Edwards: Mandatory Military Service?

[dgridley]

"One of the things we ought to be thinking about is some level of mandatory service to our country, so that everybody in America--not just the poor kids who get sent to war--are serving this country," Edwards said.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/21/AR2007052100866.html?referrer=digg

I think they should reinstate the Civilian Conservation Corps myself.. or maybe mandatory service in Vista or even the PEACE Corps might be preferable but I see his point.

 

[stscac]

Well, I know who I'm not voting for...

-Steve

 

[lpstong]

I know Isreal and maybe a handful of other countries require some sort of Military service for all it's people. Ok even the sex Dr. --- Ruth Westheimer. Wounded in the line of duty in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. She served as a sniper.

I think they should reinstate the Civilian Conservation Corps myself.. or maybe mandatory service in Vista or even the PEACE Corps might be preferable but I see his point.

I do also know in the Los Angeles School district in California, US. All Senior High School students are required to volunteer 20 hours a year. 80 hours in total in order to walk the stage at the graduation ceremonies.

So I say why not?

 

[texasgamer]

I know Isreal and maybe a handful of other countries require some sort of Military service for all it's people. Ok even the sex Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Yikes, I mis-read your post and thought you said that Isreal requires some sort sex with Dr. Ruth Westheimer :yell: .

 

[lpstong]

Yikes, I mis-read your post and thought you said that Isreal requires some sort sex with Dr. Ruth Westheimer :yell: .

Rofl, I saw how it was written and I could see why you thought that. That was and is funny. So I put some hyphens ---- in hopes to maybe, sorta, to seperate the possible crazy possible thought of having sex with Dr. Ruth. lol

 

[italiandragon]

It was mandatory for Italians till few years ago.

 

[kemjika11]

Edwards is totally correct in my eyes. When congressmen and Presidents(in addition to everyone else) have kids in the military, we'll all be more rational before we go abroad and start controversial and stupid wars. Did you see fahrenheit 911? remember the part where moore was asking congressmen if they had kids in the military. Most said no. If they did, don't you think that might have affected congress' authorization for Bush's iraq war? it totally would've. its just about collective responsibility.

 

[lpstong]

Edwards is totally correct in my eyes. When congressmen and Presidents(in addition to everyone else) have kids in the military, we'll all be more rational before we go abroad and start controversial and stupid wars. Did you see fahrenheit 911? remember the part where moore was asking congressmen if they had kids in the military. Most said no. If they did, don't you think that might have affected congress' authorization for Bush's iraq war? it totally would've. its just about collective responsibility.

Very true. But my worrying is that most of the rich kids have the chance to get a higher education. Therefore placing them in higher ranks in the military and less of a chance to do the grunt work. There still would seem a bit of unequal service because of econonmics.

 

[deleted984054565403]

I'd like to see mandatory community service, not necessarily military service.

 

[BinderGang]

I'd most likely have to go if their was mandatory military service. I don't believe in war. Why would I have to go? This is bull. I can't believe I voted for this guy with Kerry in 2004.

We really do only have a choice between evil and a lesser evil.

 

[Humdizzy]

I disagree with mandatory military service. You still have the issue of who actually has to serve and then you have the issue of educational deferments and how the upper class who could afford college would be able to avoid having to serve, while the lower classes are less likely to be able to afford college. That will create an even larger gap. Just look at Vietnam. We just need better leaders, not some guy who was governor of texas for 4 years.

"We have people from all walks of life in America who are serving, including Reservists and National Guard," he said. "What we want to do is to have all Americans to have a chance to serve their country."

I'm pretty sure we all do have a chance, and those recruiters would be more than happy to help anyone wanting to join.

 

[ZuraX]

I for one have been calling for mandatory service for years.
Once you leave middle/high school (Grad or drop out) you should have to serve 2 years min.

This would stop many of the stupid stuff the young people are doing now-a-days. Not a day goes by that I dont see young people killing each other or doing drugs, drinking, etc...
If you cant serve your country, yes this includes going to war, then you shouldnt be here.

 

[dgridley]

Serving your country is a fine idea, so long as EVERYONE has to serve their country..

 

[dna]

Why draft kids.
Lets draft old retired people.
They aren't doing anything and will die soon anyways.

 

[ZuraX]

The older generation served their country.

 

[commes]

Why draft kids.
Lets draft old retired people.
They aren't doing anything and will die soon anyways.

I find this particularly rude. Currently, most of the retired ones are the ones that have served their country all ready(whether it be WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc.) so that YOU could live in peace and so that YOU could have a future. How could you even say such a thing? These people have all ready served their time. They have already put there life on the line for the people of today, so why do you think you have the right to say such a thing. Respect your elders! You could learn a thing or two from them! If it wasn't for them you probably wouldn't be alive right now.

 

[ZuraX]

commes this is one reason I would like to see mandatory service for 2 years.
Young people now-a-days are very rude and dont know what real respect is.

 

[commes]

commes this is one reason I would like to see mandatory service for 2 years.
Young people now-a-days are very rude and dont know what real respect is.

ZuraX, I believe that that is a generalization. There are a handful of youth that understand what respect is, and know who to pay respect too. There is also a handful that are very polite, but the polite ones never seem to stand out. Personally, I am a youth as I am only 14 years of age, but I've learned to respect people, and I've learned that being polite rather than rude gets you much farther in life. Stand up for what you believe in, even if your standing alone.

 

[dgridley]

I'm sure this was meant to be funny...

Besides they don't draft "kids".. they make sure they draft voting age "young adults".. so remember this when it's time to vote.

Why draft kids.
Lets draft old retired people.
They aren't doing anything and will die soon anyways.

 

[kemjika11]

I'd like to see mandatory community service, not necessarily military service.

I hope what you wish comes true, but i'm afraid its not going to change soon. THe world spends $96bn or so every 24hrs on military related activities. THe US is a military state, believe it or not. nationalpriorities.org has some good stats to see where your tax money really goes. Countries are strapping up boots, and The US can't back down now. It runs a good part of our economy
too