lets take a civic lesson

[angrychair]

Last edited Sun Nov 9, 2014, 12:09 AM - Edit history (1)

From "Starship Troopers". Not in the way you think.
We do create two classes of people though. In order to be a Citizen (only Citizens can vote, serve in goverment leadership positions and elected public office) you have to have 2 years of public service. These are paying jobs that offer OTJT for those that need it. Military service does not count. You have to engage in peacful, productive service to your nation.

[shenmue]

1. I think some kind of national service is good

[simak]

2. So much for "one man, one vote". n/t

[angrychair]

3. I see your point

But the reaity is that we have the lowest voter turnout of any 1st world nation. Often (see 2014 midterm election) that poor turnout elects people that do not actually represent the will of the people.
This method ensures that people that vote actually want to and will vote.

[simak]

6. Actually, I think that's who you're getting now.

Add any additional burden, and you must get fewer voters.

The word for the ones who would be excluded is "disenfranchised".

[KMOD]

4. It's a lovely concept, but it would discriminate against too many

Single mothers, the working poor, the disabled, et al, do not have the means or time to give up 2 years to public service.

That said, everyone should try to do what they can. Even simple gestures add up and go a long way.

[angrychair]

8. normal paying jobs

Public service...not volunteer. Ive updated my OP

[BlindTiresias]

5. Would only work

If it paid a reasonable salary and they had to take anyone that applied. Otherwise it would favor the already wealthy and the children of the wealthy with plenty of time and a good social network at their disposal.

[angrychair]

9. yes

Well paying and OTJT for anyone that needs it.

[Recursion]

7. During my military service I fed refugees

Did search and rescue as well as search and recovery for civilians, and collected and delivered toys to underprivileged children. Why doesn't that count?

[angrychair]

10. noble

And honorable. The point of my OP is an intellectual exercise of forming a society that values service to society. If the primary mission of the military were those things you stated than I would agree with you but we both know that a military force is rarely used like that and often misused.

Thank you for your service.

[Recursion]

11. Huh? Those missions are much more common than wars

Even during the height of Iraq only about a quarter of our military was there.

[JI7]

12. why does military service not count ? they already have it tougher than others

they already tend to be from the lower income groups.

in your world it will be people like Romney who will have even more power.

[angrychair]

13. you're looking at it the wrong way

Sevice to others as the way to honor your nation. Right now we push more and more people into the military and and shape it as the most honorable way to serve your country. I'm talking about creating living wage jobs that create real life job skills for people that might not otherwise have those type of opportunities.
No matter how rich you are, you cant vote or hold elected office or even be in a public sector management position unless you've given 2 years of public service first. Working in a school. Building a road. Being a fireman. These are all honorable jobs.

[JI7]

14. no it's not, most people join the military because of lack of other options and these tend to be low

income types .

getting into a top college is treated as a far higher honor than serving in the military.

of course people give the usual talking points about how great military is but they are treated worse than most others.