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.
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?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts. I see parallels to the CCC and the WPA. I wouldn't link it to the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteA 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.