Jim McDermott's scary "Congressional Commission on Civic Service" (mandatory national service)

Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott recently tried to add an amendment to the "GIVE Act" ("Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education", HR1388) that would establish a commission to study how the U.S. could establish a mandatory community service program. The "Congressional Commission on Civic Service" would study among other things:

Whether a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory service requirement for all able young people could be developed, and how such a requirement could be implemented in a manner that would strengthen the social fabric of the Nation and overcome civic challenges by bringing together people from diverse economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

You can see that amendment by going here and clicking "show changes". Then, scroll to the red text at the end; it was removed for the engrossed version but it might come back in one way or another.
The amendment is based on McDermott's HR1444.

For a good look at McDermott's thought processes, house.gov/mcdermott currently says:

"America is a nation that works because Americans have always worked on behalf of their country... There are many examples of exemplary organizations, from the Peace Corps to Americorps to the Rotary Club, but the need for civic service is outpacing the pool of Americans who have made themselves available."

Clearly, McDermott needs to review fundamental American concepts.

Wed, 03/25/2009 - 02:54 · · Importance: 4