While you're all outraged about the bailout...

[sugarpop]

I don't think it would be such a bad thing to require young adults to serve, in some capacity, for a couple of years. It might actually instill some good qualities, instead of laziness and greed.

[TGRR]

Originally Posted by sugarpop

I don't think it would be such a bad thing to require young adults to serve, in some capacity, for a couple of years. It might actually instill some good qualities, instead of laziness and greed.

The federal government is not empowered to compel any service beyond the military.

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by TGRR

The federal government is not empowered to compel any service beyond the military.

Does that apply to prisoners who are required to work in near-sweatshop conditions? Seems to me they are being compelled to do so by the government, or in the case of privately run prisons, by the government's proxy.

Mind you, I reckon it probably does 'em some good. Just askin, thats all.

[TGRR]

Originally Posted by ZenGum

Does that apply to prisoners who are required to work in near-sweatshop conditions?

Nope. Those citizens have been convicted in a court of law. Apples and oranges.

[sugarpop]

Originally Posted by TGRR

The federal government is not empowered to compel any service beyond the military.

Why?

[TGRR]

Originally Posted by sugarpop

Why?

Because that's the only compulsory service the constitution authorizes, and amendment X forbids them from doing anything they are not specifically empowered to do.