The Draft: Kerry Advocates Mandatory Service to Graduate from High School

With all the bogus stories flying around out there about a possible return of the draft, it would appear that CBS and those on the left are overlooking one important fact. It would appear that John Kerry himself is pushing a plan to create a "New Army of Patriots."

On a page that has been pulled from the official John Kerry site, but stored forever in the Web Archives of the Wayback Machine, details for these plans are clearly outlined. Here's just a sample:

...John Kerry believes that in these times, we need to bolster these efforts with a nationwide commitment to national service. Whether it is a Summer of Service for our teenagers, helping young people serve their country in return for college, or the Older Americans in Service program, John Kerry's plan will call on every American of every age and every background to serve. John Kerry will set a goal of one million Americans a year in national service within the next decade.

John Kerry Outlines Plan to Require Service for High School Students

...As part of his 100 day plan to change America, John Kerry will propose a comprehensive service plan that includes requiring mandatory service for high school students and four years of college tuition in exchange for two years of national service.

"Service for College" Initiative

...A Kerry Administration will offer Americans the chance to earn the equivalent of their state's four-year public college tuition in exchange for two years of service. If service members decide not to go to college, their award can be used for job training or to help start a business. John Kerry will set a national goal of half a million young people serving their nation every year within ten years.

100,000 Older Americans in Service

As President, John Kerry will defend and strengthen vital programs such as Medicare and Social Security, but he also believes on calling on America's seniors to give their time, experience, and expertise to an America that needs their help. As President, John Kerry would create the Retired Not Tired Program. ... Alternatively, seniors will be able to use these funds to defray their own health care costs. John Kerry plans to engage 100,000 seniors a year in service in the next decade.

High School Service Requirement

As President, John Kerry will ensure that every high school student in America performs community service as a requirement for graduation. This service will be a rite of passage for our nation’s youth and will help foster a lifetime of service. States would design service programs that meet their community and educational needs.

Creating a New Community Defense Service

John Kerry believes we must create a new Community Defense Service to be guided by our nation’s first responders. This service would be comprised of hundreds of thousands of Americans in neighborhoods all over the country.

A Summer of Service for Teenagers

Thirteen to seventeen year olds are too old for child care and too young for many summer jobs. John Kerry believes we should tap their energy and idealism through a summer of service learning. Supervised by AmeriCorps members, these young people could help out in nursing homes, clean up local areas, or teach seniors computer skills. In turn, they would receive a $500 grant to apply to their college or vocational educations down the road.

To me, a lot of this sounds like indentured servitude...blatant socialism. "The Nations Youth Resources?" Where have we heard this before? Forcing children into civilian service? Who are they kidding?

Hey kid! Want to graduate? You owe Uncle Sam two free years of your life! Yo Grandma! You want all your medicines and health care? Give us 10 hours a week!

"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs..."

UPDATE: A reader says the following:

Looks like the Kerry Serivce plan was moved (not really "pulled" unless you consider that it looks much revised from the previous info).

here:
http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/national_service/

and here:
http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/national_service/plan.html

Anyhow, it's saved on the Wayback Machine. Thanks goodness for Sherman and Mr. Peabody.