Reply #30: So many points... [View All]

[Mythsaje]

One of the reasons I oppose it is simply this... One is effectively advocating that our children be compelled, under threat of force (which is what law ultimately is, btw) to give up certain (formerly) inalienable rights for a specific amount of time in order to achieve what--de-stratification of society? A more universal fear/dislike of war? Improve America's infrastructure?

The funny thing is that I don't necessarily oppose the SAME thing using the "carrot" rather than the "stick." Rather than FORCING people into civil service, why not offer housing, food, and college tuition to those who join voluntarily? Pretty much what the military offers now, though they've already stripped some of the long-term benefits vets used to enjoy. But open a generalized "civil service" deal to MANY different functions--from infrastructure repair and ecological reclamation to medical assistance and public works.

I'm talking enticement rather than enforcement. Kinda a "New Deal" for a "New Age." As things stand now, with skyrocketing tuition rates and all, the children of middle income are being deprived a chance to attend college to an ever increasing extent.

We're seeing those who joined the National Guard being sent repeatedly into hazardous situations that have nothing to do with what they signed up for.

Of course, I realize that FORCING people to do it will garner more support from the "conservatives," which should really make some people stop and re-think their position on it. In my opinion.