March 23, 2009 5:37 PM
Mandatory "volunteerism" - HR 1388 - your kids at stake
I mentioned the other day my thought that while the rage of the masses was being purposely pumped up and focused on AIG executives to divert public attention from the real scoundrels - our elected officials - as well as my suspicion that the whole issue might well be a big distraction from other goings-on Obama&Co would prefer not to have the public notice.
Well how about conscription of a citizen army (as in Nazi Germany)? See, while we were busy trying to keep track of how many trillions O&Co are spending, and following their pointing fingers, our House of Representatives passed a bill which paves the way for our children to be conscripted as "volunteers."
HR1388 Passes House | Mandatory Volunteerism
Mandatory volunteerism" is one step closer to becoming a reality in America, thanks to HR 1388.
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D-NY] and 37 other co-sponsors introduced this public service bill to the floor of the House of Representatives, where both Republicans and Democrats combined to vote 321-105 in favor. Next it goes to the Senate
for a vote, then to President Obama's desk for his signature or veto.The title of HR 1388 - "Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education" (GIVE) - creates an acronym that is entirely more charitable than the reality of the bill, says the blog Bungalow Bill's Conservative Wisdom.
Bill claims it will "force your children into involuntary service to the government," and points out that numerous critics of the bill agree that HR 1388 does indeed require Americans and their children to volunteer for community service. It will costs each and every American a $3 cash advance apiece in 2010 to implement.
Nothing wrong with that in principle, but...
How long and to what extent will service be required? Will peoplehave a choice in where and how they serve, and what period of time thewill commit? Bill fears that, based on Mr. Obama's own history of community organization (he worked with ACORN),people might be assigned to work on projects with objects that are notin concert with what the general public believe to be "public service."Straight from the mouth of the recent pork-laden spending bill, HR 1388 is a spending bill. It promises college education credits for teenagers who volunteer. But Bungalow Bill and
any other right-thinking person would question what's in it for the government. "Will this be more indoctrination for this collective philosophy that has suddenly come out of Washington since January 20?" Bill asks.Read entire article here.
And FoxNews reports:
House Passes Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service
The legislation will expand the1993 AmeriCorps program to match the renewed interest in national service since President Obama's election, which backers say is crucial in tough economic times.
WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives passed a measure Wednesday that supporters are calling the most sweeping reform of nationally-backed volunteer programs since AmeriCorps. But some opponents are strongly criticizing the legislation, calling it expensive indoctrination and forced advocacy.
The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, known as the GIVE Act -- sponsored by Reps. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y, and George Miller, D-Calif. -- was approved by a 321-105 vote and now goes to the Senate.
Read entire article here.
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Comments
My college freshman got a job at the Democratic convention this summer and worked for the Obama campaign. He tried to get into the Republican convention but could not without buying into some expensive program. He so enjoyed his work with Obama and the Democrats, but he is still a Republican. What's wonderful is that he knows how the Democrats work, the strong parts and the weak. What is important to him did not change. He finds it frustrating that the Republicans can't seem to find a way to work out their issues.
He's going to apply for some internships, first with Republicans and if he can't get them, with the Democrats. He is learning a lot working with those who do not agree with him.
Posted by: Cath Young | March 23, 2009 7:17 PM
Barbara ~ Thanks for keeping us up on the issues. I check in every day and I feel like I know more about what is going on in politics because of you. Thanks so very much!
Posted by: Lori | March 23, 2009 11:41 PM
During election season, I first heard that Obama and Biden were on record supporting this type of thing. This became my #1 reason to vote against Obama, and that's not to discount the abortion issue, which I've been voting against for 25 years. But this oxymoron, mandatory volunteerism, is an outrage as well. No one of any age should be required by the government to render services without compensation--that's enslavement. So they'll give college credit? In our area, the high schools are already requiring community service to graduate. What will the government eventually do when people are already comfortable giving the schools this power? Maybe it seems benign, but this isn't like earning a Scouts badge. These students would be seriously hindered without their diploma, which they've already earned through 12 years of academic achievement. I'm in favor of encouraging, by example, genuine volunteer work. I've volunteered as a teenager and adult, and my homeschooled teenager volunteers at the public library. But it is not the government's place to extract work from us, and we must not allow them to ennoble this abuse with their doublespeak either.
Posted by: evergreen | March 24, 2009 1:04 PM
"Mandatory volunteerism"? Um... can you really put those two terms together?
I do vaguely remember the cry "You can't legislate morality!" being thrown about by folks on the left in response to conservative laws in the past. Just wondering what happened to that sentiment...
Now we're told that big government programs and paying big government taxes = compassion, neighborliness and patriotism, and that big government control is what is necessary to control greedy people and ensure that right is done.
THE PLAIN TRUTH IS THAT OUR HUMAN HEARTS ARE SINFUL AND MUST BE SUBMITTED TO GOD ALONE TO PRODUCE RIGHTEOUSNESS!! Yes, capitalism/small government doesn't eliminate greed and wrong-doing. There are several quotes from our founding fathers acknowledging that the success of our democratic republic hinges upon the private morality of our people. Hence, our ever-increasing problems.
But big government/socialism/communism doesn't change the problem of our sinful, unregenerate hearts. In fact, it exacerbates the problem by concentrating power into the hands of the few, where "absolute power corrupts absolutely"! At least in a democratic, capitalistic system it is at least possible for the checks and balances and a moral many to keep unrighteous behavior in check.
The solution for our current crisis of sinful, selfish hearts will never be found in government control,and will only be made worse by it. It seems that our spiritual eyes are so tightly closed that we can't see this! Lord, have mercy.
Posted by: Marian | March 24, 2009 1:58 PM
Well, I look a this as an eye opener for all the crunchy liberal families out there who aren't so keen on teaching their kids responsibility, or perhaps being responsible parents themselves. The kind of parents who are into letting kids "find" themselves. What will they think of their Messiah "forcing" their kids to do something against their will? Let's let the irony be tbe silver lining, because I'm certain it will be these Obama supporters who are most vocally against this. Heck, these are the parents who freak out about school dress codes!!
Posted by: Kelly | March 24, 2009 3:37 PM
Has anyone contacted HSLDA and brought this to their attention so that they could possibly issue E-lerts about it?
Posted by: R. P. | March 25, 2009 2:04 AM
I am doing my part to make sure my representatives know I am against this. If it passes, at least I tried. I am not going to worry about it though....my family will not particiapte...whether compulsory or not.
Posted by: Tammy | March 25, 2009 8:01 PM
Contact your Representatives and Senators.
Posted by: A Mac and a Mug o 'Joe | March 25, 2009 10:58 PM
