34. The potential benefits of mandatory1 public service must be weighed against
administrative2 problems and concerns about inpidual liberty. On balance, the cosplayts to
a nation and to the participants would probably exceed the benefits.
Admittedly, a colorable argument can be made for mandatory public service. It
would help alleviate3 free-rider problems, where those who do not contribute benefit
from the efforts of those who do. It would mitigate4 pressing social problemswith
education, public health and safety, and the environment. It might instill in participants a
sense of civic5 duty, community, and inpidual responsibility. Finally, it has worked on a
smaller scale, particularly in urban areas, where renewal6 projects succeed in making
communities safer, healthier, and more prosperous.
Far more compelling, however, are the arguments against mandatory public
service. First, who would make assignments and decide what projects are worthwhile,
and how would compliance7 be assured? Resolving enforcement issues would require
government control, in turn requiring increased taxes and/or cuts in other social
programs, thereby8 nullifying the benefits of mandatory public service. Second, a
mandatory system would open the floodgates to incompetence9 and inexperience. Finally,
the whole notion seems tantamount to Communism insofar as each citizen must
contribute, according to his or her ability, to a strong state. Modern history informs us
that such systems do not work. One could argue that mandatory public service is simply
a tax in the form of labor10 rather than dollars. However, compulsory11 labor smacks12 of
involuntary servitude, whereas financial taxes do not.
In conclusion, logistical and philosophical13 barriers to mandating14 public service
outweigh15 its potential benefits for the nation as well as for participants.
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