Forming a sense of community

[BlackVelvet04]

through mandatory national service is being hailed as a great thing by a number of DUers.

I say horse shit.

Sure, you can create a bond among people who are angry and resentful but what kind of community do you get? Neo-nazis have a bond, skinheads have a bond, gangs have a bond - a bond built on anger and resentment.

You CANNOT FORCE people to behave in a manner you find moral and acceptable. That's the EXACT kind of thinking that cause the rightwing fundamentalists to push abstinence only, to make abortions illegal, to make birth control illegal. Somehow they think that will force people to quit having extramarital sex.

HOW'S THAT WORKING OUT?

[Vorta]

1. They might be referring to the Peace Corps experience

A number of people avoided military service by joining the Peace Corps. Peace Corps folks have some special connection to each other, I think it's malaria.

[OneBlueSky]

2. national service for young people is a great concept -- IF it's voluntary . . .

I think it's a good idea to encourage young people to devote a couple of years to helping others . . . but it has to be something they CHOOSE to do . . . perhaps some incentives (tuition grants?) could be included to encourage participation . . .

[FrenchieCat]

3. Agreed.