Clark's Proposal for a Civilian Reserve

[Indiana_Dem]

to replace the Freedom Corps, Americorps, & Citizen Corps. I guess like a Homeland Security Peacecorps type of program--what do you think about this?

I couldn't find anything on the Dean site for anything like this.

It is voluntary and he wants to fund it where Bush hasn't funded any of the above programs like he said he would.

I don't know what to think.

[revcarol]

1. Will try and look at the proposal with a magnifying glass...

tomorrow. Sounds a little too "military" at this point. "Reserve." The Americorps people were busting their butts off to help society...they aren't any "reserve."

[Indiana_Dem]

2. Thanks

I like to hear different viewpoints before I come to a conclusion!

[Mattforclark]

3. It has nothing to do with the military

Which you will discover tomorrow. Thanks for making the time to look at Clark's proposed policies.

There are many people currently unemployed that could be doing vitally important work all across the third world under Clark's plan.

[SahaleArm]

9. It's a service plan...

Civilian Reserve, as in something kept available for future civilian need. Joining such an entity would be completely voluntary. If you join there is a commitment, but it has nothing to do with the military. If you don't join then there is no commitment. If you don't like the terms you don't have to join.

http://clark04.com/issues/serviceplan/

[mouse7]

11. Good idea. I'd like to see American Red Cross de-emphisized

The administrators of the American Red Cross are getting rich off the donations people send in. Dole was making almost $300,000 a year salary, which she still collected while onleave campaigning for her husband in 1996. The administrators evidentally get commission from the donations they generate. The San Diego branch got in all kinds of hot water recently.

American Red Cross is getting rich off of blood bank tasks as well.

[RandomUser]

4. Here's what DU'ers thought when it first came out months ago

It was discussed at some length when the policy was first released. Generally, it was favorably recieved on DU, though some had reservations at first.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=532548

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=547619

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=545351

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=548650

I find it to be a masterful move to strategically force Bush to attack patriotism if he wants to attack democrats, not to mention the fact that the Civilian reserve works on several levels.

[Indiana_Dem]

6. Wow! Thank you

I can chew on those posts for awhile! lol

[RafterMan]

5. It's not really a replacement...

...so much as an enhancement. Americorps would still be an "active" volunteer force, dealing with steady, nagging problems here at home.

Basically, the civilian reserve works as a sort of volunteer registry, where people list their skills and willingness to be called upon in the event of need.

One example he cites is the invasion of Haiti. The marines landed unopposed, but who could provide the legal/policing skills needed to restabilize the country? They had to wade through the national guard rolls to find what they needed -- but they did so to call upon their civillian skills, not those learned in the guard. With the civilian reserve corps, they could have just called people who had signed up and listed the needed skills.

The same holds true if there were an earthquake, hurricane or large fire here in the States. Or calling on ironworkers if terrorists brought down another building (though uncoordinated volunteers did a great job on the WTC site). Or IT workers to support humanitarian intervention in some overseas crumbling state. Or whatever.

The point is, after Sept. 11 or the Afghan war, people really wanted to *do* something, but Bush's only advice was to "go shopping". The civilian reserve is a way to put that goodwill talent to work when it's needed and where it's needed.

I think it's a great program.

[Indiana_Dem]

7. Thanks for your input! n/t

[necso]

8. Good idea.

I like it.

Patriotism is defined by more than mouthing some right wing rant and cant and having someone else make all the sacrifices. Serving (sacrificing for) one's nation, locally, nationally or even internationally is the true standard. Just proposing such a program shows up all the chickenhawks and false patriots for the hypocrites that they are.

I have long felt that all US citizens should be required to fulfill a service commitment. While this is a little too radical for most folks, enabling service by all citizens is a good compromise.

[Indiana_Dem]

10. Yes I agree

I must get some shut eye now--I'll be back in the morning!

Thanks everyone!

[Printer70]

12. Be a Volunteer for when the next Terrorist strikes

I don't think it's a wise move to continue the politics of fear. This isn't a bad idea but the underlying message it sends Americans- that the next attack is around the corner and first responders alone can't handle the task is both untrue and fear-mongering.