Peace Corp, AmeriCorp, or a Missionery Sabatical.
2007-06-08 08:20:28 · 53 answers · asked by Diogenes 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
I would like to answer this with a simple "yes", however, I have a son that I would be delighted if he chose to join the service, but in truth would worry myself sick. I think it the "yes" to give guidance to some who will never get it, and also to show the pride of America, but there again, what about those who would clearly never "make it" in the services. This is one of those questions you will never truly come to an agreement on.
2007-06-08 08:24:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think very few things should be mandatory but it REALLY depends on what you allow for the service. Do you allow for people with brains over brawn for example? How about artistic types over strict orderly persuasions? In my opinion the U.S. Military is often the absolute least way to do service for THIS country and I'm tired of people thinking they are somehow more patriotic and honourable.
Why do you have to be "bound" in some way to serve people with honour? Do you see this site you're on? How about the world wide web, the Internet, computers, iPods, or other sites like Google or YouTube? Somebody had to invent these things and it wasn't a soldier or two bit volunteer I can promise you that. There are certain things of merit in what you say but I'm just tired of the duty type mentality some of these people have. That's the great thing about science and technology- they actually pay their way without federal tax dollar support and yet improve people's lives in every way imaginable. I say we need more of this! Then again, many can serve by learning languages or making movies, etc. If everyone was required to do physical work like you suggest we’d just have relentless controversy à la Abu Ghraib every so often or our own people would be killed weekly and that’s not really what I what to see right now to be really perfectly honest.
Why don't we just require that everyone in this country learn a bit about the world instead and allow it to be fulfilled in varying ways? That would always be useful no matter the talent.
2007-06-09 02:05:43 · answer #2 · answered by Savalatte 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, i don't think so. I myself am a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, and though i think it might be a nice idea, that really destroys freedom and turns us into what Germany was(they did exactly that....every man over 16 was automatically put into the military during WWII), a totalitarian society. Not to mention, there's a lot of fat bastards out there i don't want on any team of mine. As far as the other options go, if you're not doing it out of the goodness of your heart, then you won't do it well, or correctly, and you'll just make everyone else miserable.
2007-06-08 08:26:56 · answer #3 · answered by HeadHunter472 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I alllllmost agree with you. Almost.
On one hand, I do think that people should do service to their country. On the other hand, making it mandatory would be a direct violation to people's freedom and Constitutional rights. Without those rights, the country is probably not worth serving. You can't ditch the thing that makes your country great to show how great it is. People should choose to do this by themselves. If they don't, then it is their loss.
One other factor: for financial or medical reasons, some people would literally be unable to do it. This would create a situation where it was unfair for some to be mandated to do the work, while others were not. Where do you draw the line? Ultimately, the sentiment in your question is terrific, but there is no practical way to apply it.
2007-06-08 08:24:22 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While I believe that it would help many people out, no, it shouldn't be mandatory. One of the great things about this country is the right to choose. Perhaps things like the peace corps should be more publicized in high school. I never heard of it until I was out of school for several years.
USAF veteran
2007-06-09 15:16:20 · answer #5 · answered by hannibal61577 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've often thought this would be a good thing. Americans tend to have just a nip too much feeling of entitlement. Many European countries require this.
If this were to be mandated (and it won't), it should be service that provides for Americans - Americorps, internal works projects, stateside military service, etc.
Our freedoms don't prohibit such a program, any more than they prohibit taxes or selective service.
2007-06-08 08:27:20 · answer #6 · answered by Gaius Caligula 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You said it yourself. "... living in America we have the freedom to choose not to do anything." I believe all freedom loving Americana's, men and women, should serve 4 years voluntarily before it becomes mandatory in the military. Besides, it builds character and confidence instead of the 'ME' attitude I am seeing in the responses to your question.
As for the Peace Corp, AmeriCorp, Missionary Sabbatical, or other, it does not secure a nations freedom or build sincere patriotism, but it does help humanity.
Try both!
2007-06-08 08:40:03 · answer #7 · answered by jebsr 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, that is the beauty of a free country, people are free to choose not to work for the country and pursue their dreams.
For me, I went to college right after high school and then got married. Although I didnt "serve the country" I have done my little part by being a good citizen, getting an education and a good job etc. 2 years of service would have delayed my going into the workforce and hurt the economy.
2007-06-08 08:24:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, we have lives to live. We already do service when most of our tax money goes to the military and its raised each year. And since the US is one of the wealthiest and strongest nations in the world we dont need everyone to serve and that sort of way. Actually not having everyone serve that way keeps our economy the way it is. We are at war and still have one of the best economic systems in the world. If all of the young people were stuck having to go to war right now while all the older people stayed home we wouldn't have that many people in college it would be totally different and would hurt our economy and would hurt the gov.
2007-06-08 08:24:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think all Americans should be "of service" to their country, but the parameters should be broad, such as government service via government agencies. Not everyone wants to serve in the military or join the Peace Corps. Some of us are adamantly opposed to war and that would be an undue hardship.
2007-06-08 08:24:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋