Mandatory military service

What do you think? Folks in Scandinavia are just crazy about it, I hear.

Mandatory military service has the effect that it decreases risks for military coups since a military without professional grunts is a lot less powerful (politcally). Its cheaper than having lax gun laws, plus it increases population fitness, decreasing population sickness and health care costs. Its not viable for the country who wants to send troops to foreign soils though.

Calm down folks.  I think I was the one who started this whole thing by saying I support gun safety and educational programs.  I am against mandatory military service, as this would be unconstitutional.  The 13th (I think)? Amendment prohibits involuntary servitude, after all.  That said, I'm against mandatory military service... but I do think it would be a good idea to encourage responsible firearms ownership here and teach safety classes - much like the Swiss do in their country.  I would suggest possibly teaching such classes in high schools - just make sure they are done under close supervision and make sure that proper security and safety measures are taken.  This is not mandatory military service... and it wouldn't involve forcing anyone into the military or forcing them to go fight and or die in any war.

>>40

I agree with the Gandhi thing, and I'm certainly no ultra-pacifist. And if it comes down to a situation where it's necessary to fight, I'll of course gladly do so. What I'm arguing against is mandatory service when there's no imminent threat- especially for nebulous, bullshit reasons like "paying the price of freedom." Finland (for example) hasn't seen a major armed conflict since WW2, yet that country has universal (male) conscription. I see no good reason for it.

>>42
is absolutely correct.

>>43
Finland is wise and knows it must protect itself from terrorism.

>>44

Go back to bed, George.

>>41
You've been hanging out with the French again, haven't you?

Pomme frites MOTHERFUCKER!