I think that EVERYONE should have to do at least a year of community/military service after highschool?

Question

let them at least learn the concept of work and responsibility, let them build roads or answer phones or drop bombs, fill government positions wilth conscripted workers for a smallish salary and maybe food and board. (I guess there would need to be an exemption for the college bound or a deferment) It's not a perfect plan but what do you think of the general concept...?

if you want welfare recipients to work you need to provide childcare, the children are presumably the reason they can't work in the first place

what about the draft, isn't that involuntary servitude as well? I don't support a military draft but it provides a precident for this program

Answer 1

I also think it's a great idea. There are so many things we need in this country that won't be provided by the 'magic of the marketplace'. They aren't profitable but we need them anyway. Americans talk about 'patriotism' all the time but they can't be put out themselves.

And it has to be EVERY young person, including the sons and daughters of the privileged and well-connected. Or else it will be just like the military, people will swear they believe in it but not to the point of going to war themselves or sending their own kids.

Answer 2

I did not need that experience to learn the concepts of work and responsibility. Those who would need this lesson probably wont learn it anyway. You learn what you want to learn...guess that is why I am a teacher. Some people simply do not care enough to learn. ALL are capable...some lack the desire and thus this plan would not work. TOO many people who would take the position and do a crappy job because they did not care and were just waiting for their year to run out.

EDIT: We do not have an active draft at the moment....(in resposne to you added comment)

Answer 3

I don't think a public service stint should be compulsory, but that the government should offer to pay for college or trade school in exchange for public service. Public service could be a step up for young people to help them in developing skills in a work environment, and identifying a solid career. I also think anyone applying for welfare should have to perform public service, and failure to adequately participate would be reason to be denied welfare.

I might add, that I would like to see more participation of people in national guard units, but I don't think national guard soldiers should be sent to fight foreign wars unless they specifically volunteer to fight in a foreign war.

Join civil service, go to college or trade school for free, sounds like a good plan to me.

Answer 4

Israel conscripts a lot of people at 18 for their compulsory military service.

It would be a nice change, and it could certainly give kids in my hometown something to do besides hang around in parking lots after hours with their crappy cars with fake spinners.

Answer 5

It needn't be military service, but I think it's a good plan. It provides a benefit for the nation as well as the individual.

Answer 6

I assume you are not from the United States. Here,what you aredescribing is legally termed "involuntary servitude"--more commonly called slavery. No American advocates--or tolerates--such totalitarian policies.

Answer 7

The general concept of "let them drop bombs"? I think it is a sick concept born of privilege and inhumanitarianism.

Answer 8

There are many countries who have mandatory military service. I think it is a good idea, my future boy children will serve in the military.

Answer 9

I agree with you, that service should be compulsory. I did Peace Corps and Americorps whereas my family is military. Both are equally valid and service to the US.

Answer 10

Sounds like a nice dream to me..