All this phony election year patriotism has me thinking it's time for a national service law. Do you agree?

Question

I volunteered for the Army because I felt it was my duty as a citizen to serve, and I love and defend my flag, but I'm sick to death of all the cheap patriotism with pins, bumper stickers, logos, flag background avatars, from people I know from reading their posts have never done a d**n thing for this country and never will.

I'm sick of all the people who wrap themselves in the flag like a red, white and blue burrito who've clearly never read the Constitution, couldn't pass the citizenship test we require immigrants to take, and would give away all the freedoms they've inherited for an illusion of security.

Chanting "USA, USA" at pro wrestling matches is not what the founders called patriotism. My cousin does that c**p. He's a moron. Fortunately my dad and I had some influence on his kids. His son joined the Army like me. His daughter joined the Navy like my dad and when she got out she joined VISTA and worked in inner city projects. They are patriots. They've earned their citizenship, and like me, they are highly annoyed that anyone who happened to have been born here by accident and has the right to vote and select our leaders, doesn't bother. Not even a strong majority bother to do so.

I'm ready for a national service law. I don't think the accident of being born within US borders imparts any special virtue or right to all the blessings of this nation. I think people need to do something for the privilege of citizenship more than just be born here and pay taxes. America will be a better, stronger nation for it. What do you think?

Answer 1

Funny all nations DO think being born in their country imparts special virtues and privilege's of citizenship.

You sound like a globalist "citizen of the world" type.  

It works in theory - in an ideal world. This is not an ideal world we live in. Ergo it doesn't work. It also works in science fiction ala Starship Troopers.

Answer 2

Yeah, let's all join the service so we can fight wars and not have any college graduates or jobs to keep the prosperity we've earned.  By the way, the Founding Fathers were against involuntary servitude in the military.  Read the Declaration of Independence.

Also:

"[Conscription] rests on the assumption that your kids belong to the state. If we buy that assumption then it is for the state – not for parents, the community, the religious institutions or teachers – to decide who shall have what values and who shall do what work, when, where and how in our society. That assumption isn't a new one. The n***s thought it was a great idea." - Ronald Reagan

Answer 3

a national service law that would require citizens to do what?

Answer 4

I agree I was just thinking about something like that last night  

Answer 5

I'll show my patriotism any way I please.  You will not tell me how I can do it or what it means to me in my heart.  I was a flight attedant based in NY and after 9/11, I wore my flag pin every single flight and any troops I had on board were treated very well and with respect.  No one is going to tell me my flag pin didn't mean anything to me, not you or Obama.  I thank you for your service, but it's my country just as much as it is yours.

Answer 6

Government only honors people who work for the government to be citizens?  Well then what are the others who pay the taxes that the government forces on them?  You want to make pawns out of everyone.  You sound like a Communist.

By the way, you are also contradictory:

"I don't think the accident of being born within US borders imparts any special virtue or right to all the blessings of this nation."

But at another time:

"and like me, they are highly annoyed that anyone who happened to have been born here by accident and has the right to vote and select our leaders, doesn't bother."

On one side, you don't think that they should have the right to vote unless they do what you want.  On the other, you claim it annoys you that they don't vote.

Stop judging others and questioning how they contribute to the nation.  We shouldn't all have to do what you want to be Americans.

Answer 7

I spent my time in the service also.  I spent seven years jumping out of helicopters and carrying bandages and bedpans because I didn't like guns.  But, I still served.

One thing you are wrong about is the fact that if you were lucky enough to be born here, or to become a naturalized citizen, then you do have the right to recieve this nations bounty.  It's in a little document called the constitution.

I swore to uphold and defend it then, and I still do.  No exceptions. and, no regrets.

Answer 8

It is such a sad and even scary thing.  Your idea has some merit, but it is also giving over more of our rights to a big government.  We already have a 5 trillion dollar national debt.  On the other hand, I wanted to answer this question, and I've looked at the clock and realize I have been up almost the whole. night.  I understand how you feel about the sick people wrapping themselves in our flag.  There's a change needed to it goes so deep.  I'll look at your question again after I've slept!

Answer 9

Yes or Maybe sending everybody to Consumer Science Class instead to teach People how to cook, not be a Professional Chef but to Teach people to Cook for themselves.

Answer 10

You make a strong point. I can't think of an argument against it.  

Answer 11

Well spoken

Answer 12

Do you want to fight next to someone that isn't committed to the mission?  Then force everyone to fight.  You can have another vietnam.  If you don't want support, then maybe I will go to the airport and spit on you and call you a baby killer like my dad and uncles had happen to them.  If you don't want support, then I will stop giving you support.  As for my rights, you don't give me my rights, no soldier does.  Soldiers might protect my rights, but my rights are given to me by God, just like every person on the earth.  You can say what you want, but that gun didn't pay for itself, that paycheck comes from us.  Have some respect for your fellow Citizens, and represent your country a little better.

Answer 13

Yes, I served in the USAF four year during 1965-1969

and also I did a lot of volunteer work but I am also amazed at some

of the things people put on cars (slogans) and I told my wife I don't

mind her support the troops sign but no political signs as I know in

my area they will key your car if they don't like your political views!

Men and women should serve in some kind of non combative service

for two years..like in Israel and Missionaires in the Mormon Church.

Two years would round a person out and make the country stronger

Answer 14

I am sorry but I have to give that an AMEN!! I think that is the most intelligent, well thought question I have ever seen. Congress is moving towards that bill maybe even this year. I have been watching it for three years now. I served my country active duty Navy and then again as a Navy wife. My family has a large tradition of Military service and I am so proud that there are still Americans that feel this way.

God Bless you and AMERICA!