Government exists to uphold and defend the rights of the citizenry. Every other task which is undertaken by government is doomed to failure,
and would be better served by others.
Government takes on every expensive, unpleasant or heavy handed task that no one else is willing to do but that most of it's citizens feel needs doing. That is why the government will never be popular but will always be necessary.
People that opted out of Federal service weren't persecuted in any way. They owned businesses, held jobs, and were otherwise free to pursue their own endeavors, just like everybody else.
The problem I see with this working is money.
Some English guy (I forget his name) said
A democracy lasts until it's citizens discover they can vote themselves money from it's treasury.
Well, our citizens have figured that out. When I see interviews with random people on the street and they are asked who they will vote for and WHY, it always comes down to Because he will put more money in my pocket.
As compelling as Heinline's political argument is, I see nothing to prevent this same effect in his system, and worse, it would probably be done mostly at the expense of the non-voter until his society had conscription in all but name.
The problem with OUR political system is not corruption at the top -- that is just a symptom. It is that the average voter has no ethics and has traded his integrity for a few dollars.
Slashdot Mirror
Government exists to uphold and defend the rights of the citizenry. Every other task which is undertaken by government is doomed to failure, and would be better served by others.
Government takes on every expensive, unpleasant or heavy handed task that no one else is willing to do but that most of it's citizens feel needs doing. That is why the government will never be popular but will always be necessary.
Did any of you notice who created the internet?
Scratch Monkey
The problem I see with this working is money.
Some English guy (I forget his name) said Well, our citizens have figured that out. When I see interviews with random people on the street and they are asked who they will vote for and WHY, it always comes down to Because he will put more money in my pocket.
As compelling as Heinline's political argument is, I see nothing to prevent this same effect in his system, and worse, it would probably be done mostly at the expense of the non-voter until his society had conscription in all but name.
The problem with OUR political system is not corruption at the top -- that is just a symptom. It is that the average voter has no ethics and has traded his integrity for a few dollars.
Scratch Monkey
And then give the proceeds to OSS projects. Man, the BS is getting thick in this business.