government mandated slavery

[fantASTic]

I think the big problem here is that we in the US have traditionally reserved community service for two reasons, these being:

1). Someone has a genuine desire to help others, or

2). Someone gets in trouble with the law and receives community service as a PUNISHMENT.

When I think of someone being mandated to do community service as a requirement of anything that is mandatory, such as high school, then it comes off as a punishment. College is different because people don't have to go to college - it is a privilege. However, since children are forced to be in high school until 16, I don't like rules and requirements that force them to do more. If it was just a goal, no big deal...but if there are punishments for not doing it, then that needs to be looked at.

A lot of people have been saying stuff like, "It's community service! That is great for the country so why shouldn't this be okay? You should want to help the community!" That sounds the same to me as saying, "Why don't you like the Patriot Act? Do you have something to hide?" It doesn't matter whether you do or don't, or whether service is beneficial or not. It comes down to personal freedoms.

I voted for Obama.

[Nanners52674]

Originally Posted by fantASTic

When I think of someone being mandated to do community service as a requirement of anything that is mandatory, such as high school, then it comes off as a punishment. College is different because people don't have to go to college - it is a privilege. However, since children are forced to be in high school until 16, I don't like rules and requirements that force them to do more. If it was just a goal, no big deal...but if there are punishments for not doing it, then that needs to be looked at.

Um high school is all about requirements you need certain grades to pass a class and move up and graduate, its not forced you can choose not to go to class or do your homework or take the tests and as a result not graduate. You would also have that option with community service. I can't understand why the idea of having young adults do community service is a bad thing???

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by Nanners52674

Um high school is all about requirements you need certain grades to pass a class and move up and graduate, its not forced you can choose not to go to class or do your homework or take the tests and as a result not graduate. You would also have that option with community service. I can't understand why the idea of having young adults do community service is a bad thing???

Again, comparison with the Patriot Act: You have the option to not do bad things, so why would you possibly be upset that someone is spying on your telephone conversations and seeing what you check out at the library? That can't possibly be a bad thing if you are doing the right things!

The point here is that there is a difference between getting a diploma which states that you have a certain level of knowledge and being forced to do community service. That has nothing to do with book learning, which is what school is for. Also, I agree with people who say that it takes away from the POINT of VOLUNteering. As in, voluntary.

Haha...we should rename it compulsateering!