Revisiting an old question…

It’s been a while, so I’m gonna ask this question again now: 

Q: How would you feel about two years of paid mandatory community service (work intended to be of social use) for U.S. kids right out of high school?  Not necessarily military service but that would count toward community service too.  The work would be done in the U.S. for the benefit of the U.S.  Would it be a good or a bad thing?  Make your case, pro or con.


(by PrimalSoup)


_________________________

Here is how I described such service to milo, when addressing his concerns: 

Original Link.


Well, it IS true that any endeavor is only as strong as its weakest links. I'm sure there would be such people who would be damned before they would willingly give up their first two years out of high school. And they would do whatever they could to get out of it.

But right out of high school does seem to be the "right place" to put that kind of program in effect; before life and future family has really begun in earnest, and when future mindsets are still in such a formative state.

I'm thinking more in terms of a government program that sets the rules of engagement. It would not be run by drill sergeants or agenda-driven type people. The program's leaders would understand the goals of such a program. And the general goal would be (putting a poetic twist on it) "to walk a mile in another's shoes." Learn about life "on the other side" kind of thing. Take the focus off of "me" and put it on "we."

Very good incentives could be offered for those who agree to such service (just like in the military. They get many perks for volunteering to serve the greater country). And such community service records would look really good, stapled to a resume.

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