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H2O Man

(78,916 posts)

29. The WPA & CCC camps

Mon Oct 6, 2014, 03:43 PM

Oct 2014

were wonderful programs. There is a very real need, in my opinion, to bring about an updated version of them. And it need not involve conscription.

Young adults in high school benefit from "community service." (All ages do, actually.) Having community service for a semester or two of public education has potential. More, those who graduate, but are either unsure about further education, or can't afford it, would benefit from having a national community service program; it could pay "pocket money" and provide a lump sum for college. More, an updated program could be available for any/all adults who are out of work, and in need of a job to make ends meet.

There are many options. The question, "But how would it be paid for?" is relatively simple: a good program of this sort could be financed by ending any one of the numerous small, undeclared wars our nation is engaged in. Start investing in America and Americans. It would help the economy, and all of the communities served.

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The draft. [View all] Javaman Oct 2014 OP

Skin in the game would quickly change public opinion war, no question. Scuba Oct 2014 #1

That's pretty much what turned people against Vietnam. KamaAina Oct 2014 #31

That's the way I remember it, and believe that's why Nixon ended the draft. Scuba Oct 2014 #36

It's interesting as a thought experiment el_bryanto Oct 2014 #2

You would kill a lot of reluctant, poorly trained soldiers hack89 Oct 2014 #3

I know many people who think that volunteers... peace13 Oct 2014 #12

Any one who voluntarily enlists in a time of war knows what the risks are. hack89 Oct 2014 #13

My point is that the volunteer is no more expendable than the draftee. peace13 Oct 2014 #14

still have my 4f draft card--just in case... but over 60 now dembotoz Oct 2014 #4

I'm 51. I would be eligible in this fictitious scenario. Javaman Oct 2014 #8

How many miles can you run with a 75 pound backpack? FSogol Oct 2014 #38

did you actually read my post? Javaman Oct 2014 #39

I didn't accuse you of being pro-draft, but the notion of drafting 45-60 year-olds is ludidrous. FSogol Oct 2014 #40

Yeah, I think many here miss the days of DU2. nt With whom Oct 2014 #41

Been there, done that, don't recommend it pinboy3niner Oct 2014 #5

Well said. H2O Man Oct 2014 #6

And again, this is just a thought experiement, not an advocaiton for the draft. Javaman Oct 2014 #10

Yes, I understood that. H2O Man Oct 2014 #28

How about other conscripted service? malthaussen Oct 2014 #21

The WPA & CCC camps H2O Man Oct 2014 #29

Ah, making it part of the curriculum hadn't occurred to me. malthaussen Oct 2014 #37

I think what you are missing or I didn't explain well... Javaman Oct 2014 #9

If I called my reply a "thought experiment" would that make it okay? pinboy3niner Oct 2014 #19

It's my conviction now that public opinion did little to end the war. malthaussen Oct 2014 #20

Then why did Nixon announced that no more draftees would be sent to Vietnam in 1972? Brother Buzz Oct 2014 #22

Nixon said what the public wanted to hear. malthaussen Oct 2014 #24

Of course public opinion ended the war. Do you upaloopa Oct 2014 #27

Nuts Savannahmann Oct 2014 #7

oh for crying out loud. Javaman Oct 2014 #11

Pfui. Savannahmann Oct 2014 #15

holy crap. Javaman Oct 2014 #25

Didn't work before, but perhaps mandatory military service would... Historic NY Oct 2014 #16

Canada would get a population boost. Tierra_y_Libertad Oct 2014 #17

It would just show how little they care about public opinion. malthaussen Oct 2014 #18

I do not want to put my life in the hands of someone there unwillingly. cherokeeprogressive Oct 2014 #23

No one ever brings up the real issue that the upaloopa Oct 2014 #26

You got me to reread parts of the Constitution. Thanks Deny and Shred Oct 2014 #30

I'd leave the country - TBF Oct 2014 #32

Nope. Xolodno Oct 2014 #33

damn Javaman--its like you proposed eating kittens dembotoz Oct 2014 #34

I really think gladium et scutum Oct 2014 #35

Military currently turns away 80% of volunteers today madville Oct 2014 #42