FEEDBACK: Three letters on striving for the We Generation

National service would give sense of ownership to young Americans

To the editor:

I fully concur that a two-year period of some form of national service would be an exceedingly valuable experience for young Americans, giving them a sense of ownership of our nation and an opportunity to rub shoulders with other young people from diverse backgrounds.  

The all-volunteer military has eliminated that exposure to people of all socioeconomic classes, to our detriment as a democratic society.  President Eisenhower strongly recommended such a program in the 1950s.  The need is even greater now.

— Bruce Jayne, Charleston, S.C.

Israel’s compulsory service offers example

To the editor:

Fantastic Opinion piece (“Strive for ‘We Generation,’ not more ‘Me Generations‘”).

You describe perfectly what is being lost in our culture and the symptoms of that loss. I have observed Israel’s compulsory service requirement, requiring either military or public service. and while it is partly to have all citizens be able to assist in the pure survival of the country, there are many lessons we could take from their system.

Of course teaching gratitude, respect for those who built and sustained this country, and a desire to give back should be taught first at home, and also in our schools. Well done!

— W. Kurt Taylor, North Charleston, S.C.

Let’s stop the dumbing down of our children

To the editor:

Absolutely (re your recent column on public service for high school graduates).

The only reason it has not been is that politicians are too concerned about re-election to enact legislation which many of their constituents would oppose.  We are spread very thin militarily-wise, with all the recent global conflicts and the event of many terrorist organizations worldwide.

Many who now volunteer are less than ideal material – not all, of course, but many.  If one is physically or mentally unable to be drafted, there exist other venues to serve our country.  Conscientious objectors can serve in non-conflict areas, as they have always done.

Standards have, apparently, been lowered in our schools, as you note, also.  Certainly a high school graduate should pass the same exam that those seeking US citizenship must pass.  It’s the dumbing down of our children that is a big factor in much of the upheaval and unrest in this nation.

— Irving Rosenfeld, James Island, S.C.

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