Check out this podcast interview of Rahm Emanuel’s plan for mandatory civil service. The idea is to require yound adults between the age of 18 and 23 to complete 3 to 4 months of “universal civil defense training.” He described this obligatory service as “a common experience” that will “give people a sense of what it’s like to be American.” Emanuel scoffed at the interviewer’s concerns about barracks and uniforms. There was no mention of any exceptions for people who have to work for a living.
The “national civilian security force” Obama’s talked about sounds a lot like Emanuel’s plan.
H/T Hot Air
How does mandatory service give someone a sense of what it is to bee an American? Is this where they teach you to be a patriot (that is, a taxpayer). I don’t like this idea. I don’t even like the idea of this idea. It smacks of indoctrination training, the question I would as is indoctrination to what.
I a peaceable guy, but this would have me protesting in the street. Let’s hope they realize how bad this idea is, like they seem to have done with some of their other ideas so far.
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Can you extend your UK Visa?
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What’s up with the “train ride?” Creepy! Makes me think “Dachau.” Maybe I didn’t hear it correctly.
He wants the American experience, but this has not been an American experience. Some European countries require this I think – and I know Israel does.
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I luv it ! – The ‘twenty-somethings’ who helped SO MUCH to elect ‘THE ONE’ with such PASSION and DEDICATION……..can now enjoy serving their new MASTER. – congrats kids, welcome to ‘Life 101′.
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Has it occurred to anyone that this sounds vaguely like Militia training? I think my “gut” reaction in opposition might be based more on the people it’s coming from than the merits of the idea. Is it possible that such a program actually could be created without a partisan agenda? The words “Civil Defense Training” don’t necessarily have to conjure up images of re-education camps, do they?
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Sam,
The whole problem, and the reason for your gut reaction, is that it is not voluntary.
We have never needed to force good people in this country to volunteer in their communities, respond as a unit in a disaster, or enlist in the military. Even the haloed JFK didn’t FORCE you into the Peace Corps.
The reason it’s conjuring up those awful images is precisely because you are about to have no choice in the matter. This is but one of those things that echoes the thirties in Germany. And before some lib goes sideways, I am NOT calling the messiah “Hitler”. But I am saying someone on That One’s team has certainly learned their lessons of history and studied up on effective propaganda and forced “altruism”.
I’m sure also that Emanuel thinks it’s grand because he did his stint with the Isaeli Defense Forces. Everyone in Israel is required to serve. Difference being, we are not (yet) a tiny country surrounded by millions of people who want to eradicate us. It is not a necessity here.
This is not an American ideal. But I’m sure the folks in Europe are still high on the win, and apparently that’s all that matters….
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Daneen,
I have to admit that the fact it’s being discussed as not voluntary is a very good point. I’m also not unaware of the similarities to historical movements that had very bad results. I think you’re right. That is what my “gut” says is wrong with the plan. Thanks.
I guess if it can’t be prevented, we can at least push for local control of the “curriculum”. Maybe along with first aid and disaster preparedness, these 18 to 24 year-olds can qualify for their concealed carry permits…
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We already have our own National Guard for disasters. He said we would do training in our own states – using National Guard vacilities! If we are in such a financial mess why are we spending more money on things that are NOT necessary. It costs money to feed, house, and train all these people. Not to mention what do they do, just leave their jobs and go without pay for three to four months or just stop their education? What about people with children, what about people with disabilities?
We certainly don’t need civil service training to know what it is to be American. FORCING civil service training is UNAMERICAN. Remember the saying “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. American’s step up to the plate on their own when defense is needed or when there is a disaster.
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This is pretty scary, but to investigate further, is there an unedited transcript of the interview? I’d really like to review it closely.
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