sixteensonic

Wow, cynical. I believe the country could benefit from citizens working side by side. A shared experience might help some conquer the current divide between rich and poor. I notice so many people feel completely entitled to things they have never worked to earn. I really don't believe that it is too much to ask for young adults to invest a couple of years serving their country. It need not be a mandatory. I'm sure the the libertarians out there will hate this idea, but maybe those who chose to serve, military or civilian, could receive preferential treatment in future dealings with the government-reduced tax rates, preference in hiring, preference in government contracts and loans? Maybe those who make the choice not to serve "their country" should be disallowed from becoming full citizens, maybe restrict the right to vote? In anticipation of the thrashing to come, these are some idea floating around in my head, and yes I did check - "Socialist" is not available as a political leaning. I have a few more provocative questions. Is paying taxes the only requirement to be a citizen (for those born in this country)? What are the differences between those born here, and those who choose to become citizens? Is it wrong to demand more from our citizens?

Wow, cynical. I believe the country could benefit from citizens working side by side. A shared experience might help some conquer the current divide between rich and poor. I notice so many people feel completely entitled to things they have never worked to earn. I really don't believe that it is too much to ask for young adults to invest a couple of years serving their country. It need not be a mandatory.

I'm sure the the libertarians out there will hate this idea, but maybe those who chose to serve, military or civilian, could receive preferential treatment in future dealings with the government-reduced tax rates, preference in hiring, preference in government contracts and loans? Maybe those who make the choice not to serve "their country" should be disallowed from becoming full citizens, maybe restrict the right to vote?

In anticipation of the thrashing to come, these are some idea floating around in my head, and yes I did check - "Socialist" is not available as a political leaning.

I have a few more provocative questions. Is paying taxes the only requirement to be a citizen (for those born in this country)? What are the differences between those born here, and those who choose to become citizens? Is it wrong to demand more from our citizens?

I agree, I'm confused as well. To answer the general direction of the thread, it seems that it might help to let Israel know that we won't be there to back them up (sell them weapons or hand over money), or protect them in the U.N. if they are unwilling to work toward a Palestine state. Maybe a little prodding to let them know we are tired of their belligerent attitude, which doesn't help the situation, would be of help. All I know is that it will be a long, difficult struggle if it ever happens, and there will need to be large concessions by both sides before any truce may be called. As for the start of this thread, Iran is a red herring. The surest way to push a country to solidarity is to attack, again recall our own terrorist attack. From many sources it appears that the population is unhappy with it's own government, both the President and Mullahs. Diplomatic engagement could encourage that feeling. Our current administration has continually proven it's inability to conduct diplomatic operations. It's incompetence has led to an over reliance on force, which has produced the situation we are in today. Bush (or Cheney) may feel he has to attack Iran because he has never learned that his way is not the only way.

I agree, I'm confused as well.

To answer the general direction of the thread, it seems that it might help to let Israel know that we won't be there to back them up (sell them weapons or hand over money), or protect them in the U.N. if they are unwilling to work toward a Palestine state. Maybe a little prodding to let them know we are tired of their belligerent attitude, which doesn't help the situation, would be of help. All I know is that it will be a long, difficult struggle if it ever happens, and there will need to be large concessions by both sides before any truce may be called.

As for the start of this thread, Iran is a red herring. The surest way to push a country to solidarity is to attack, again recall our own terrorist attack. From many sources it appears that the population is unhappy with it's own government, both the President and Mullahs. Diplomatic engagement could encourage that feeling. Our current administration has continually proven it's inability to conduct diplomatic operations. It's incompetence has led to an over reliance on force, which has produced the situation we are in today. Bush (or Cheney) may feel he has to attack Iran because he has never learned that his way is not the only way.