General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: All hands on deck. A call for national service. [View all]Thunderbeast
(3,432 posts)This could be structured to compliment, not replace valued government employees.
Our National Forests are in desperate need of understory fuel mitigation to prevent the huge fires that are consuming them. The network of trails built by the CCC needs bridges and stablization. New trails can help relieve the stress of over-use.
Comprehensive plans for child care and elder care could provide needed supports to working families. A CCC program could help provide the manpower.
Classroom aides could provide individual reading time to help children become better learners.
Most importantly, mandatory service would provide a sense of understanding for young people that the fruits of 240 years of our country are the products of MANY who provided unselfish service for the benefit of all of us. Our obligations to build a better nation trancsend just paying taxes. It is not fair to outsource the dirty work to only those at the bottom rungs of the economic ladder.
The draft that I grew up with was unfair. A more equitable and universal service obligation would bring benefits to all.