When Roman citizens quit serving in the Legions the primacy of Rome was on it's way down into the darkness of history.

http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,96759,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl

Does anyone really benefit "most" or "least" from living in this country?

Who would benefit most, and who least....out of curiosity.

Sard,

That's a thoughtful article, C & P and all. I've been thinking for a while now about the possible downsides to our all volunteer military. If there is an upside to the draft, among them is the near instant feedback that occurs in the form of the proportion of objecters, resisters, evaders, and consciencess objectors it produces as to the rightness or wrongness of a particular war or other military action. If there were a draft today, I think the nation's opinion of the Iraq war would be noticably different.

I think the authors' point about the military becoming a single class of society unto itself is a good one. Bad as Vietnam was, the military was a better balanced representation of the society it served.

Veering from the topic slightly, I've been troubled ever since I saw Michael Moore's F/911 wherein he points out that only one member of Congress has a kid in the military service. It points out how much easier it is to "lead" from the rear. It has me thinking that no member of Congress, nor the Prez himself, should be able to commit the nation to war unless they themselves, or their offspring in their stead, are willing to put their or members of their families' lives on the line. A little "leadership from the front" would go a long ways in softening my cynical view of how the ruling class sees themselves as members of our society. At the very least, if Bush's daughters were on the front lines in Iraq, I'd still think he's the stupidest prez ever, but I would nonetheless have more respect for him as the self-proclaimed "war president."

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I've thought about conscription...well, a conscription of sorts.

Everyone serves some time...but not necessarily in the armed services. Other options could include civil service, or the Peace Corps, or even the Corps of Engineers.

The tradeoff for this service would be college tuition.

Besides more education for our kids (which I think we can all agree is a good thing...except for maybe Ann Coulter), it might actually give everyone a better sense of ownership of our country, too, if they all have to play a part in building and/or servicing it.

Thoughts?

Good points, Salmo...and unfortunately the lack of leadership from the front is even worse when you look at the "chickenhawk" roll call...dozens of warmongering "leaders" who haven't served for one minute.

To add insult to injury from the chickenhawks, they're the same ones who actually have the audacity to question the patriotism of those who have served when they disagree with them about the use of the military.

Fish on...

Todd

dan s. could you explain why you think everyone benefits equally in this country?

Maybe not equally, but differently. I don't think anyone, rich or poor, would be better off elsewhere.

Can't argue with that Dan.
I believe that anyone in the Armed Forces of this country that served in a combat zone has earned the right to expect and deserves the best medical and psychological assistance our taxes can provide. Aunty M is correct in that there must be some limit to the financial burden on the taxpayer. However, perhaps the distinction must be 'combat zone.' Those who served in areas other than combat earn some lesser coverage.
I also agree that there should be a form of 'National Service' required of all citizens.
A high school graduate is neither fish nor fowl in our society; he cannot do many of the things 'adults' can do legally. Many just mark time until they are 21 and then go on with their lives. Some, the minority, actually earn scholarships and go on to college. Some join the military and earn $ via the GI bill. I believe ALL should be obliged to spend two years in the service of their country. Not necessarily the military. There are so many civil projects that need attention the supply of a group of able bodied young people would be a major boon.

I really think it can be run better than that, Aunty M. I think war is part of the human condition. Population control if you will. Actually that's just a side benefit. However, as long as we sinners covet, fear and worry about our neighbors activities we're stuck with the consequences. Fate is just not fair. You decide who serves where. Be a volunteer member of the local draft board.

Here kitty kitty, drink your milk. lol Just remember they didn't choose their parents.