"The day is wasted in which you learn nothing" Member
Posted
I wonder if it is time to consider reinstituting the draft. Not a military draft but some kind of manditory national service. There are a lot of facets to this question to consider, I know, but it the reasonable duty of a citizen is not met simply by paying taxes and how many Americans don't even pay taxes?. Few people even bother to vote or try to be knowledgable of current political issues. A mandatory national service of, say, two years could free up our volunteer, professional military to be an even better military force. National service conscripts could perform most of the necessary non-military duties required for America to present a indefatigable national defence. National service conscripts could also participate in addressing national disasters. The list goes on. AWS
I can only see the merit of such a program. Across the board, you turn 18, plan to spend two years with Uncle Sam unless you decide to enlist in the Armed Service. Conscientious objectors could serve in Americorp, the Peace Corp or a number of similar agencies. It would certainly help to build a spirit of nationalism.
I remember the draft from the Vietnam War. Do not ask Americans to stand up for their country in any type of service that may disrupt their lives. They want to live here free of any obligations to support their country, complain about the taxes they pay, and sit on their *** while others do the job for them. I agree with the person who said that paying taxes is not enough. If it were up to me, veterans would be exempt from any federal and state income taxes, and any local property taxes. The extra tax money would come from those who choose not to serve. Yes, you can substitute money for your obligations in this country. It is done all the time only some people do not even have to put up the money. The draft will never be resurrected again, no matter what. The privileged, aka our president, the congress, and other members of state and local government do not feel it is below them to get their nails dirty.
Originally posted by cheapthrills: I wonder if it is time to consider reinstituting the draft. Not a military draft but some kind of manditory national service. There are a lot of facets to this question to consider, I know, but it the reasonable duty of a citizen is not met simply by paying taxes and how many Americans don't even pay taxes?. Few people even bother to vote or try to be knowledgable of current political issues. A mandatory national service of, say, two years could free up our volunteer, professional military to be an even better military force. National service conscripts could perform most of the necessary non-military duties required for America to present a indefatigable national defence. National service conscripts could also participate in addressing national disasters. The list goes on. AWS
I do not believe a National Service requirement could withstand a constitutional challenge, as their is no authority given to Congress to raise a National Service force.
Draft requires one to par-take. My problem is we do not require people that make over $100,000 a year to serve first. Congress kids first. America is a CAPITALIST, so either we show up to the war, or by not joining the military you are saying I disagree with the war. Thats what a true American way would be.
Understand this on paper I agree with you. But it is the poor that will go first. 1 Feb, 2008
Maybe what we need is something like this Mind you before you get in a snit I happen to came across this, maybe Rangle is right: 1. Draft everyone at age 18 or after high school (if they’re still in high school at 18 ); 2. That’s EVERYONE, pardner -- male or female, rich or poor, gay or straight, dumb or lame; 3. Give everyone some basic training. “In boot camp they’d learn the basics -- drill, discipline, teamwork, leadership, responsibility and citizenship -- while getting physically hard and mentally together” 4. Then, give them a choice between one year in civilian service, or 18 or 36 months in the military (except for those unfit for military service); 5. The kids in civilian service get modest stipends; those in the military for 18 months get “much higher” pay (“to compensate for the greater risk” ; those in the military for 36 months get “a World War II-type GI bill upon discharge.” For those in civilian service, I’d add two more points: 6. Place them in unfamiliar settings! “National service should [put people to work] in environments they do not usually encounter,” says Yale political science prof Rogers Smith (in the anthology New Communitarian Thinking, 1995). “For example, . . . an African-American woman [from the inner city] might serve as a teaching assistant in suburban social science courses, a role which . . . might educate all involved.” 7. Make them think about and discuss their experiences! In other words, make them practice what’s beginning to be called Service Learning.
If you look at my profile I joined but chose what I was good at. I am still working in a similar field in civilian life.
I was in the Army from 1967-70. Enlisted after I was asked to leave college. I think the draft-era military has an image that isn't exactly true. There was definitely a lot more complaining (at least based on what I read of today's military) and a lot fewer people reenlisting but, by and large, it was a professional organization. The length of the Viet Nam war was what caused the problems.
One thing that has changed is that the military is far more divorced from the civilian world now. In the draft days many more served and returned to the community. There wasn't so much ignorance about the military and what they do as there is now.
