National Service program will help youth

(Courtesy of MySanAntonio.com)
by Robert G. Reed III

Three teenagers shoot a jogger in the back and leave him to die. Two teenagers beat an elderly World War II vet to death. One of these incidents was in Oklahoma and the other in the state of Washington.
In New York City, a judge has ordered police to stop a search-and-frisk procedure, and residents of Harlem are upset by the ruling, citing statements from youths that they will start carrying guns again with no fear of police interference.

Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

YOSEMITE NTL PARK, CA - AUGUST 28: Park visitors stand on the beach of a Yosemite Valley river on August 28, 2013 in Yosemite National Park, California. As the Rim Fire continues to burn on the western edge of Yosemite National Park, the valley floor of the park remains open. The Rim Fire has charred more than 190,000 acres of forest and is currently 30 percent contained.

You are probably aware of the statistics that poverty rates are as high as they ever have been despite the expenditures of trillions of dollars on the problems. You also know, no doubt, of the failure of our public education system and the high incidence of out-of-wedlock birthrates.

The point I'm making is that the United States has a real problem with its youth, and it is going to take real effort to correct it. I'm sick of hearing politicians and apologists saying we've got to “reach out.” What we've got to do is make hard decisions and make them soon.

First, let's institute National Service and require every citizen in the U.S. to register for it upon reaching the age of 16. As long as they are in school and succeeding, they will be excused, but they must give two years to national service before their 26th birthday. No exceptions. National service will include the military, Peace Corps and the National Forestry Service, for example.

Second, before starting a National Service, each citizen will pass an exam that will include English proficiency, math and reading skills. Since many people will fail, plans must be made to administer remedial education, which will in all likelihood be a major undertaking. Passing these requirements will also make a person eligible to vote.

Money for these programs will be provided by current welfare, education and other social programs. I am convinced that, if carried out effectively, a more responsible and educated populace will ultimately make a significant contribution to correcting our financial situation. They will produce things and pay taxes.

Whatever your politics, producing responsible, productive young people, who are tomorrow's adults, must concern you. Contact your elected officials, send them this paper or other ideas and urge them to get started.

This is a national emergency and we better treat it that way.

Robert G. Reed III is retired. He was CEO of Pacific Resources Honolulu and is a former executive vice president for Tesoro.

Reference Link: http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/National-Service-program-will-help-youth-4783906.php