the main word here "was"

i think we should require some sort of service for people to become public officials and hold important government positions, but not to simply be a citizen or have the right to vote.

Voting should not be a right, for a start.

I did 14 years and ended up overseas 3 times. I got a lot of issues as a result. Honestly wouldn't wish it on anyone who doesn't do it by their own choosing

If you want a say in how things run you should earn it.

@HandyJack That's how my grandparents were brought up. And because of it they taught me some great lessons on responsibility and respect

theres also talk of reducing military spending and shrinking our military ( <#722683196373991506> ) so how would forcing a massive amount of people into service effect the quality of training, and paying them?

switzerland requires 1 year and you get to keep all the guns you were issued so everyone is armed and they also have one of the lowest crime rates in the world per capita!

I kind of agree with what youre saying, Rational.

I do however support the idea that elected officials have to serve in the military or other first reaponder role before holding office. Would make them have an understanding of accountability to your community

I wasn't suggesting military service only.

I think people should prove themselves worthy of society to have a say in how society is changed and how the laws are formed, but i dont necessarily agree with how you want to do that, you know?

Yep.

The point of discussion is to throw ideas around.

Also, Rider JT, excellent point i like to use that as well, but Switzerland is a MUCH smaller country, and their population is a lot more homogenous than the US

I see a massive flaw in the way we are going, and the aim is to try to rectify the flaw.

I joined military course or smth like that, dunno how to translate it right, to become an ofiicer with 1 goal:
Not to be forced to service

the US is a melting pot of cultures, skin colors, and religious beliefs.

My state is so screwed up from being run my Dems. I wish I could afford to run the State and get it back under control

Holy crap, some people agree with you, some don't and no one is reverting to character attacks?!? This is NOT how social media is supposed to be

*delurks* Anything not earned is often not appreciated. Also: "Those who crave power are the ones that should never have it".

*Relurks*

^

i like that

just like someone else said yesterday (one of my favorite quotes that ties into what Imajica said) Strong men create easy times, easy times create weak men, weak men create hard times, hard time create strong men.

@Wardog Well I've been in small towns that were crime and drug infested to the tee! I don't buy the "population" argument! Again it's a lot to do with your upbringing!

@TrashPandas4lyf Shows the difference between "Left" and "Right"

Good point.

Changes I would consider - no vote until you do a form of community service or are a tax payer - limited terms for politicians who must have children, actually live in their constituency (and not in the highest socio-economic area), send their kids to the local school (no private school).

@rcb1998 I had an old buddy, a lefty, straight up tell me that if a war came down on partizan lines, he'd have no hesitation shooting me in the face

I like where youre getting with those propositions

`Changes I would consider - no vote until you do a form of community service or are a tax payer - limited terms for politicians who must have children, actually live in their constituency (and not in the highest socio-economic area), send their kids to the local school (no private school).`
EVIL RACIST VOTER SUPPRESSER REEEEEEEEEEEEEE

we need term limits for ALL public government/political positions.

> @Wardog Well I've been in small towns that were crime and drug infested to the tee! I don't buy the "population" argument! Again it's a lot to do with your upbringing!
@Rider JT

Russian small towns often are infested with drugs and crime as well. Being a mostly homogenous country doesn't help it so, I think, diversity is not the reason for it

@Wardog Agreed! And NO lifetime anything after they're done! They go back to the private sector!

Plus if you are elected to a district, focus on the district, not the nation as a whole. What works in the Bronx doesn't work in bumfuck Idaho

@TrashPandas4lyf Unfortunatly, it's not too far from the truth.

`limited terms for politicians who must have children, actually live in their constituency (and not in the highest socio-economic area), send their kids to the local school (no private school).`
wait... are you saying politicians with children should have limited terms, but not childless politicians?

*delurks* I'm a bit of an anarchist. There should be term limits with a death sentence at the end. It would weed out the ones who just wanted to screw things up.

or the other way around?

LMAO