Usher, Laura Bush Say 'Yeah!' to ServiceNation
Reader Comments
First Lady Laura Bush public support for National Service
Below is a question I hope ServiceNation will ask of the Candidates, and 2003 reply from the 1st Lady's office.
1 of 3 replies from the White House, after I wrote to 200+ individual staff on the value of replacing the Selective Service System with a voluntary Participatory Citizenship System, with superior registration and feedback requirements.
My specific interest since 1980 was the creation of a Youth Energy Efficiency Corps to counterbalance a future U.S. war in the Persian Gulf.
I hope the First Lady, Usher and the many other leaders have a good time, and talk about real policy choices rather than another feel good pep-rally, that is more show then substance.
Question:
As a 30-year advocate for replacing the Selective Service System with a National Service System I find myself in a gray zone between liberals and conservatives. I have advocated a 1979 Congressional bill that would have provided a service-learning challenge to male and female youth by having them register at 17, be encourage to debate the meaning of constructive citizenship with their friends, families, if in school, in school; and at 18 give a simple starting reply of yes, no, or maybe until age 23. This reply would start them on the path of finding a program, activity they desire to volunteer for be it in a variety of community or military contracted periods of service, and in the long-term provide a pragmatic approach towards community based participatory citizenship.
I hope all Presidential Candidates will go on record, and ask their fellow Congressional candidates to also go on record towards a robust, 100-day debate and vote on this national wake-up call!
Sorry for the complexity of the question.
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I am one foolish military veteran that finds it hard to communicate with those that claim to be leaders in our society, responsible for finding the best solutions this nation must consider as a viable future. I hope YOU agree, and help make this happen!
Peter P Jesella
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 24, 2003
Dear Mr. Jesella:
Thank you for the letter expressing your views. We welcome the perspective of people who, like you, care a great deal about important issues and have taken the time to write.
We have noted your comments and shared your letter with the appropriate members of the White House staff.
Sincerely,
Anne Heiligensten
Director of Projects
Office of Laura Bush
Five years later, and still more talk, and little legislative action that creates meaningful change in each community across this vast nation.
One can only hope this event gets the sustained attention of the media, the voters, and candidates for the U.S. Congress. before and after the elections.
