Can We Talk 2

Universal Service

         Something I haven't thought about in over 40 years is universal service. Not every young person is military material, but that shouldn't excuse them from serving the homeland. That would include new citizens which wasn't that big an issue back in my hippie days. Females and males could serve for two years in a suitable and desirable capacity.

         National parks and forests, environmental issues, medical triage and health agencies could all benefit from a two year service stint. They could leave the service with job skills, and a sense of stability. That service could be delayed for college or other schooling. High school could end a year sooner, but that's another topic. I've talked to medics who said they learned their jobs under fire. In fact, a lot of medical technicians don't have the schooling, except for a class or two if sponsored by a medical office. The non-military jobs could have weekends off to plan a career after the service.

         These young people would have two years to feel pride in serving their country while learning a job skill in administration or in the field or clinic. This might eliminate or at least reduce joining gangs, homelessness, or going on welfare. You could still have a "boot camp" for all the outdoor jobs. Going on to college or the military could be an option. Service could shorten the waiting time for citizenship as it does already for the military.

         By the time some politicians wrote this out, it would be 110 pages single spaced and leave loop holes. The way I envision it, everyone, including the handicapped would have a place of service. No exemptions, equal tool and opportunities.