Required (Military) Service (for all High School Students)?

FOX ^ | Monday, February 04, 2002 | The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[vannrox]

This partial transcript from

[vannrox]

I say YES.

[Captain Shady]

Hope they don't start drafting 42 year old folks. However, Vannrox wants to go.

[struwwelpeter]

No way. The military job is too big - the sergeants have only enough time for people who want to be there. Let the high schools keep their babysitting jobs.

[Jonathon Spectre]

Mandatory service of any kind whatsoever = concentration camp. America should not be in the business of forced servitude. Anyone who wants to argue with that is a statist, pure and simple, and probably shouldn't be frequenting a site called FREE Republic.

[Nitro]

If they could stop teenagers from saying yo-yo-yo and snap and fresh, I say make them march for a year!!

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

If you've seen the movie, STARSHIP TROOPERS, the future is very near, it appears.

[Nitro]

I will argue and I am a Veteran!!

Can you really tell me that a teenager in todays America couldn't benefit from a little discipline and direction?

[RJCogburn]

America should not be in the business of forced servitude

Agree, JS. Anyway you cut it, mandatory service is contrary to the principle of a free society.

[LantzALot]

Anyone who wants to argue with that is a statist, pure and simple, and probably shouldn't be frequenting a site called FREE Republic.

Maybe anyone who wants to arbitrarily brand someone who disagrees with them as unfit to speak out shouldn't be frequenting a site called FREE Republic.

[Nitro]

Way to dis-respect the Duke!!

[Captain Shady]

If you've seen the movie, STARSHIP TROOPERS, the future is very near, it appears.

IN that movie, one had to serve in the military to be considered a citizen or have the right to vote. Radical notion and radical bug control.

[DonkeyHodee]

Dumb idea. The Germans had it and just dropped it because the expense detracted from their ability to field a modern army of career professonals. It would be a cross between babysitting and the Sally what's her name show. Good for some kids but a real drain on the defense budget.

[BigBobber]

Apparently the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclaimation only ended slavery by private citizens. Apparently, government slavery is still a good thing, according to the Republican congressman.

[LN2Campy]

I have very mixed feelings on this -- I VOLUNTEERED for the US Navy (Reserve)- and while I appreciate the libertarian argument about the virtue of a volunteer force, there is something to be said for the "levelling" experience of boot camp for all factions of society. The way it is now, anyone with a good job, a comfortable lifestyle and a college degree who volunteers for service is viewed as an oddball both IN and OUT of the service. (My own case).

This is wrong -- guys like me who have a good deal in this country have the most at stake and should be the first to volunteer to protect it -- sadly, that's NOT the case. We are becoming the new Rome -- relying on the underclass (no place else to go) and mercenaries ($$$ for college, right?) to protect us.

My apologies to my shipmates from the South -- the only part of this republic who appear to have a vestige of the citizen/soldier ethic left.

[Mark Turbo]

SMITH: One way to have that education is this kind of training exercise, of serving your country and your community in national service. Look, there's over 80 other countries of the world that have this kind of national training requirement for their youth.

America isn't about copying what China and European countries do, Congressman.

[ctdonath2]

First, should every male high school graduate be required to serve in the military?

Far too many can barely read, probably can't find on a map the country they would be deployed to, and haven't a clue about basic ballistics math & physics. Let's focus on getting them a PROPER and THOROUGH education, rather than shipping them from one incompetence to another.

[ctdonath2]

Involuntary servitude is forbidden by the Constitution, PERIOD.

ASK me to serve my country, and I will serve gladly where best I can.
DRAFT me in times of dire need of national defense, and I will consent.
CONSCRIPT me in times of peace, and I will consider you a domestic enemy and tyrranical oppressor.

Yes, I appreciate the concept of military service to one's country. Such service MUST be VOLUNTARY.

[rack42]

Go for it Vannrox. Send your loved ones to death. Line them up. Fine by me.

I'm amazed, after so many years of this forum, that there are members that would sell other citizens into virtual slavery.

If you, vannrox, were present when I got my draft notice, and you had said this to me, I would have beat you to a pulp.

But I'd defend your right to say it ;)

[RJCogburn]

Can you really tell me that a teenager in todays America couldn't benefit from a little discipline and direction?

You bet....that's what parents are for.

Way to dis-respect the Duke!!

Ouch!

"Freedom. I like the sound of the word. It means people can come and go, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose."

John Wayne....The Alamo