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What I think is interesting is how it isn't very hard to see Cheney proposing an extension of the Roman law of citizenship into US law.

Illegals will only be able to become bona fide citizens if the enlist in the army.

Then any person intending citizenship will have to enlist.

You can see that then becoming the Robert Heinlen/Starship Troopers vision of voting citizenship only becoming conferred by "service", however constituted, for residents.

And, of course, there's all those Columbians fighting for the growth of Dick's wallet in Iraq.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 02:31:59 PM EST
Well apart from the fact that most of the cabinet, and most of their supporters would be banned from becoming citizens.

Life should consist in at least fifty percent pure waste of time, and the rest doing what you please.
by ceebs (bunchofwankers (at) gmail (dot) com) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 03:41:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Oh I'm sure "service" will be defined in such a way as to protect rich people's kids.

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 04:02:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]
We will have to make sure you get presented with the International big cynics medalion in gold ;-)

Life should consist in at least fifty percent pure waste of time, and the rest doing what you please.
by ceebs (bunchofwankers (at) gmail (dot) com) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 05:29:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]
"Service" in Heinlein was not restricted to military service either, and people were supposed to have a measure of choice about their assignment.

Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?
by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 06:33:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Ironically, the current all volunteer military concept was sold to the American public following the Vietnam War, just when everyone was sick of seeing their loved ones drafted and sent to war.   The "all volunteer military" is one of my pet peeves, because it ensures that the rich kids never have to serve, while children of the poor and middle classes seek refuge in the military as a viable alternative to paying the expenses of advanced education (a military perk) and steady employment.

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears
by Gringo (stargazing camel at aoldotcom) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 10:34:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I sometimes wonder if the US education system is left to wither in order to encourage the poor and middle classes to sign up and actually get an education

keep to the Fen Causeway
by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Jun 7th, 2007 at 01:09:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Well, by education in the military I meant to say that the Gov. sponsors a savings program for military members that allows them to accumulate money for university.  They could do without the life experience education you speak about.

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears
by Gringo (stargazing camel at aoldotcom) on Fri Jun 8th, 2007 at 04:52:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Well, if the proposed legislation dealing with the illegal population passes and the illegals subsequently become residents (not citizens), I assume they will have to register for the military draft (not currently being used).  If the draft is activated, they could be forced into the military like any other resident.  Only officers must be citizens.  

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears
by Gringo (stargazing camel at aoldotcom) on Wed Jun 6th, 2007 at 10:39:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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