Heartily approve Elias Wachtel's take on national service. Two years (mandatory) post high school might be better than one, during which young people participating in a wide range of military or civilian projects -- including animal welfare and habitat preservation -- would earn a modest living stipend. At conclusion, they'd be given a sizeable government allotment toward college, technical training or other career prep of the individual's choice. The additional time to mature, and additional exposure to the world before making college/training decisions would increase the likelihood those decisions are well made and, one would hope, instill a service ethic while contributing to the greater good.
We disagree. Where we might agree is that because of shared political climate Bragg should have used his discretion and not brought the case, one that unfortunately (for me at least) has successfully diverted attention away from the much more serious felonies Trump has been indicted for in two federal courts and Georgia state court. Of course one expects to hear, has heard, the same””weaponization” and “Lawfare” boiler plate rhetoric about these as well.
In the same breath the Ivy League criminals were acquitted by one administration and promised citizenship by another. Good thing no one is taking the common sense law and order vote for granted.
"The news comes on the heels of rumors that Trump himself, alongside his youngest son, 18-year-old Barron, is behind a new cryptocurrency: TrumpCoin (DJT). Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli claims that he is involved in the project." The 21st century's biggest scam so far plus backing by bankruptcy king Donald Trump and the guy who went to jail for financial crimes and jacked up the price of a highly necessary drug just to make more money?
Unbelievable that most of the Columbia asshats get to walk. How is that a deterrent the next time these losers have an urge of idiocy that bubbles over? Who is left to teach these children about the concept of choices and consequences?!?
This Columbia story reminds me of a personal experience.
Several years ago, I came home and found a thief in my home. Worse than that, he was armed and had my wife in front of him. I pulled my firearm, but couldn't get a clear shot.
I had to stand there and watch as he filled his pockets with jewels and cash. He then shoved her down to ground and took off out the door and disappeared into the night.
A few days later, I found out who he was. He lived in an apartment building in the next state. Apartment 14C.
Now, about the Torygraph and WWIII, the 80s called and wants its Nuclear Holocaust(TM) back.
Now, I DO agree that we are in a prewar era--and WWIII will be very much like WWII, but this time in a three-theater multiplex (Pac Rim centered on Taiwan and perhaps Japan and South Korea, Eastern Europe centered on the Russian border from the Baltics to Ukraine, and the Middle East centered on Israel). The New Axis will be Russia, the PRC, and whatever part of Araby that joins them, plus a few PITA states like Venezuela and Cuba.
Nukes? No country will use nukes against another nuclear power unless it is 100% sure retaliation is impossible (perhaps if a country commandeers an enemy's nuclear arsenal, directly or indirectly); maybe as a coup de grace. Tactical nukes included. MAD will hold.
Of course, this does not eliminate the possibility that nukes get used against a non-nuclear power that is using, say, chemical or some other beyond-the-pale weapons.
Regarding national service: The libertarian in me bristles at the suggestion, and I don't believe in some kind of open-ended, blank-check sense of national obligation strictly for its own sake. However:
1) Universal military service would give everyone a basic set of life and job skills that has been sorely lacking for many under the age of 60 (I say this as a 57YO GenXer), not to mention a sense of purpose and development of other positive attributes, such as grit. For conscientious objectors or those not qualified for military service, other avenues of service could be provided.
2) We are in a prewar era, whether anyone likes it or not. So we might as well get prepared. Go back and read how flat-footed our military was when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The US military had to do a lot, really fast, with not a lot of pre-existing systems and materiel.
3) Our country is going to have to become more self-sufficient, particularly if we go to war against some of our suppliers of goods.
"...stopped acting like tourists in our own country—enjoying what it has to offer without taking responsibility for its well-being." Brilliant.
Oh. my gosh... Sidney sold me a stork!!
The Columbia and CUNY students were arrested in the act of criminally trespassing. What other evidence is required to prosecute them?
Apropos the City Journal Article:
The Jane Fonda Syndrome: A long con, when one horror receeds, create a new one. Always ask for money.
Heartily approve Elias Wachtel's take on national service. Two years (mandatory) post high school might be better than one, during which young people participating in a wide range of military or civilian projects -- including animal welfare and habitat preservation -- would earn a modest living stipend. At conclusion, they'd be given a sizeable government allotment toward college, technical training or other career prep of the individual's choice. The additional time to mature, and additional exposure to the world before making college/training decisions would increase the likelihood those decisions are well made and, one would hope, instill a service ethic while contributing to the greater good.
We disagree. Where we might agree is that because of shared political climate Bragg should have used his discretion and not brought the case, one that unfortunately (for me at least) has successfully diverted attention away from the much more serious felonies Trump has been indicted for in two federal courts and Georgia state court. Of course one expects to hear, has heard, the same””weaponization” and “Lawfare” boiler plate rhetoric about these as well.
Have enjoyed the exchange.
In the same breath the Ivy League criminals were acquitted by one administration and promised citizenship by another. Good thing no one is taking the common sense law and order vote for granted.
"The news comes on the heels of rumors that Trump himself, alongside his youngest son, 18-year-old Barron, is behind a new cryptocurrency: TrumpCoin (DJT). Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli claims that he is involved in the project." The 21st century's biggest scam so far plus backing by bankruptcy king Donald Trump and the guy who went to jail for financial crimes and jacked up the price of a highly necessary drug just to make more money?
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG???
Mike is right about East-West. It’s nasty!
Unbelievable that most of the Columbia asshats get to walk. How is that a deterrent the next time these losers have an urge of idiocy that bubbles over? Who is left to teach these children about the concept of choices and consequences?!?
This Columbia story reminds me of a personal experience.
Several years ago, I came home and found a thief in my home. Worse than that, he was armed and had my wife in front of him. I pulled my firearm, but couldn't get a clear shot.
I had to stand there and watch as he filled his pockets with jewels and cash. He then shoved her down to ground and took off out the door and disappeared into the night.
A few days later, I found out who he was. He lived in an apartment building in the next state. Apartment 14C.
So, I blew up the building.
Freedom of the press is for the people not the government , Hugo Black ,Supreme Court ruling on the Pentagon Papers
Tell that to justice Jackson.
I wonder how many of those on this comments page who support compulsory national service just graduated from high school. My guess would be zero...
Now, about the Torygraph and WWIII, the 80s called and wants its Nuclear Holocaust(TM) back.
Now, I DO agree that we are in a prewar era--and WWIII will be very much like WWII, but this time in a three-theater multiplex (Pac Rim centered on Taiwan and perhaps Japan and South Korea, Eastern Europe centered on the Russian border from the Baltics to Ukraine, and the Middle East centered on Israel). The New Axis will be Russia, the PRC, and whatever part of Araby that joins them, plus a few PITA states like Venezuela and Cuba.
Nukes? No country will use nukes against another nuclear power unless it is 100% sure retaliation is impossible (perhaps if a country commandeers an enemy's nuclear arsenal, directly or indirectly); maybe as a coup de grace. Tactical nukes included. MAD will hold.
Of course, this does not eliminate the possibility that nukes get used against a non-nuclear power that is using, say, chemical or some other beyond-the-pale weapons.
WWIV will be a lot like Quest for Fire.
Regarding national service: The libertarian in me bristles at the suggestion, and I don't believe in some kind of open-ended, blank-check sense of national obligation strictly for its own sake. However:
1) Universal military service would give everyone a basic set of life and job skills that has been sorely lacking for many under the age of 60 (I say this as a 57YO GenXer), not to mention a sense of purpose and development of other positive attributes, such as grit. For conscientious objectors or those not qualified for military service, other avenues of service could be provided.
2) We are in a prewar era, whether anyone likes it or not. So we might as well get prepared. Go back and read how flat-footed our military was when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The US military had to do a lot, really fast, with not a lot of pre-existing systems and materiel.
3) Our country is going to have to become more self-sufficient, particularly if we go to war against some of our suppliers of goods.
Heeey how about those reader recommendations, huh?? Pretty cool stuff…