Letters to the Editor
Mandatory service
November 11, 2009
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To the editor:
How is it that this country has become bogged down in endless war in Iraq and Afghanistan? Could it be related to the creation of a professional military where the bonds between citizenship and military service have been severed? On this day when we honor those who have served in the armed forces, we ought to consider enacting legislation whereby citizenship is predicated not just on receiving benefits from the government (i.e. health care), but also by mandatory military service.
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11 November 2009
at 4:59 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Such was the case during Nam…. aka the draft.
11 November 2009
at 5:11 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Isn't it time to bring the troops home to their families and devote war dollars toward rebuilding our nations economy,create new industry and put 20 million people back to work making peace and making money instead of making war?
Antiwar Activists Reawaken as Obama Weighs War Strategy
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/10/…
No other nation in the world has the ability to take over the USA by military power?
Why do americans support USA military occupation of other countries?
Would americans welcome military occupation of the USA by another foreign military super power?
Would americans support the mass killing of our families by another foreign super power? Millions of innocent people have died since the mideast invasion began including close to 6,000 of our own soldiers. WHY?
Ten's of thousands of our soldiers have become disabled since the mideast invasion began which is no fun for them or their families. The estimated cost to support these unfortunate families for the next 40 -50 years is 4 trillion dollars.
Isn't it time to bring the troops home to their families and devote war dollars toward rebuilding our nations economy,create new industry and put 20 million people back to work making money instead of making war?
Do we want to bury the USA in arrogance and debt to other governments?
http://www.costofwar.com/
11 November 2009
at 5:21 a.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Iraq Vets Against The War
http://www.ivaw.org/
Combat Paper
The story of the soldier the Marine, the men and the women and the journeys within the military service in a time a war is our basis for the project. This is a collaborative project initiated by Drew Matott and Drew Cameron along with members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War. Utilizing uniforms worn in combat in Iraq, veterans cut, cook, beat and form sheets of paper out of their uniforms. In this way, veterans are able to use the transformation processes of papermaking to reclaim their uniform as art and begin to reconcile their experiences as a soldier in Iraq.
Warrior Writers Project
The Warrior Writers Project provides tools and space for community building, healing and redefinition to Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). Through writing/artistic workshops that are based on experiences in the military and Iraq, the veterans unbury their experiences and connect with each other on a personal and artistic level. The writing from the workshops is compiled into books, performances and exhibits that provide a lens into the hearts of people who have a deep and intimate relationship with the Iraq war. Furthermore, it gives the veterans a sense of ownership over their stories and strength in their voice, perspective and power.
In April we organized an exhibit, which showcased photographs of Iraq Veterans Against the War and artwork of two members. At the exhibit, veterans read from the book and performed pieces they had written in the workshop earlier that day.
Our third workshop took place at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago on June 18th. That evening we shared our writings and photography at “Intrusive Thoughts” which was attended by over one hundred people. We will continue to facilitate workshops and organize exhibits and performances.
Truth in Recruiting
Veteran's stories of conflict are a powerful tool that can be used to prevent others from entering into the military without a full understanding of their actions. Sharing our stories is not only eye opening for those who are listening, but healing for ourselves.
Veteran Gulf Reconstruction Project
As veterans, we saw first-hand how diverting billions for an endless occupation in Iraq is responsible for the shameful lack of aid for reconstruction in the communities that survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita here at home. If we can build bases in the desert for war, we can rebuild cities in the U.S. for justice.
Coalitions and Movement Building
Iraq Veterans Against the War realizes the importance of working with other organizations in the fight to end this war. Our most important partner is Veterans for Peace. We also have very close relationships with Military Families Speak Out, Gold Star Families for Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
We are a proud member organization of the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition and sit on its Coordinating Committee.
11 November 2009
at 5:38 a.m.
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barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
Stimulus handout wasn't enough for you grasshopper?
Stimulus, evolution and Posercare lives
Darwin bless you all
11 November 2009
at 5:49 a.m.
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barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pdsZ3…
Stimulus, evolution and Posercare lives
Darwin bless you grasshopper
11 November 2009
at 6:27 a.m.
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commuter (Anonymous) says…
Draft Merrill, please Sunflower is running out of room due to his cut and paste.
For people who live in Section 8 housing (not disabled) should be working and if they don't find a job, tyhe government should put them to work. They are getting housiong from the government, the government should get something for them.
Maybe Merrill can hire tehm to mow lawns with him.
11 November 2009
at 6:36 a.m.
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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
The Swiss have exactly what Ray suggests, how many wars are they involved in? The draft didn't work so well and allowed loopholes for those of means to escape service. I agree with Ray, it is an obligation of every citizen and when everyone is involved it seems unlikely we would rush to war and allow warmaking based on making profits for military-industrial machine.
11 November 2009
at 7:10 a.m.
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bkgarner (Brent Garner) says…
An interesting idea. A similar idea is explored in depth in a science fiction book by Robert Heinlein. The name of the book is “Starship Troopers”. If memory serves me correctly the chapter in question is chapter 8. The idea of requiring service before granting full citizenship rights, to include the right to vote, has some merit. I would recommend reading that chapter of “Starship Troopers” before all of you flame this LTE writer into oblivion.
11 November 2009
at 7:12 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service is a very good idea, even if folks are just filling potholes to repair infrastructure. Able-bodied and -minded people should never receive anything from the government for not working.
11 November 2009
at 7:22 a.m.
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barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
Service is the best welfare program the government's got.
Great point vangaurd3
Stimulus, evolution and Posercare lives
Darwin bless myself and all of the veterans
11 November 2009
at 7:27 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Barry,
A fan of Ronnie Reagan, I take it.
11 November 2009
at 7:38 a.m.
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deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service is an excellent idea.
One advantage is that it should eliminate the need for “contractors” to provide many of the support functions for the armed forces.
11 November 2009
at 7:39 a.m.
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cg22165 (Anonymous) says…
I hear the book is better than the movie, per usual. Sadly, I've only seen the movie, and enjoyed it more than I care to admit.
11 November 2009
at 7:40 a.m.
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deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
Thoughts and prayers to all veterans today.
11 November 2009
at 7:49 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Boy, Howdy, Deathpenalty. I strongly recommend the WW I museum in the base of the Liberty Memorial, if you haven't been.
I'll be going to the parade in Leavenworth today. As a young man in JROTC, I had the honor of carrying our National Colors in that very parade.
11 November 2009
at 7:52 a.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
“Could it be related to the creation of a professional military where the bonds between citizenship and military service have been severed?”
Could be, especially after The Loather in Chief was in the whitehouse in the '90's.
11 November 2009
at 7:54 a.m.
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Liberty_One (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service? You mean like slavery? I thought we outlawed that.
11 November 2009
at 8:18 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service. More stupidity proposed by 'concern trolls' of the left, sucked up by supposed conservatives as some kind of patriotic panacea.
Government controls more than enough in everyone's lives as it is - mandatory service is just another step advancing tyranny over liberty.
If this country is worth preserving and protecting, those who are called will step forward voluntarily. No one should be forced into whatever service for the benefit of some bureaucrat's folly.
11 November 2009
at 8:27 a.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
So, bkgardner, when we're done implementing Heinlein's ideas on mandatory service, I assume you want us to move on to the ideas of concensual group orgies and religious evolution he advocates on pages, oh, 50-400 of Stranger in a Strange Land?
11 November 2009
at 8:34 a.m.
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Healthcare_Moocher (Anonymous) says…
75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service. More stupidity proposed by 'concern trolls' of the left, sucked up by supposed conservatives as some kind of patriotic panacea.
Maybe if you had some military service you would not be 75X55.
11 November 2009
at 8:39 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
You certainly assume things you know nothing about, moocher.
11 November 2009
at 8:41 a.m.
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gogoplata (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service doesn't jive to well with “the land of the free.”
If you love liberty and freedom mandatory service does not fit in.
11 November 2009
at 8:50 a.m.
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sfjayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Mandatory service would be a good thing for this country. Probably keep us out of the next phony war.
11 November 2009
at 9:03 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
My thinking is something like the CCC back in the 30's that gives young people a chance to get out of the house, away from mom and dad, earn a little money, serve the Nation (not political interests) and rebuild infrastructure, assist in schools, hospitals, old folks homes, and such. But, along the lines of what the naysayers are saying here, it has to be decidedly apolitical. Otherwise, it'll be another step toward a welfare-dependent snitch state like Cuba or Venezuela.
11 November 2009
at 9:20 a.m.
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remember_username (Anonymous) says…
The are some good points for “mandatory” service, but I have to agree with some here that “mandatory” anything is a bad idea. I've always admired Robert Heinlein's argument in “Starship Troopers”, and challenge those unfamiliar with it to read it. Unfortunately, I think Robert Heinlein was a bit naive when it comes to human nature, in Heinlein's universe feudalism would have worked just fine.
11 November 2009
at 9:27 a.m.
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remember_username (Anonymous) says…
Jonas - as I recall mandatory service wasn't part of “Stranger in a Strange Land”, you Grok?
11 November 2009
at 9:32 a.m.
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remember_username (Anonymous) says…
vanguard3 - I agree that a period of maturity between high school and college is a great idea, and service should mean more than military enlistment. If the government would extend college or trade school financial incentives to those that serve in a CCC type service I think that would be a win-win proposal.
11 November 2009
at 9:43 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Serving one's Nation in some capacity is second nature to many. I believe that enjoying the things that we do as Americans requires positive contributions to our society; being an American should be more than simply being born inside our borders, because that requires no thought, no decision and no effort whatsoever.
There are many who enjoy the blessings of liberty who do not understand the sacrifices required of our forefathers to ensure that liberty. When people don't work for what they have, they fail to appreciate it and, they often lose it, because they don't understand why it is important to preserve it. Our own motto “Ad Astra per Aspera” manifests the difficulty necessary to take us to the stars. Helping others by serving our Nation is the ticket.
I think it comes down to givers and takers. If the takers outnumber the givers, how long before our once great Nation falls?
11 November 2009
at 9:46 a.m.
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deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
“vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Boy, Howdy, Deathpenalty. I strongly recommend the WW I museum in the base of the Liberty Memorial, if you haven't been.”
Thanks for the headsup. Been to the Memorial, will take in the museum next time.
“75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Government controls more than enough in everyone's lives as it is - mandatory service is just another step advancing tyranny over liberty.”
Why is it tyranny for everyone to take responsibility for the nation's defense?
11 November 2009
at 9:46 a.m.
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barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Barry,
“A fan of Ronnie Reagan, I take it.”
I'm a fan of Clint Eastwood, Max Baer jr - as Jethro, Christian Bale, Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Caviezel.
Stimulus, evolution, and Posercare lives
Darwin bless me and all of the veterans
11 November 2009
at 9:57 a.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Barry,
We must have been twins separated at birth.
Deathpenalty,
The exhibits are the real deal, not replicas. Very tastefully done, and with films and static displays for ambulatory education.
11 November 2009
at 9:58 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Is “nation's defense” the same as “mandatory service”? Your question seems to show some confusion on that point.
11 November 2009
at 10:11 a.m.
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deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
“75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Is “nation's defense” the same as “mandatory service”? ”
The original letter was on mandatory service in the armed forces, which is what I'm talking about.
11 November 2009
at 10:37 a.m.
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Healthcare_Moocher (Anonymous) says…
75x55 (Anonymous) says…
You certainly assume things you know nothing about, moocher.
From the sounds of your posts… seems you might be one of those who wants to eat, but not plant or work in the garden… just bitch about farmers with your mouth full.
11 November 2009
at 10:46 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
The idea that “mandatory service” will somehow engender some kind of political activism by “the public” against any wars or conflicts and increased trepidation of politicians to expend citizens' lives on these (like most leftist gibberish) 'sounds' good, but isn't supported by any real evidence. Indeed, the evidence of the past shows quite the opposite. The citizenry become ennured to the burden, especially since the insufferable logic of “everyone must fulfill their obligation” is used as a stick to keep the dissenters in line. The politicos have all the human resources they need for their adventures, and typically control the information fed to the populace in order to keep them placated about the “need” to which their children are fed. With past conflicts where there was a draft in place, many many lives were wasted without much ado - accountability is what suffers when resources are plentiful.
The call for some kind of patriotic egalitarian 'mandatory' or 'universal' service is a double-edged sword - it may sound good, but is a fast, slippery slope to unnecessary suffering and unbearable tyranny.
I will state again, if this country is worth preserving and protecting, those who are called will step forward voluntarily.
If the coercion is the method by which 'good' must come about, then we've lost all understanding of what 'good' is.
11 November 2009
at 10:51 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
“From the sounds of your posts…”
You know what they say about assumptions….
11 November 2009
at 11:37 a.m.
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porch_person (Anonymous) says…
Healthcare_Moocher,
For someone who implies that he has served in his account name, 75X55 sure acts like he doesn't want to serve. Maybe he served in the “Champagne Division”.
11 November 2009
at 11:52 a.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Looks like the village lefties are feeling the pinch of truth here…
11 November 2009
at 12:27 p.m.
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porch_person (Anonymous) says…
75X55,
“Looks like the village lefties are feeling the pinch of truth here…” –- 75X55
(laughter)
Not from someone who voted for a woman who didn't know the job description of the position she was nominated for, no…
(laughter)
Tell me,. 75X55, how much truth can you get from alcoholics and drug abusers? Those are your leaders. George W. Bush (alcoholic), Glenn Beck (alcoholic and weed), Rush Limbaugh (opiates).
Do you have the cognitive ability to tell when you're being lied to or is all someone needs to do to get your undying loyalty is proclaim that they are “conservative”.
I'm curious. George W. Bush served (kinda) in the Champagne Division. Never went to Vietnam and couldn't stay in his own State (Texas). Never served in the State he supposedly “transferred” to (Alabama). John Kerry shot and killed enemy soldiers in Vietnam. Won the Silver Star. Won the Bronze Star. Won Purple Heart(s) plural.
Can you tell the difference? F***up Bush called himself “a conservative” and won your vote. Kerry called himself “a liberal” and lost your vote.
See how easily you're swayed. Doesn't take much.
11 November 2009
at 1:13 p.m.
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75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Again, porchie runs off with the false laughter, cheap insults, and constant blithering about blogger-grade politics - thus, neatly avoiding and deflecting attention from the topic at hand, 'mandatory service'. Childish, at best.
11 November 2009
at 1:28 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Porchie, you never bring up Bob Beckel or Patrick Kennedy or Teddy Kennedy when you talk about addicted politicians/pundits. Patrick Kennedy has run the gamut on drug abuse. For that matter, why not not Obama? He has done his fair share of drugs. I'll give you a pass on the Kennedy's, since they're all drug abusing, woman abusing psychopaths. Your constant drumbeat of Rush, W or Becks' substance abuse tells me you may be fighting a demon or two? No? Yes?
11 November 2009
at 1:29 p.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
Since 80% of people in the U.S. that are of age for service are too fat to serve or are otherwise physically ineligible, I guess it would be one way we could continue that race to the bottom in world health!
11 November 2009
at 1:34 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
So you blame our healthcare system for that, staff. Here we go with the liberals' abandonment of the concept of personal responsibility again.
11 November 2009
at 1:36 p.m.
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notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
11 November 2009
at 2:09 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
remember_username (Anonymous) says…
“Jonas - as I recall mandatory service wasn't part of “Stranger in a Strange Land”, you Grok?”
I quite grok. My point was merely that we might not always be best taking the advice of science fiction writers (exceptions always). Heinlein wrote great books, but he was also kind of a crazy, horny old man.
11 November 2009
at 2:48 p.m.
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remember_username (Anonymous) says…
jonas - I figured that was your point, but hey, how often does one get a chance to use “grok” in conversation these days? I just couldn't resist.
11 November 2009
at 3:05 p.m.
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ComradeRedRooster (Anonymous) says…
The Soviet Union, a model of socialist efficiency utilized mandatory service, they called them gulags. Please don't ever mention mandatory service to a group of socialists, they start getting excited, drooling and drunk with power. The other leftist socialist system in Nazi Germany concentrated mandatory laborers in work camps.
Roosevelt started the CCC on the same principle. Of course, he too was a socialist.
By the way, 7.5 x 55 is a swiss army ammunition specification. The swiss used to issue a rifle to every male citizen over the age of 18. Today that has been significantly relaxed with exceptions for COs.
7.5 X 55,
You got the socialists riled up today.
11 November 2009
at 3:10 p.m.
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remember_username (Anonymous) says…
Odd, I don't feel a bit riled up.
11 November 2009
at 3:13 p.m.
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ComradeRedRooster (Anonymous) says…
remember_username (Anonymous) says…
Odd, I don't feel a bit riled up.
(you admit that you're a socialist)
11 November 2009
at 3:28 p.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
“So you blame our healthcare system for that, staff. Here we go with the liberals' abandonment of the concept of personal responsibility again.”
No, Tom, you're delusions have gotten the best of you again. I made no mention of the healthcare system, only the decline of the nation's health. Actually, I blame you for the fact that damn near everyone is too fat to serve. Sitting on your ass writing on the internet all day setting a brilliant example for your kids—if only some day they can be outstanding individuals like you.
Oh, and I don't have kids, spent an hour in the gym before you were out of bed this morning and, while I would prefer not to serve in a war of choice, if chosen to do so through conscription I would do my duty to the greatest extent my body would allow. If the example I'm setting for my dog is something you are concerned about, please go on a rant about that.
11 November 2009
at 4:24 p.m.
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tomatogrower (Anonymous) says…
This is interesting. It was liberals who demanded an end to the draft in the 70's, and I was one of them. But now I see a bunch of young people whose only awareness that we at war (unless they have family in the military) is at school. They haven't had to give up anything. I even had one young man that told me we shouldn't bring prisoners of war to the US, because he didn't want to be put in harm's way. Yet, it's ok with him that soldiers are put in harm's way. I think we should bring back the draft (for men and women), and unplug these kids from their matrix, video games and Ipods.
Also, on this board it's the conservatives that are whining about the draft. They are all gungho about Bush's 2 wars, as long as they aren't drafted to fight the wars. They'll just sit at home and invest in corporations and get rich from wars, but don't ask them to fight the war. Pretty sick, if you ask me.
But then, maybe we shouldn't reinstate the draft. Maybe we should just allow our country to go downhill. I worry about the mess that would ensue, but maybe, because of the selfishness “all about me”, anti-community attitude of conservatives and many of our young people, we deserve to fail as a country.
11 November 2009
at 4:34 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Sorry I riled you you up staff. Seems I may have struck a nerve. Unless I misread the meaning in your statement re; our healthcare system can save us from ourselves? If I did, pardon me.
11 November 2009
at 4:42 p.m.
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porch_person (Anonymous) says…
Tom,
Staff04 didn't seem to be riled at all by anything you said but I see that “I'm riling up the liberals” seems to be the conservative “delusion du jour” today.
(laughter)
11 November 2009
at 4:50 p.m.
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remember_username (Anonymous) says…
ComradeRedRooster - This surprises you? Based upon the opinions of many frequent posters I'm either a left wing Socialist, or a liberal elitist, possibly even a grasshopper.
11 November 2009
at 4:57 p.m.
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tomatogrower (Anonymous) says…
ComradeRedRooster (Anonymous) says…
The Soviet Union, a model of socialist efficiency utilized mandatory service, they called them gulags. Please don't ever mention mandatory service to a group of socialists, they start getting excited, drooling and drunk with power. The other leftist socialist system in Nazi Germany concentrated mandatory laborers in work camps.
So, being a patriot and fighting your country's wars, being concerned about your community and doing things to serve your country and community is socialist? So, doing everything you can to get everything for yourself and screw everyone else really is the conservative stand. I always suspected that, but now you all are being open about it. At least you're being honest now, so please don't wrap yourself in the flag anymore. You'll look like a hypocrite. You put ribbons on your cars, and say the Pledge to the flag and say you are supporting the troops, but don't ask you to sacrifice anything. As long as you're making money, driving your SUV's, and not having to lift your little finger to help your country, you'll support the American way. Just don't ask you to do anything that doesn't profit you. The Conservative Creed “It's All About Me!!!!”
11 November 2009
at 5:18 p.m.
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RalphReed (Ralph Reed) says…
Let's see,
The average Presidential election turnout 1960 to 2008 was 51%. The average off year turnout was 37%.
(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A078145…)
That means for all the elections only about 45% of eligible voters give a sh*t. Granted there are those who can't make it for a valid reason, but that's pretty close.
Voting and holding public office are rights of a citizen. If you don't serve, you're not a citizen (I think Heinlein called them residents, but it's been a while since I read the book) and you don't vote or hold public office. That should really have no effect on about 55% of the voting age populace.
The only difference between Heinlein and what we have now is that those who exercised their right to serve in the military can vote and hold public office. Those who don't have all the rights we enjoy except the two granted to those who served in the military. I see nothing really wrong with that; I would just expand it to a service of some sort to the country (ie: CCC as someone mentioned above; or teaching K-12.).
Tom dislikes almost everything I espouse as I'm self-identified as a liberal. However, the rights we have must be earned and paid for, not just given as a birthright. Those rights I've earned are what allow me to write here.
BTW Tom, your rants above are little more than thrashing about. Relook what you wrote and try again.
(Yes, I have read a lot of Heinlein's books, to include “Starship Troopers.” The movie left a lot out.)
11 November 2009
at 5:57 p.m.
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ComradeRedRooster (Anonymous) says…
tomatogrower,
You're silly. You're trying to equate mandatory service with volunteerism. I won't tell anyone, but I don't think you're growing tomatoes. Hmmm
11 November 2009
at 5:59 p.m.
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gogoplata (Anonymous) says…
What is patriotic about fighting the countrys wars? If they are wars that don't need to be faught, if they are a waste of lives and resources, and if they are unconstitutional it seems to me the true patriot would just say no.
Let me get this correct, those for mandatory service are good with taking away someones freedom so they can go fight for the freedom you are pushing for the government to take away? Makes no sense.
11 November 2009
at 6:57 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Gogo,
There are a bunch of people who I wouldn't want to have next to me in a fight, so, no, I don't want also-rans in one of the more respectable professions.
You're right, it makes no sense to have the current-day, run-of-the-mill citizen of this country entrusted with other people's lives. That would sully the profession.
11 November 2009
at 7:20 p.m.
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vanguard3 (Anonymous) says…
Unless, of course, we were in protracted trench warfare and needed wave after wave of cannon fodder to soak up enemy bullets. Then I would be happy to have untrained mutts in the unit, just like when we played war-ball as kids. Send the “smart” kids to the front and wait until all of the chaff had been weeded out.
Funny how nothing has changed since grade school.
11 November 2009
at 8:33 p.m.
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TomShewmon (Tom Shewmon) says…
Good point vanguard. Would I want to be on enemy lines with many who post on this forum for example? Not for a minute.
11 November 2009
at 10:11 p.m.
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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
c'mon, tom-I got your back.
what happened to the mini-30 magazine you wanted?
I thought that was a good deal?
11 November 2009
at 10:15 p.m.
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tomatogrower (Anonymous) says…
I didn't say I agreed with this war, but there are plenty, especially conservatives on the board, who are all supportive of Bush/Cheney's wars, yet they haven't lifted a finger to fight the war. Tom, I bet you could still volunteer to fight this war. I've heard you defend Bush and Cheney's war. Yet, you don't even have the guts to pay the taxes to pay for this war. How much money do you have invested in the war machine? You could care less about this country.
11 November 2009
at 11:49 p.m.
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vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) says…
I posted this a few months ago on another thread and think it bears repeating:
As a member of the military I am strongly opposed to “mandatory service”. We have a hard enough time with the younger generation that volunteer to be in… forcing people who don't want to be in will create even more discipline problems. Something we definately don't need right now.
There are some kids who just don't get “it” and will never get “it”. And by “it” I mean knowing how to shut up and color.
12 November 2009
at 12:31 p.m.
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Thing (Anonymous) says…
I wouldn't want my life to depend on people like Merrill, Bozo or Porch Person. I couldn't trust them not to disappear once the firefight starts.