4th of July Challenge

[ordnance11]

Dartz wrote:

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ordnance11 wrote:

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Dartz wrote:Less than 30.... quite a bit less.

I would argue however, that stripping citizenship from someone based on the results of a test is rife for abuse. Louisiana Voter Literacy tests, anyone? It's already easy enough to disenfranchise people as it is....

The premise is that you were not one to begin with at birth and must earn it. Which puts you on an even footing with the descendants of the plymouth rock brethren if they have to do it also.

I would agree that the possibility for abuse  on the test is great. That's why I think Heinlein's idea of citizenship is a good one. You get citizens, who are eligible to vote and permanent residents, who cannot vote. Everyone has equal protection under the law, except for the right to vote. To earn the right to be a citizen, you need to a served a number of years in full time civilian community or military service, starting at the age of majority. Successful completion of your service would make you a citizen. Only a citizen can vote. And only a citizen can run for public office.

The main reason I think it is a good idea is because I already had gone through this route, so I will admit bias on this idea.

The problem with Heinlein's concept... acknowledged in the book AFAIK... is finding enough stuff for everyone who wants to be a citizen to do. And, for that matter, choosing who gets to do what. By random lotto? By merit? Either way is going to create some form of dissafected subclass who want rights but can't get them for whatever reason.

America is already disturbingly military-happy in many ways.

IIRC, West Germany in the 80's had a set-up of either community service or Bundeswer when you get called up. As as to who get's do do what, the first thing is that you must want to be a citizen. You can then register and let Uncle Sam choose for you or you volunteer. Peace Corps, volunteer firefighter, Civilian Conservation Corps, Americorps, environmental remediation are tasks that springs into mind for a kid coming out of high school. Or go get a college diploma and do your time then. Or not do your time and you get a boring and normal life. Except you do not get to vote.
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