I think that compulsory service might not only not be bad, but beneficial - this may seem like a 180 - but when I read your post, I initially thought you meant 'compulsory service behind a gun'.

That may not be what you meant.

What say...compulsory Peace Corps - I see initiatives like that as being an education abroad you don't have to get with a weapon or be on 'The Amazing Race'. It can be adverserial, but non-lethal...well except for those societies who are ruled by a guy with a gun - and are hostile to the homogenization democracy brings. But that homogenization - I've seen that argued here on a board made up of folks who are mostly American.

"Capitalism is a good system because it works on how we are, not how we would like to be" -

Friedman, Milton

That 'whatsaid' - you'd need an international compulsory Peace Corps to diffuse Iraq. It becomes a martyr for martyr situation.

I am my Dad's son - and he forbade me from the military (ask me why - you'll have a laugh) - I could've got a free pass to the Air Force Academy - but what the hell kind of teenage rebellion would that have been?

Compulsory service - against one's will - I don't say this too often - but it's unAmerican...and I think I contradict myself with regards to the death penalty (work'em 'til they're dead)

Compulsory Peace Corps - may not be much better - but at least it's unarmed.

'History reeks of the wrongs we have done'

Guess I'm an optimist.

It appears you've posted a reply while I was cleaning and cooking...:)