Mandatory youth service

[h.g.Whiz]

How can I find out the names of those who created this bill.

[Redtail]

How can I find out the names of those who created this bill.

What bill?

[KoihimeNakamura]

There is no bill that mandates mandatory service.

[GreNME]

How can I find out the names of those who created this bill.

http://thomas.loc.gov/

Why don't more conspiracy theorists know about that page? It gives you the text of everything passing through Congress. It would definitely help you guys out as far as accuracy if you managed to use it more often.

[learner]

Where? Oh, got it now.

[KoihimeNakamura]

On second thought, he probably means HR1444. Which has this block that's sending people (nutjobs) in a tizzy on the opencongress comments.

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h1444/show

The relevant b it:


d) building on the foundation of current service and volunteer opportunities. Specifies topics to be addressed by the Commission, including deterrents to service, a mandatory service requirement, and the need for a public service academy.


(The other one usually cited HR1388 does not mandate volunteer service)

[FlamingMoe]

(The other one usually cited HR1388 does not mandate volunteer service)

I don't think such a thing is even possible. Once you mandate it, it's no longer voluntary.

[KoihimeNakamura]

That is typically why it's called service learning, yes.

ETA: I disagree with making it mandatory, but eh, it can't be a totally bad idea. It's just not as bad as many make it out to be.

[leftysergeant]

Actually, if you go back to the concept, under Common Law, of a responsibility to answer the hue and cry, thus to have some training in what to do in an emergency, it does make sense.

It is also consistant with the idea of the un-organized militia. Unorganized need not, and, in this day, should not, mean untrained.

The idea that all able-bodied citizens have a legal obligation to serve the country in time of need is as old as the nation itself. Thomas Jefferson did not even want there to be much of a standing army, depending, instead on every man to grab a musket (which he knew how to use) and to fall in behind a legitimate local militia formation.

We just got out of the habit over a couple hundred years because we had too many lazy and materialistic schlubs shirking their duty.

[KoihimeNakamura]

Actually, if you go back to the concept, under Common Law, of a responsibility to answer the hue and cry, thus to have some training in what to do in an emergency, it does make sense.

It is also consistant with the idea of the un-organized militia. Unorganized need not, and, in this day, should not, mean untrained.

The idea that all able-bodied citizens have a legal obligation to serve the country in time of need is as old as the nation itself. Thomas Jefferson did not even want there to be much of a standing army, depending, instead on every man to grab a musket (which he knew how to use) and to fall in behind a legitimate local militia formation.

We just got out of the habit over a couple hundred years because we had too many lazy and materialistic schlubs shirking their duty.

... Loook. That's not the only reason, but say. You mind dialing your rhetoric down to say.. 11? Or even 8? Instead of say, the 12 you have it on?

While I think all high school classes should require First Aid classes, I do not think everyone should go through Basic, or an abbreviated version of Basic. Secondly, Thomas Jefferson? Seriously?

Also, you mind qualifying your assertion that everyone had some kind of training?

[INRM]

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM

[FlamingMoe]

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM

Pshht. And here I get criticized for hysterics when I say the administration claims the authority to ban books...

[Carnivore]

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM

Well of it course it will. The Democrats are totally in favour of the Nazis. (Obama has a Swastika tattoo covering his whole back.) In fact they are having all these kids implanted with Orc DNA as part of the program for dedicating the US to everything unholy.

[GreNME]

Actually, if you go back to the concept, under Common Law, of a responsibility to answer the hue and cry, thus to have some training in what to do in an emergency, it does make sense.

It is also consistant with the idea of the un-organized militia. Unorganized need not, and, in this day, should not, mean untrained.

The idea that all able-bodied citizens have a legal obligation to serve the country in time of need is as old as the nation itself. Thomas Jefferson did not even want there to be much of a standing army, depending, instead on every man to grab a musket (which he knew how to use) and to fall in behind a legitimate local militia formation.

We just got out of the habit over a couple hundred years because we had too many lazy and materialistic schlubs shirking their duty.

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM
Pshht. And here I get criticized for hysterics when I say the administration claims the authority to ban books...

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM
Well of it course it will. The Democrats are totally in favour of the Nazis. (Obama has a Swastika tattoo covering his whole back.) In fact they are having all these kids implanted with Orc DNA as part of the program for dedicating the US to everything unholy.

http://image.grenme.com/thread/iceewydt.jpg

[Holler Hoojer]

Dear lord! Don't nobody know no parliamentary procedure? It got referred to committee. Pulease take a minute to find out what that means before assuming full rant posture.

[WildCat]

It would be ironic if the first black POTUS signed a bill mandating a period of slavery indentured servitude.

[IMST]

My High School mandated community service within a required class. It was a good thing.
I think that, even though this bill does not exist, that it would be a good idea in a limited form.

[shawmutt]

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM

Michael Weiner...I mean SAVAGE (rawr) was trying to make the analogy on his radio show the other day.

[h.g.Whiz]

Actually, if you go back to the concept, under Common Law, of a responsibility to answer the hue and cry, thus to have some training in what to do in an emergency, it does make sense.

It is also consistant with the idea of the un-organized militia. Unorganized need not, and, in this day, should not, mean untrained.

The idea that all able-bodied citizens have a legal obligation to serve the country in time of need is as old as the nation itself. Thomas Jefferson did not even want there to be much of a standing army, depending, instead on every man to grab a musket (which he knew how to use) and to fall in behind a legitimate local militia formation.

We just got out of the habit over a couple hundred years because we had too many lazy and materialistic schlubs shirking their duty.


Why target youths other than because they are too young to vote against it. If this service is essential for our country to function better, then why not have everyone do it instead of just our kids.

[shawmutt]

Why target youths other than because they are too young to vote against it. If this service is essential for our country to function better, then why not have everyone do it instead of just our kids.

If you start with the kids, than eventually everyone will have done it.

You still have to provide the evidence to back up your original claim. You have the internet, let's see some link love.

[WildCat]

Why target youths other than because they are too young to vote against it. If this service is essential for our country to function better, then why not have everyone do it instead of just our kids.
Exactly! For example, we could mandate that anyone collecting Social Security who is reasonably fit spend at least 10 hours a week filling potholes. Less able bodied people can answer 311 calls.

[WildCat]

If you start with the kids, than eventually everyone will have done it.

You still have to provide the evidence to back up your original claim. You have the internet, let's see some link love.
Ah, just so long as you don't have to do any "volunteer" work, right? How convenient!

eta: I see you have a baby, perhaps you should be required to "volunteer" in the school cafeteria 1 day a month when your child is in school.

[dudalb]

We just got out of the habit over a couple hundred years because we had too many lazy and materialistic schlubs shirking their duty.

And Lefty reaches a new height of ill considered rhetoric.
I have mixed feelings: I am against any kind of mandatory service but also think a few months of actually having to do some REAL work would do wonders for some of the kids out there who think that The World Revolves Around Them, and have sort of contempt for any kind of blue collar worker. Some of whom post here.
I would not make it mandatory but would make it a requirement for any kind of federal college aid or loan. If the country is going to pay for your education, then you can give something in return.

[shawmutt]

Ah, just so long as you don't have to do any "volunteer" work, right? How convenient!

eta: I swe you have a baby, perhaps you should be required to "volunteer" in the school cafeteria 1 day a month when your child is in school.

For four and a half years I worked with inner city drunks and drug addicts, and volunteered in youth prisons, shelters, psychiatric wards, and halfway houses for troubled teens. Since moving to the sticks I've dialed down my volunteer work to just helping at my church once a month, assisting my wife with her religious education program, and helping out at my local sportsman's club--to raise my two children and enjoy their babyhood. When they're grown up I'll most likely hop right back in the fray.

But I appreciate the condescending attitude and baseless assumptions ;)

[h.g.Whiz]

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92902

[fuelair]

Let's hope this "Mandatory Youth Service" doesn't turn into some kind of Hitler Youth.


INRM

Welcome in, Mr. (Ms.)?) Godwin!!!

[shawmutt]

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92902

ooo...Obama Watch Central:D:D:D:D Why not just say, "I heard it on (insert right wing talkshow here). Your honesty will be appreciated.

Here, I'll help you out. The bill is entitled HR 1388. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/

Search for HR 1388. There you'll find the answer to your original question. Now, that site also offers answers to your other questions. It's always important to go to the main source when possible, not read about it through some biased filter that just confirms your own biases.

Now, perhaps you can go to the bill and show where it mandates youth service?

[WildCat]

For four and a half years I worked with inner city drunks and drug addicts, and volunteered in youth prisons, shelters, psychiatric wards, and halfway houses for troubled teens. Since moving to the sticks I've dialed down my volunteer work to just helping at my church once a month, assisting my wife with her religious education program, and helping out at my local sportsman's club--to raise my two children and enjoy their babyhood. When they're grown up I'll most likely hop right back in the fray.

But I appreciate the condescending attitude and baseless assumptions ;)
Sorry, what you do in your free time is your own personal business. The government demands you spend one day a month working in the cafeteria of your child's school. No, you will not be paid.

This is OK to you, correct?

[h.g.Whiz]

ooo...Obama Watch Central:D:D:D:D Why not just say, "I heard it on (insert right wing talkshow here). Your honesty will be appreciated.

Here, I'll help you out. The bill is entitled HR 1388. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/

Search for HR 1388. There you'll find the answer to your original question. Now, that site also offers answers to your other questions. It's always important to go to the main source when possible, not read about it through some biased filter that just confirms your own biases.

Now, perhaps you can go to the bill and show where it mandates youth service?

Go cook some more squirrels.:rolleyes:

[shawmutt]

Sorry, what you do in your free time is your own personal business. The government demands you spend one day a month working in the cafeteria of your child's school. No, you will not be paid.

This is OK to you, correct?

Care to show me, in the bill, where the government is demanding service from youth or anyone?

Go cook some more squirrels.:rolleyes:

I know how to cook squirrels :rolleyes:, and can do rudimentary research on the internet while it's cooking too! :rolleyes: You still have yet to provide any proof of your assertions :rolleyes:, and instead resort to half-assed comments with dubious intention :rolleyes:

[Holler Hoojer]

Exactly! For example, we could mandate that anyone collecting Social Security who is reasonably fit spend at least 10 hours a week filling potholes. Less able bodied people can answer 311 calls.

I collect social security and I performed mandatory service just as a great many of my peers. Maybe it's your turn before you ask me to do another one.

[Holler Hoojer]

ooo...Obama Watch Central:D:D:D:D Why not just say, "I heard it on (insert right wing talkshow here). Your honesty will be appreciated.

Here, I'll help you out. The bill is entitled HR 1388. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/

Search for HR 1388. There you'll find the answer to your original question. Now, that site also offers answers to your other questions. It's always important to go to the main source when possible, not read about it through some biased filter that just confirms your own biases.

Now, perhaps you can go to the bill and show where it mandates youth service?

Jeez. You gotta stand on one foot, face Ft. Lauderdale, close your eyes, and wish really, really hard and that part will show up as a cloud formation. Or was that a red-tail? Oh, never mind...;)

[GreNME]

Go cook some more squirrels.:rolleyes:

Look, you're the one making the extraordinary claim. Why not back it up with evidence?

[h.g.Whiz]

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/service/

[GreNME]

Show the bill you're talking about, then. Give us the text, along with a direct citation, explicitly stating mandatory service. Prove that it's still present and actively being voted on.

[h.g.Whiz]

This bill is blurry. Why can't they be more specific when they write these things.

[rwguinn]

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/service/
Mandatory? Where is it in that link?

Show the bill you're talking about, then. Give us the text, along with a direct citation, explicitly stating mandatory service. Prove that it's still present and actively being voted on.
What, You can't read?
In CT land, "Enable"= "require at gun-point if necessary"

[shawmutt]

This bill is blurry. Why can't they be more specific when they write these things.

To be fair, most of us aren't lawyers and can't read and understand all the bills. Ya just have to consider the source! I listen to a bit of all sides from talk radio, but lately it's been hard stomaching the right wing stuff. They just lost their collective minds when Obama got elected. When Michael Wiener comes out and states "Obama has a plan to force children into a paramilitary domestic army" just makes me switch the channel. I was still interested, and looked into it a bit. Holler Hoojer hit it right on the money, post #15.

If you can stomach it:

GS8MmyPlRXw

[GreyICE]

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bdQiyU:@@@L&summ2=m&|/bss/111search.html|

Have fun!

P.S. Has nothing to do with mandatory service, WND and co. are quite insane.

[rwguinn]

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bdQiyU:@@@L&summ2=m&|/bss/111search.html| (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/%7EbdQiyU:@@@L&summ2=m&%7C/bss/111search.html%7C)

Have fun!

P.S. Has nothing to do with mandatory service, WND and co. are quite insane.

But it says right there in the very end, in Sect 6104 that the
The purpose of the Commission is to gather and analyze information in order to make recommendations to Congress to--
(b) Specific Topics- In carrying out its general purpose under subsection (a), the Commission shall address and analyze the following specific topics:
(6) Whether a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory service requirement for all able young people could be developed, and how such a requirement could be implemented in a manner that would strengthen the social fabric of the Nation and overcome civic challenges by bringing together people from diverse economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
Analyze=make mandatory, right?
Recommend= make mandatory, right
address=make mandatory

is there any word that != mandatory?:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[leftysergeant]

Why target youths other than because they are too young to vote against it. If this service is essential for our country to function better, then why not have everyone do it instead of just our kids.

For the same reason the draft only took 18-35 year-olds.

[fuelair]

But it says right there in the very end, in Sect 6104 that the

Analyze=make mandatory, right?
Recommend= make mandatory, right
address=make mandatory

is there any word that != mandatory?:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[/I]
Purely as a technicality, I suspect many would prefer they were not even analyzing, recommending, even, in all fairness, thinking about making something of that nature mandatory. My assumption (yes, I know) is that the word "mandatory" regardless of modifiers makes people (some at a minimum) nervous. I also suspect if the wording made clear that there was not and never would be any possibility of making it mandatory their would be less concern.

Sort of like the draft, I respect the people I served with. I have no respect for the people who sent us there and did not use every effort to provide the best equipment, go after the enemy with as much distance fire as possible and wherever possible (not within political boundaries - WHEREVER). Send soldiers to die only if you also send with them/to them everything they need to stay alive and exterminate their opponents. Rapidly.

And the draft was, of course, mandatory.

As were the farm work programs of the Chinese.

[rwguinn]

Purely as a technicality, I suspect many would prefer they were not even analyzing, recommending, even, in all fairness, thinking about making something of that nature mandatory. My assumption (yes, I know) is that the word "mandatory" regardless of modifiers makes people (some at a minimum) nervous. I also suspect if the wording made clear that there was not and never would be any possibility of making it mandatory their would be less concern.

Sort of like the draft, I respect the people I served with. I have no respect for the people who sent us there and did not use every effort to provide the best equipment, go after the enemy with as much distance fire as possible and wherever possible (not within political boundaries - WHEREVER). Send soldiers to die only if you also send with them/to them everything they need to stay alive and exterminate their opponents. Rapidly.

And the draft was, of course, mandatory.

As were the farm work programs of the Chinese.

No doubt--
But I get all giggly when "investigate the possibility whether a FAIR, EQUITABLE, AND REASONABLE" mandatory system is even possible becomes "It's going to be mandatory!!!!!"
It's highly probable that the answer will be "NO"

[KoihimeNakamura]

HR 1388 has no language for it. HR 1444 does.

And as someone said, it has been sent to committee. It's probably going to die a natural death.

[GreyICE]

HR 1388 has no language for it. HR 1444 does.

And as someone said, it has been sent to committee. It's probably going to die a natural death.

1444 barely has any language addressing it. Mostly it talks about a committee that they're going to establish to look into it. Oh wait, it's all about a committee, 1444 has been sent to committee to see if they want to start a new committee.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1444:

Tres boring, if a Republican was doing this, they'd be whining about how the corrupted morals of the atheist youth of today means we need to encourage public service and how the liberal entitlement ethic has destroyed our sense of national responsibility.

[Alareth]

http://www.worldnetdaily.com


I'm sorry, once I read that far into the link I lost interest and zoned out.

You have to realize that some sources have credibility issues.

[KoihimeNakamura]

1444 barely has any language addressing it. Mostly it talks about a committee that they're going to establish to look into it. Oh wait, it's all about a committee, 1444 has been sent to committee to see if they want to start a new committee.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1444:

Tres boring, if a Republican was doing this, they'd be whining about how the corrupted morals of the atheist youth of today means we need to encourage public service and how the liberal entitlement ethic has destroyed our sense of national responsibility.

Probably. I'm wondering why this is a big deal.

[jj]

Dear lord! Don't nobody know no parliamentary procedure? It got referred to committee. Pulease take a minute to find out what that means before assuming full rant posture.

You don't understand. It's ANYTHING TO WIN ANYTHING TO WIN, who cares what happens to the country, or what broken remains they win. It's WIN WIN WIN AT ALL COSTS.

That's how the right wing is behaving.

[h.g.Whiz]

I asked a couple of friends about their thoughts on the potential mandatory youth service law.

Like we said, we think that community service should be done in schools. It should be done during their school year and a required amount of hours to be completed. I think that maybe if they had to do some volunteer work in a nursing home, meals on wheels, visit kids in a burn unit, elderly men in VA Hospitals, then maybe kids nowadays may get some morals, respect for their elders and appreciate life, instead of taking so much for granted and have no appreciation for the really important things in life. I'm not saying all kids are uncaring, ungrateful, and unappreciative for what they are given but there are many kids out there nowadays that don't appreciate the simplest things in life and have no respect for anyone. I think that a class be it an elective class or even required to graduate, is a really good idea on soooo many levels.

[GreNME]

I asked a couple of friends about their thoughts on the potential mandatory youth service law.

Which potential law is that? Can you please cite it?

[h.g.Whiz]

Which potential law is that? Can you please cite it?

If you read barrack obama's blueprint for change (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/service/) you will find it mentioning goals of having middle school and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year, college students who do a hundred hours a your receive $4,000 tax credit.

I don't know if HR1388 or HR1444 contains such goals but it seems to me that they are flirting with the idea .

[shawmutt]

It seems to me you are wrong and cannot back up your assertion.

[h.g.Whiz]

It seems to me you are wrong and cannot back up your assertion.

Have read Obama's blueprint for change on his website?
I may be wrong about it being in a bill already, but set that aside for a moment and tell me if you think its a good idea for youth's doing community service ?

[shawmutt]

Have read Obama's blueprint for change on his website?
I may be wrong about it being in a bill already, but set that aside for a moment and tell me if you think its a good idea for youth's doing community service ?

Now you just want to argue, and try to set up a straw man argument at that.

[h.g.Whiz]

Now you just want to argue, and try to set up a straw man argument at that.

No I am not.

[shawmutt]

No I am not.

lol cute. :D

[jimtron]

I may be wrong about it being in a bill already, but set that aside for a moment and tell me if you think its a good idea for youth's doing community service ?
Yes, I think so. Whatever happened to the idea of sacrifice for your country? Bush lowered taxes during wartime--first time that's happened, IIRC. I think maybe the draft should have been instated for the Iraq War. Americans have become too entitled and selfish, in my view. And what's wrong with working for the common good?

[MikeMangum]

"Bush lowered taxes during wartime--first time that's happened, IIRC."

Newp. Kennedy, for one.

[Richard Masters]

I collect social security and I performed mandatory service just as a great many of my peers. Maybe it's your turn before you ask me to do another one.

I think you are missing the point.

[GreNME]

If you read barrack obama's blueprint for change (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/service/) you will find it mentioning goals of having middle school and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year, college students who do a hundred hours a your receive $4,000 tax credit.

I don't know if HR1388 or HR1444 contains such goals but it seems to me that they are flirting with the idea .

Do you have some sort of disconnect between your overall claims and the answers you're giving? Nothing in this reply cites any such mandatory law in progress, yet you keep making claims as if there is such a thing. You're also misrepresenting the goal on Obama's site: it's saying that it aims to enable service, including a $4k credit for college to those who do twice the encouraged number of hours. No one is talking about forcing students to do it, they're talking about giving incentives and making it easier to do it.

Side note: while I'm all for making it easier, what I'm hoping doesn't happen is what wound up happening with the AmeriCorps, which has become something of an embarrassment since Kennedy created it. Increasing accountability in the organization and improving the administrative support might help, but on the other hand it also would increase the size and cost, which would again be criticized for being government bloat and spending. Can't win either way.

[themusicteacher]

I was required to do 30 hours of sommunity service in order to graduate high school in '97. I think lots of high schools are going to mandatory service. Some may bristle at the word "mandatory" but there are lots of mandatory things in this country and I don't see too many getting up in arms about that. Consider: all 18 y/o males must register for selective service, all young people must attend school of some sort, you must attain a drivers license in order to legally drive a car. We could go on and on. Community service is not a bad thing, something almost everyone (apart from Randians) can agree on and anyone who has done service (even young people) generally reports it being a positive thing. Americans have, to a certain degree, lost a sense of community. I personally think that the tax breaks and incentives to do community service are the way to go. Forcing anyone to do anything is usually unsuccessful.

[madurobob]

If you read barrack obama's blueprint for change (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/service/) you will find it mentioning goals of having middle school and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year, college students who do a hundred hours a your receive $4,000 tax credit.

Doesn't sound anything anywhere close to mandatory; not his blueprint nor either of the bills discussed. I'm all for encouraged community service, and would be against any mandatory service. But, its silly to be worried about mandatory service when no such thing is on the table. Might as well be worried about the next zombie uprising.

As an interesting aside: my local school system implemented a mandatory service requirement for HS graduation about a decade ago. No service, no diploma. Also, once you hit 50 hours, you are allowed to apply for an on-school parking space.

At the time local conservative leaders spoke out in favor of the rule - it would reconnect kids with their communities, their roots, their Church. Some liberal leaders complained that service was already happening and making it mandatory only cheapened the service and would lead to silly "make-work" service projects (In an odd twist the school board then declared that service work performed as a Boy Scout was automatically disqualified). Ultimatley, though, most people supported the plan.

Its funny that now the roles are flipped. mandatory, nay, encouraged service work is now some evul socialist plot. Or, some divine do-goodery, depending on your political leanings. In politics these days the messenger is more important than the message.

[Cayvmann]

Speaking as a person who had to work while in school to help support family, and buy essentials, I wouldn't know when I could have done the community service, if it had been required. It's one thing for the more well off to let Biff and Buffy work at the old folks home, for nothing, but some people's time are more important in the service of their own families. How are the less financially endowed going to get to their community service gigs? I am thinking more rural areas, and no extra cars.

Mandatory is a bad idea. Note, I am not saying that Obama and/or congress is actually currently trying to make it mandatory.

Also, working for the gov't, as I do, I see nothing but abuse of any program that get's it's greedy hands on free labor......

I have personally enjoyed a few volunteer community service activities in my life, and I will encourage my daughter to do the same, but I will never support making it mandatory for anyone.

[GreNME]

For consideration: when I graduated high school 17 years ago having served community service was helpful in university applications. Has that changed?

Granted, I too have been working since I was 15 years old, so I didn't really have much time for extracurriculars, but where exactly is what's being promoted by the Obama administration making anything more mandatory than it's already been?

[Holler Hoojer]

I asked a couple of friends about their thoughts on the potential mandatory youth service law.

Like we said, we think that community service should be done in schools. It should be done during their school year and a required amount of hours to be completed. I think that maybe if they had to do some volunteer work in a nursing home, meals on wheels, visit kids in a burn unit, elderly men in VA Hospitals, then maybe kids nowadays may get some morals, respect for their elders and appreciate life, instead of taking so much for granted and have no appreciation for the really important things in life. I'm not saying all kids are uncaring, ungrateful, and unappreciative for what they are given but there are many kids out there nowadays that don't appreciate the simplest things in life and have no respect for anyone. I think that a class be it an elective class or even required to graduate, is a really good idea on soooo many levels.

You probably shouldn't assume that will happen. I did mandatory service and learned to kill people, drink barracks hooch, hang out with loose women (they probably were women?), and play in reaallllyy scary 5 card stud games. Kids are kids - you can't fix 'em after they turn 16 or so.

[INRM]

Fuelair,

It's a valid argument. What if it does turn into some kind of Hitler Youth

[GreNME]

Fuelair,

It's a valid argument. What if it does turn into some kind of Hitler Youth

Is this a serious question? That's like asking a mother of her child: what if he does grow up to be a serial killer? What is the purpose of asking that kind of question?

[Cayvmann]

Schools should be about learning to read , write, and do maths. Home life should be more about passing on morals. Now, the same schools that do such a terrible job teaching the basics, are going to be used to support social objectives that these children's parents may not agree with? Are the schools going to be further burdened with keeping up with little Johnnie's volunteer service?

How are kids who can't afford new clothes, new shoes, or consistent diet going to be able to get to the required volunteer work? I was one of these kids. If it weren't for farmers coming to pick me up during the summers, I wouldn't have been able to get to a job and earn money. I guess we could have a fleet of volunteer buses that go around the country and get these bright young kids to their conscripted service, in support of The Homeland....


Yet again, I'm not saying that the Obama administration, or congress is actively trying to force people into "volunteering", but I want to go out on a limb and say that it is a bad idea to force people to have to do these things against thier wills. A person who is forced will probably never do it again, of his own accord, out of resentment.

We are a free country, supposedly. We should be free to serve or not, as we see fit.

[INRM]

Cayvmann,

I'd have to agree that it is a bad idea to force youth to serve against their will.

[tyr_13]

Cayvmann,

I'd have to agree that it is a bad idea to force youth to serve against their will.

It should again be pointed out that this isn't what is being proposed.