MovieChat Forums > The Ides of March (2011) Discussion > Mandatory military service for a free co...

Mandatory military service for a free college tuition = WHAT?!

posted 11 years ago by gloops_new_account
21 replies | jump to latest

This scene kind of blew me away with it's idiocy. Even the most hawkist neocon wouldn't make such a crazy suggestion as mandatory service (whether it be military, peace corps, etc).

When Ryan Gosling said "it's a complete win, those who are against it, can't vote yet!", I literally laughed. Yeah, like the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc who are old enough to vote would go along with this knowing that their family member would be forced into service in a few years. Any candidate who even breathed such a suggestion would be have a huge chunk of his base abandon him.

[–] TreeHuggerKyle 11 years ago

At the risk of being insulted ... I thought it was a pretty good idea. I think some other countries already have similar policies (I could be wrong, I'm not sure what I'm basing that on, I just think I remember hearing that somewhere).

If it was just military service, I wouldn't be as psyched about it. But he said it wasn't just military service, it could be national guard, peace corps, or even "planting trees" (sounded like domestic peace corps). I don't think it would fly with most people, but I would support it.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] M_Valdemar 8 years ago

I agree, its a good idea.

[–] gloops_new_account 11 years ago

Ryan Gosling kept insisting that it be "compulsory"

[–] mrpancakez 11 years ago

It is not uncommon. National Service/Conscription was a big part of British recent (ish) history. Lasted up until the 60's. And they did not get anything for it never mind free university fees.

[–] HikerBoy57 11 years ago

Gosling wanted it to be mandatory, Clooney just wanted it to be a volunteer program.

The war is not meant to be won... it is meant to be continuous.

[–] whoiamnow 11 years ago

Free college tuition is the reward for military service. You don't have to do it but then you don't get the free tuition either.

[–] gloops_new_account 11 years ago

Put away your smartphone while you're watching the movie. Ryan Gosling kept insisting that it be "compulsory". Meaning EVERYONE HAS TO DO IT!

[–] whoiamnow 11 years ago

Just rewatched with my cell phone off. Dude is talking in terms of if you want free tuition.

[–] roger-395 11 years ago

It wasn't 'military service' it was any form of national service including the Peace Corps. Frankly, I think this is a pretty good idea. I'd be opposed to mandatory military service (BTW we call that the Draft).

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] coolaree 11 years ago

Honestly if such a scheme existed in the real world I would have gladly taken it without hesitation to avoid these overpriced uni (loan) fees hanging over my head. Seems I'm not the only one who feels this way. Well depends how long the service was for, but 1 year maximum, sure I'll do it.

However it would probably end up costing the Government too much in the short-term and maybe have other possible unforeseen economic effects like increasing university fees.

[–] indiedavid 11 years ago

It sure seems to work for Israel.

[–] TheGiantPaperPanda 10 years ago

I think it's a good idea. The choice was between military service or community service for two years. If this was feasible, a student could do this while in college (at least with the community service option) and gain much needed experience before they graduate.