I really like your entry and agree with your point that people should complete a political studies class before being eligable to vote. However, I am completely against compulsary millitary service.
If Australia was to adopt some form of compulsary national service I'd want us to go more in the direction that Norway has; National Service can be served in the military, or in a number of other government departments. Our old Norwegian exchange student did his service in a government run nursing home, for example.
I agree with poxy, and add that Denmark has the same system. I think it could be a great boost to our society if everyone were required to serve a period in community service before being granted the right to vote... Though I do still think citizenship itself should be innate, and agree with your point that a course in our political system would be very useful (especially given we seem to expect immigrants to be able to answer questions on it before being granted citizenship).
The political studies unit could be used as an instrument of intellectual manipulation, but if the requirements of the course are to understand the issues involved in the political process it would create an awareness. Obviously the curriculum would have to be carefully monitored.
"Here in Russia there are a lot of guys...with combat experience...The government feels okay." Russia experienced two violent coups within one year, led by guys with combat experience. I'd say that the leaders are quite aware that a violent uprising would be a bad thing. The power of a government is based on the support of the people. If they lose that, it won't matter how big their army is. Governments have good reason to fear their people and those who don't will eventually go the way of the tzars.
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If Australia was to adopt some form of compulsary national service I'd want us to go more in the direction that Norway has; National Service can be served in the military, or in a number of other government departments. Our old Norwegian exchange student did his service in a government run nursing home, for example.
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"Here in Russia there are a lot of guys...with combat experience...The government feels okay."
Russia experienced two violent coups within one year, led by guys with combat experience. I'd say that the leaders are quite aware that a violent uprising would be a bad thing. The power of a government is based on the support of the people. If they lose that, it won't matter how big their army is. Governments have good reason to fear their people and those who don't will eventually go the way of the tzars.
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