FiftyUps Back Compulsory National Service
There wouldn’t be many FiftyUp Club members amongst us who don’t remember something of the sixties and the dreaded days of Compulsory National Service.
I say dreaded because sentiment was turning against the Vietnam War, and the Australian people gave Gough Whitlam a mandate to end Compulsory National Service and conscription, which he did in December 1972.
Our parents breathed a sigh of relief, and so too did many of us.
FiftyUp Club recently conducted a poll of more than 600 members with an overwhelming response. An astounding 88% of those polled were in favour of compulsory national service, with most of those preferring non-military service as an option.
The key findings show 43% of FifityUp Club members support compulsory national service for all young people citing the discipline of military training.
Nearly half, 45% supported compulsory national service, but said it doesn’t all need to be military. Just 9% believe young Australians should be free to make their own choices.
On our Facebook page, discipline was a common theme, whether it be military style or civic participation like community service and volunteering, many of you thought younger Australians are missing the discipline of such training.
Further, the FiftyUp Club also received comments from members saying it would better serve young Australians who are not working or studying at the moment, a sentiment I share strongly.
I would love you to get involved in our forum on this one. Click Here to Have your Say
Is it because our teachers over the years have lost so much authority? Is it because police have arguably lost so much of their ability to exert authority? Is it because we, as parents, have forfeited a level of authority in this politically correct day and age?
Compulsory national service is integral to the upbringing of young people in many countries, particularly Europe. The youth don’t run from it, they serve it with pride.
Let’s get talking. Let’s call on one of the major parties step up to the plate and take a stand on this one. A proper public debate is needed, maybe even an old style Town Hall debate.
I will leave you with my final thought on the matter. Idleness and unemployment is a scourge on our society, particularly among the young. It leads to crime, addictions, a lack of work ethic and bitterness.
Call me old fashioned, and I hate anything to do with war, but …
Until Next Time,
Warm Regards
John
