vikingshadow
07-13-2006, 06:30 PM
called Starship Troopers yesterday morning (amazing what comes on in the mornings!) when I noticed they were talking about being a citizen. Now, from what I could understand from the movie, the only way to become a citizen of whatever government they were talking about, you had to serve in the military in some capacity. Then, they had the right to vote, run for political office, and so forth because they had volunteered their lives to their government and in return were reaping benefits. Also, from what I could tell, this was a totally voluntary thing. One of the lines they had, I think his name was Casper something or other, said, "I once questioned what a citizen was. Now I know it's someone who has the courage to give his life for his country."
Also, it appeared that if you chose NOT to serve, you still could do pretty well, just not have a say in things government related.
Ok, sure, it's a cheezy sci-fi movie, but the concept intrigued me somewhat. Sometime over the past few months, I had heard a news report that suggested all people serve in the military for a specified length of time, including politician's kids, rich people's kids and so on. It would guarantee that people realize what this country is about, give them a chance to do something for the country besides ***** about it's leaders or whatever, and would give them a sense of actually "owning" the country. They keep what they fight for, so to speak.
So, what do you think of this? I'll hold my comments on this for now because I want to see your responses. But, this would affect me as much as anyone, because I have two daughters that would grow up into this.
Let's try to keep this on topic and the flame fest down. This is not a "BASH BUSH" or "PRAISE BUSH" thread. It's not about the economy, though in a round about way, it could be.
By the way, for some reason, I kind of liked the movie. I'd read the book a while back - think it's by Heinlein, one of my favorites.
Also, it appeared that if you chose NOT to serve, you still could do pretty well, just not have a say in things government related.
Ok, sure, it's a cheezy sci-fi movie, but the concept intrigued me somewhat. Sometime over the past few months, I had heard a news report that suggested all people serve in the military for a specified length of time, including politician's kids, rich people's kids and so on. It would guarantee that people realize what this country is about, give them a chance to do something for the country besides ***** about it's leaders or whatever, and would give them a sense of actually "owning" the country. They keep what they fight for, so to speak.
So, what do you think of this? I'll hold my comments on this for now because I want to see your responses. But, this would affect me as much as anyone, because I have two daughters that would grow up into this.
Let's try to keep this on topic and the flame fest down. This is not a "BASH BUSH" or "PRAISE BUSH" thread. It's not about the economy, though in a round about way, it could be.
By the way, for some reason, I kind of liked the movie. I'd read the book a while back - think it's by Heinlein, one of my favorites.