Just got a leaflet through my door from david cameron - I didn't realise they are planning to bring back NATIONAL SERVICE for 16 year olds

58 replies

serengeti · 06/05/2010 12:29

I think this is a terrible idea.
Ay thoughts?

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Original poster

serengeti · 06/05/2010 12:46

Voluntary? - doesn't say that in his election leaflet.

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longfingernailspaintedblue · 06/05/2010 12:38

A voluntary National Citizen Service scheme.

And Cameron hasn't just put it in the manifesto. He has set up a successful pilot programme with charities.

Sounds like a great idea to me.

Original poster

serengeti · 06/05/2010 12:37

Yep missed it- stuck in new baby land so just watching snippets.
Cor blimey.

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AbsOfCroissant · 06/05/2010 12:37

I am kind of in agreement with it, but it depends what kind of national service. I have quite a few friends from other countries who did it in their home countries - it may not necessarily be things like going to war (sucks. A few friends did military service, some up to three years), but could be things like community volunteering, teaching kids to read etc. etc.For some Austrians I met, they were sent overseas to work in an old people's home for a year. Worse things have happened to 18 year olds.

luciemule · 06/05/2010 12:36

I was actually chatting to DH about this the other day and tbh, although he disagrees with the forces having anything to do with it (he's an army officer and thinks only people who want to be there should be there), we both feel that a community service type National Service would be really good. In Germany, they can either do the army thing or social care and I think the social care (doing community gardens/helping in soup kitchens/working in charity shops/working in residential homes) would make a huge difference to younger people. The country's youth is going wayward and has been for the last 10 yrs and something drastic needs to be done. I don't feel safe going anywhere at night and so don't and I live in a very lovely market town. I dread to think how I would feel living in a big town or city. Young people need boundaries and they've pretty much lost them. we need to create a country where people aren't afraid to leave their homes for fear of being mugged etc.

AbsOfCroissant · 06/05/2010 12:35

Erm, didn't you miss all the kerfuffle about this a couple of weeks ago? They even dragged out Michael Caine out to endorse it

geraldinetheluckygoat · 06/05/2010 12:33

I don't think its THAT bad an idea, but I didnt vote Tory anyway

Original poster

serengeti · 06/05/2010 12:31

Oops pressed create conversation not preview.

Any thoughts??

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