Obama's Chief of Staff Promoting Mandatory Defense Training

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

This is exactly the type of stuff that SHOULDN'T go on in our country. Our country was founded on the principles of a weak federal gov't that had the capability to provide national defense and some semblance of coordination between 50 SEPERATE states with common goals. Not some giant monolith that ruled over everyone. We have wandered so far from that original objective. If he wants to institute something like this because we need more military people then stop bullshitting and call it a draft. Stop trying to pretty it up with some emotional argument about "common experience". This type of thinking would be completely counter to what our country was founded on really. FORCING people to do something. Of course I guess our conutry is becoming more and more about forcing people to do things everyday. And I don't care what other countries do. The old adage about jumping off a bridge because your friend did it first comes to mind. Just because someone else does it doesn't make it right.

I hope Obama doesn't hold this same thought. I do worry though that his foundational thinking isn't as contrary as I think it would be.

We force our children to go to school everyday, hell, its even backed by law. Why do we do it? Because we want some sort of baseline education for all Americans. Education provides better opportunities for success. Not everyone has to go to college.

What would this Mandatory Defense Training provide? A baseline education in combat skills and survival for all Americans. It will provide them with greater opportunities for success. Not everyone has to sign up for full blown Military service.

You probably supported the removal of PE from schools too, didn't you?

[wolfeskins]

Originally Posted by Angry

We force our children to go to school everyday, hell, its even backed by law. Why do we do it? Because we want some sort of baseline education for all Americans. Education provides better opportunities for success. Not everyone has to go to college.

What would this Mandatory Defense Training provide? A baseline education in combat skills and survival for all Americans. It will provide them with greater opportunities for success. Not everyone has to sign up for full blown Military service.

You probably supported the removal of PE from schools too, didn't you?

come on now, that has to be the most retarded comparison i've ever heard. are you really trying to make a connection between education in math, science, history,etc.. to learning military tactics ?

[wolfeskins]

what's next, taking babies from their families and forcing them to learn gymnastics and compete in the olympics ?

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by wolfeskins

come on now, that has to be the most retarded comparison i've ever heard. are you really trying to make a connection between education in math, science, history,etc.. to learning military tactics ?

Yes, because military training teaches you map reading, history, math, land navigation, first aid, physical education, problem solving, communication skills, and it makes you grow the hell up really quick because they instill discipline.

Why do yo think that employers try to snatch us up so quickly? Because our training goes beyond the battlefield. Tactics and how to shoot a rifle are only a portion of the skills learned by the soldier.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Angry

Yes, because military training teaches you map reading, history, math, land navigation, first aid, physical education, problem solving, communication skills, and it makes you grow the hell up really quick because they instill discipline.

Why do yo think that employers try to snatch us up so quickly? Because our training goes beyond the battlefield. Tactics and how to shoot a rifle are only a portion of the skills learned by the soldier.

Sounds like a perfect solution to our obesity problem.

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by saden1

Sounds like a perfect solution to our obesity problem.

Always a commedian.

Look, to all of those who disagree with me, I feel that you all have valid arguments. However, I also feel that most of you share those points of view because you have no first hand experience. Ask anyone who has served, or at least been through basic training or boot camp. I would be willing to wager that the majority would say that they would do it all over again if they were could go back in time and change their lives.

In my honest opinion, I believe that it is an experience that most would benefit from, whether they felt forced at first or not. Like many of our mothers used to tell us "how do you know that you won't like it until you try it"?

Anyway, I have already expressed my opinion on it, and that view will not change. I will not argue this issue any further. I do not think that the forthcomming administration has the nuts to try and pass this anyway, so why do we even bother ourselves with the concecpt?

[Beemnseven]

Amendment 13 of the United States Constitution:

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

Sounds pretty damn unconstitutional if you ask me.

But then, that's never stopped anybody.

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Amendment 13 of the United States Constitution:

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

Sounds pretty damn unconstitutional if you ask me.

But then, that's never stopped anybody.

Jury Duty is not involuntary servitutude? At least you get somewhat of a paycheck in the service.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Amendment 13 of the United States Constitution:

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

Sounds pretty damn unconstitutional if you ask me.

But then, that's never stopped anybody.

You mean to tell me Republican "leaders" and future "leaders" don't have to fake a medical problems or pretend to be going to school to get out of being draft or serving?

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Angry

We force our children to go to school everyday, hell, its even backed by law. Why do we do it? Because we want some sort of baseline education for all Americans. Education provides better opportunities for success. Not everyone has to go to college.

What would this Mandatory Defense Training provide? A baseline education in combat skills and survival for all Americans. It will provide them with greater opportunities for success. Not everyone has to sign up for full blown Military service.

You probably supported the removal of PE from schools too, didn't you?

Educating children isn't quite the same in my book. We don't force people to go to college. There are defined lines we already have.