Do you think that National Service should be re-introduced to Britain?

[Badinfluence]

Perhaps a little discipline, tidiness,& respect; All absent from major parts of the youth in Britain today,
Maybe the side effects of what is needed in this great country.And that should apply to...All. Just look at the decline, after 30 or 40 years without. you do the math..

 

[Jesus made me do it]

o tempora, o mores. Which means old people have been complaining about kids since they learned how to scratch a tablet. Crime was at it's highest in the war years, teenage pregnancy was three time what it is today in the 40's and 50's and drug abuse only became a problem when drugs were outlawed.

 

[Jim B]

Never did national service but I think it should be given to certain offenders as rehabilitation.
I learnt respect and a sense of purpose at home but for many this is not possible when their parents are for some reason not able or willing to provide it. National service for all is unfair as there are a lot of young people out there that are well adjusted young adults and a credit to their communities.

 

[??? ?]

No and why should they. And even if they were made to they probably don't have much respect for this country anyway. The way the youth act today is the direct consequence of the older generation, they are the ones who should pay.

 

[Mr_R_Swipe]

Take 80,000 ill educated chavs and give them rifles... you do the math.

 

[blackgrumpycat]

Good lord no. It would be violating human rights. Discipline, respect and tidiness should start in the home.

 

[The Dark Side]

It's an idea and worth considering. Whether we can afford it is another matter but it might well have non-financial benefits that make it worth it. Two of my favourite places to visit are Germany and Switzerland, both of which still have it and it's done them no harm at all. Though whether we want to go as far as Switzerland, where all adult males are reservists and required to keep their rifle at home "just in case", checking it in every year to make sure it hasn't been improperly used, until the age of 30, is another matter. It works for them, but the Swiss are a VERY self-disciplined lot - one of my best friends is Swiss so I know.

Now since when did anyone British talk about "do the math"? It has always been maths to me.