Rodney

Thing is, the sons of wealth used to go to war a lot -- as officers, sure, but they went. I remember reading that some rather large number of males from Ivy League colleges did military service up through the '50s. Now hardly anyone from the Ivies goes in. Same with congressmen. I just read this somewhere: back 25 years ago, something like 325-350 of 500 congresspersons had military service under their belts. Now it's down to something like 125.

So, that says something about our country. Used to be everybody felt the obligation to get involved. Now, we just send in the little people. If somebody made a direct attack on the U.S., would the children of privilege then sign up? I really have my doubts.

So, like you, I'm pessimistic on that level. On the other hand, national service on the European model also includes non-combat and non-military service. So okay, the sons of the rich would still be kept out of the line of fire, but maybe most of them could be doing some socially responsible job for a year or two that would broaden their brains. Except maybe if Daddy's so powerful he can get junior a soft appointment flying obsolete jet planes in the Texas National Guard or something...