An interesting idea . . . it reminds me of Heinlein's description of federal service in _Starship Troopers_. Anyone could volunteer for two years of rigorous service, not necessarily military, after which they would have earned the right to vote. Thus only those who are willing to make a personal commitment to their society are entitled to determine its direction. I don't see us adopting a similar system any time soon, but maybe something like the Depression-era CCC? I get the impression that you envision some sort of conscription; if not, what sort of incentive could we offer to encourage people to volunteer for something like that?
Thanks for your thoughts. I see parallels to the CCC and the WPA. I wouldn't link it to the right to vote. A voluntary option should be considered at the beginning. Even the small government advocate William F. Buckley, Jr. favored universal voluntary national service, but I suspect that conscription would eventually be needed in order to achieve the desired benefits. Many people would benefit from serving in The Peace Corps, but it only attracts a small percentage of the population. A mandatory conscription foils procrastination and is more likely to produce a cross-section of the nation.
2 comments:
An interesting idea . . . it reminds me of Heinlein's description of federal service in _Starship Troopers_. Anyone could volunteer for two years of rigorous service, not necessarily military, after which they would have earned the right to vote. Thus only those who are willing to make a personal commitment to their society are entitled to determine its direction. I don't see us adopting a similar system any time soon, but maybe something like the Depression-era CCC? I get the impression that you envision some sort of conscription; if not, what sort of incentive could we offer to encourage people to volunteer for something like that?
Thanks for your thoughts. I see parallels to the CCC and the WPA. I wouldn't link it to the right to vote.
A voluntary option should be considered at the beginning. Even the small government advocate William F. Buckley, Jr. favored universal voluntary national service, but I suspect that conscription would eventually be needed in order to achieve the desired benefits.
Many people would benefit from serving in The Peace Corps, but it only attracts a small percentage of the population. A mandatory conscription foils procrastination and is more likely to produce a cross-section of the nation.
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