Nolanprice's List: Universal National Service - pursuasive speech

• H.R. 2723:  Universal National Service Act of 2005

• No adult American alive on January 20, 1961, will ever forget the stirring words of President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” The nation’s young leader thus captured the spirit of a new generation. Today a hardened and cynical generation that has endured Vietnam, Watergate, 9/11, and other soul-depressing events since JFK’s assassination still accepts the promise of personal initiative, but shared sacrifice has become a lesser-known concept for many. We have it within our power to change this, and to go back to the future. An updated Constitution can fuel America’s transformation into a society that once again fulfills Kennedy’s vision.
• The best means available would be a constitutional requirement that all able-bodied Americans devote at least two years of their lives to the service of their nation.
• The charge must be broad, and the civilian and military options must be many, to accommodate the varied talents of the population and the diverse dictates of conscience. But the principle must be immutable: Enjoying the benefits of living in a great democracy is not a God-given right. In exchange for the privileges of American citizenship, every individual has obligations to meet, promises to their fellow citizens and posterity to keep.
• A simple but powerful constitutional clause would decree that “all citizens of the United States, who are of sound mind and body, shall be required to give two years of service to their country, in a manner prescribed by law.”
• There is no expectation in our society now that any significant service is owed.
• The keys to a successful mandate for national service are: true universality; flexibility of timing; a wide choice of service opportunities to fit every taste, with a mixture of government service corps (both military and civilian)
• All sorts of agencies, from the military to the Peace Corps to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, should be available for fulfilling national service requirements.
• Universal national service is less about governmental authority and more about a renewal of personal citizenship through sustained individual commitment to improving the nation.
• one reflected by Winston Churchill, who once observed, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

7 more annotations...

• the training and responsibility you received in the military stand you in very good stead for the civilian world.

• 20-30 years of age for compulsory military service, with middle school education required; conscript service obligation - 21 months

• Patriotism is showing you love your country through actions that depict it. Giving your time, energy, and sacrifice shows you love your country. When you give more than you take, you are showing your devotion for your country.
• 1% of this country serves in the military, and I would guess that even less contribute on a non-military basis. That means almost 99% of Americans enjoy the luxuries that others have secured for them.