Posted on 09/28/2004 9:17:06 PM PDT by TommyC1
my father was a ghetto born high school drop out forced to go into the military. today he is a very hard working patriotic man. the military whips you in shape both mentally and physically and on their terms, which is what a lot of them dropouts need.
sure there will be a percentage of unwilling soldiers, they have their place in the military also.
In the past, large conscript armies were necessary. They could tolerate and take the time to whip someone into shape. With today's sophisitcated force multiplier technology, having unwilling conscripts just doesn't make any sense. I don't say this to be cruel, but it is just the way of the world today that people like your Dad will have to find other ways to straighten out their lives. The Armed Forces today need professionals with education and dedication.
Look at the furor over the draft. Why would anyone think mandatory community service would be received any differently?
I think your dad was an exception to the rule. You might want to tell him "Thank you for serving" for me.
When I was in the Army, the thugs from the ghetto were very problematic. They did not grow to respect authority, and made life miserable everywhere they went. I'm glad I did not have to go into combat with them, as it would have been more dangerous with them behind me than the enemy in front of me.
The guys I know that went to Viet Nam rather than go to jail came out still losers, but some of them got their act together after they hit bottom.
Just my observation.
Watch out for this one!!! You might be thinking, what is wrong with kids performing community service? Well, one of the biggest problems with this is that the people in charge get to decide what qualifies and what doesn't. Case in point: Maryland high schools, which implemented mandatory community service several years ago. Of course, performing service for a religious organization didn't count (but working for political/activist groups did).
Don't be sucked into thinking this is good for this country 'cause it is not!
" members can earn up to $2,000 a year tax free that they can apply to an education grant for a family member or a member of their community. "
Whats so bad with allowing them to ean money that they can spend however they choose on whatever they choose ?
I suppose they will be paid with different dollars then the rest of the country gets for their labor ?
A good DI or Gunny can work off those extra pounds in no time!
The new slavery.
"It is not a draft, but community service."
Depending on what quota needs filling at any give time, you may well not get to choose the service you would like.
So, you wanted to sign upfor the peace-corps today? Sorry - all full. You get prison guard. Thanks for your service!
Sorry for my sarcasm.
Work out the hourly rate. See some of the posts above. This is a form of forced labor.
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