I see that David Cameron has moderated his policy for conscripting sixteen year olds:
David Cameron is proposing a voluntary “citizen service” programme for 16-year-olds, seen as a 21st Century version of National Service.
The Tory leader says school leavers and those going to college should take part in a six-week programme, including charity work and physical training.
He says it would boost participants’ pride in themselves and in Britain.
Nice to see that it is now voluntary. I have no qualms about this as long as it remains so. Personally, if I was sixteen again (shudder) I would give it a miss. This is simply because I am an introverted loner who abhors being organised. However, those who want to take part would do so with my blessing.
If it remains voluntary it will fail in its objectives. It will not attract the dissaffected, because they won’t be bothered and would rather hang around on street corners. It won’t get the poor to mix with the rich any more than at the moment, because those that would be attracted to it already have plenty of existing options to do so (Scouts, cadets, woodcraftfolk, VSO, various charities, or just backpacking around) and those marginally attracted would probably rather get some cash together to do something fun with their established friends. That way it would be a waste of money.
Alternatively, he will make it compulsory (either whether by law, or de facto as yet another hoop you have to jump through). That way it would be an utter disgrace that should never happen.
Either way not a good thing.
Do I think politicians should use public funds to finance their pet projects? No. Do I think this is anything more than window dressing? No. Broadly, that is why I am not too concerned. I fully suspect that it will fail long before it comes to fruition. I don’t think the Scouts need to be looking over their shoulders just yet. 😉