RadioBanter - View Single Post

December 27th 04, 12:30 PM

In article , (Steve
Robeson K4YZ) writes:

I think every able bodied (and that is far more liberal these
days,
all things considered...) should be REQUIRED to put in 2 years of mandatory
public service...

I don't think *anyone* should be *required* to serve in any capacity. That's
involuntary servitude AFAIC.

Jim...Ain't it a kick in the butt that one of the most liberal societies
in
the world, specifically Switzerland, has mandatory MILITARY training for all
able bodied men, yet no one considers it "involuntary servitude"...?!?!

Interesting observation, but consider this:

- Is Switzerland really "one of the most liberal societies in the world"? I've
known a Swiss expatriate or two, and the reason given for leaving was that the
place was highly *conservative*. That's just hearsay, of course, and I've never
been there, but the clear impression I was given was that it was a place where
everybody was expected to behave in accordance with very strict and narrow
customs and traditions.

- If they're so liberal, why are only men required to serve?

- When was the last time anybody in their military actually had to fight? Do
they belong to NATO? How many have been KIA in the last, say, 50 years?

- Somebody does call it involuntary servitude: Me.

OTOH, there should be *opportunities* to serve that include nonmilitary
options.

As I said....

If they choose the Armed Forces, fine...but imagine the
possibilites if we could focus some of that energy into the homeless issue,
enviromental problems, etc...

I agree 100%. Such service opportunities could be tied to funding higher
education, similar to veteran's benefits. Ideally, people in any service
capacity could earn credits and training that would permit them to pay for
almost any degree they are smart enough to earn.

As long as they're voluntary.

There's a lot more to "service" than boot camp
and cammo green!

Well said!

Thanks.

You're welcome.

73 de Jim, N2EY