Increasing National Service

In Israel, every man serves in the military for three years, every woman for two. In Israel, this type of service is honored, respected, and completed. No questions asked. The United States' army is all-volunteer. Not since the Revolutionary War has commitment to this service been collectively embraced. Does this mean that we do not respect our freedoms? Worse, do we take them for granted? Or, be still our hearts, are we cowards?

National Service must be rethought as we enter into economic dark times. During the Depression, FDR enacted the New Deal which stimulated the economy by investing in infrastructure. This program, whose goal was to create jobs and bring cash into the common man's pocket, succeeded wildly. Why? Because, in a sense, it was forced National Service. So many people were out of jobs that government work was welcomed. During the 30's, it wasn't really thought of as national service, but that's exactly what it was.

President-elect Obama, years ago before he ran for President, brought up a revolutionary idea: require some form of National Service for college-entering high school grads. The disparity between the rich and the poor is staggering these days, and by leveling the playing field and humbling the most elite would serve to re-instill a national pride not felt since 9/11.

JFK also understood the notion of National Service. He created the Peace Corps, an agency which serves to aid and bring relief to desperate Third World nations.

Expect an agency similar to the Peace Corps or Americorps to be developed under the Obama administration. The country is reeling, and some sustaining programs that bring jobs, reach out to the community, and instill a community spirit will help to bring the nation from the depths of its crisis.

Similarly, while President Obama may not institute a mandatory National Service program, his massive success in the campaign by organizing at the grassroots level has already developed a network of loyal Obamanites. These people are loyal, dedicated, and committed to the charge of change after the election. In the face of millions and millions signing up for volunteer National Service, expect enthusiasm for these programs to swell.

The United States is taking a decidedly isolationist stance in the face of our struggles. If were are resigned to insulate ourselves for self-protection, we must work together to bring about progressive change so we can engage more responsibly in international and economic affairs in the future.