Actually, I volunteered quite a bit of time when I was a youth (oh so long ago.............)From Caroling at old folks homes, to planting trees after fires.
When I turned 18, I helped staff a homeless shelter during the winter, and volunteered with the Red Cross.
Now, I volunteer with Make a Wish (talk about heart wrenching, and I still make it a point to pick up a shift or two, when possible, at the homeless shelter.
Did I start doing it of my own volition? No. My Grandfather kinda dragged me kicking and screaming into the idea, but once it took, I kind of liked it. It gave me a perspective on people I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. That, and I had fun sometimes.
I guess what I’m trying to say is this, the idea of getting kids involved in community service isn’t a bad one at all. Face it, if they screw up, the court will probably mandate it as punishment. Isn’t it better to teach them that service to others isn’t always a punishment?
I passed the “tradition” onto my Daughters, who both volunteer with the Animal Shelter, and Pet Adoptions. My oldest Daughter helped out this summer with a ranch that works with handicapped kids.
Look, I’m sure there is going to be a lot to scream about with Obama, but even a broken clock is right once in awhile.
This is one of those things I’d be hell pressed to say was a bad idea.
It’s a bad idea if it is mandated by the government.
It’s a good idea if it is something that the family decides to do on their own.
My family volunteers at church—heck, I take care of the disabled(autism, wheelchair bound) children on Sundays, I was an Awana leader, GS leader, you name it. My kids too.
And I am all for REAL VOLUNTEERING. But, I am not for ‘forced’ volunteering. It ends up that the good kids have to get it done, and the slugs at school walk the halls & get it counted for ‘volunteering’ to graduate.
“My Grandfather kinda dragged me kicking and screaming into the idea, but once it took, I kind of liked it. “
Wow. I’m stunned. those are some really nice things you’ve done. but thinking that the government requiring it is a good thing. . . well. . . wow.
“This is one of those things I’d be hell pressed to say was a bad idea.”
I agree. How many families out there teach their children to help others or the less fortunate? How many teach them just to help THEMSELVES?? Many are taught to look for handouts from the government?
I think these lazy arses who voted for him and who are expecting freebees might be surprised that might have to work for what they get.
My parents forced me to go to church as a child and I’m the better for it. Is it a good idea for government to do the same?
The basis of your argument is utterly without merit.
I find it chilling that you equate your Grandfather asking you to do something with the government ordering your child to do something.