Mandatory Public Service (Page 2)

Can anyone think of a reason why this would be a BAD idea? Does anyone have a guess regarding the economics of such a program?

Two years post-high-school, military or non-military mandatory public service. We're become a fractured nation of privilege and entitlement, and I for one think this would help. It would certainly facilitate a maturation and skill-building process among our kid, and prepare them for hard work, whether that be college or otherwise.

Free Will for starters?  Sounds like a short period of slavery to me.  Forced to work for free and have nothing to show for it but two years of my life wasted.

I misunderstood.  When I saw "non-military mandatory public service" I automatically thought soup kitchens and handing out blankets.  I was wrong.

Military..... well, it is interesting, however I don't see how it doesn't infringe on the very freedoms our country rebelled to install fought to acquire.  It sounds like a step in the opposite direction.

I also don't think you need to do any public service to learn to work hard.  That seems to be more a lesson you learn repeatedly from your parents while you are growing up.  

Can I opt out of paying the taxes for them as well?

Interesting article, it makes me wonder if any other current or past leaders of  large organizations such as Dept of Int. or Agriculture think the same way.  I don't like the thought of using this program for basic cheap labor, however, if everyone starts at the same spot with the opportunity of moving up then it has some merits.  Those who see opportunity will pursue it those who don't won't, either way it can afford someone who has not seen an expanded set of options just that options with the constrain that you have to work/serve to get from point A to B.

If there is an opt out option why not loose thier voting rights too?  Yes I did mention attaching voting rights to this type of program before, I see it as a "skin in the game" type issue that holds more weight than a I pay my taxes therefore I earn the right to vote argument. 

Interesting article, it makes me wonder if any other current or past leaders of  large organizations such as Dept of Int. or Agriculture think the same way.  I don't like the thought of using this program for basic cheap labor, however, if everyone starts at the same spot with the opportunity of moving up then it has some merits.  Those who see opportunity will pursue it those who don't won't, either way it can afford someone who has not seen an expanded set of options just that options with the constrain that you have to work/serve to get from point A to B.

If there is an opt out option why not loose thier voting rights too?  Yes I did mention attaching voting rights to this type of program before, I see it as a "skin in the game" type issue that holds more weight than a I pay my taxes therefore I earn the right to vote argument. 

So if you are a single mom who has to opt out because of comitments to your child you never get to vote in your life?  Really? 

So much for a poll tax being unconstitutional huh?

So if you are a single mom who has to opt out because of comitments to your child you never get to vote in your life?  Really? 

So much for a poll tax being unconstitutional huh?

It is way to easy to pick circumstnaces where a program like this would seem incredibly unfair but that is not the point of the discussion.  If a program like this were to be established I have to believe that there will be some accomodations for those in various situations, where the program could be waived without prejiduce or defered. 

Seems to me that many of you think that being a productive, contributing, tax-paying member of the society is not enough to afford me a vote I now have to work as an indentured servant to the state to earn that right.  If you were talking military service ala the draft you might have a case but not for cleaning parks.

I am the one who included voting as a component of this discussion.  It is not my desire to have that element take away from the concept presented in the OP.

If the nation decided to move forward with a program I doubt it would be retroactive to those beyond the target cohort however defined.  And as I stated earlier there would be some provisions for people to defer or obtain "credit" for work/service accomplished. 

I may loose some of you with the following but hang with me for a few more lines.  Trinnas is partially correct in making a difference between military service and cleaning parks.  The military in simple terms provides for the defense of the nation.  Our recreational spaces have been specifically set aside for our enjoyment and welfare, why would we not defend them equally?  Our parks have been "loved" to a pulp.  Invasive species, reckless use, overuse, deferred maintenance to facilities, etc.   Why is it up to volunteer organizations to help in this arena? A program of mandatory public service could help improve many things that we as a nation value and share. 

I understand you were the one to introduce the voting aspect.

Whether I get grandfathered in or not I just can't see thinking it is all right to take away someone's right to vote.  How about if you don't pay taxes you don't vote that should get the liberal pundit panties in a twist.

I make the distinction for the military only because that would mean that every citizen was trained if something should happen not because I believe the concept of "service" is right.

Can anyone think of a reason why this would be a BAD idea? Does anyone have a guess regarding the economics of such a program?

Two years post-high-school, military or non-military mandatory public service. We're become a fractured nation of privilege and entitlement, and I for one think this would help. It would certainly facilitate a maturation and skill-building process among our kid, and prepare them for hard work, whether that be college or otherwise.