Conscription builds unity

I truly enjoyed Paul Marx’ Feb. 10 column. The points made should be part of a presidential campaign to make America whole again. Marx makes note of the positive outcomes regarding inner-city gangs, education and myriad improvements to our national disaster response and prevention.

Concerning prevention, think about the recent newscasts featuring our local wildfire seasons. If crews of people are clearing fuel from the forest floor prior to a fire, there is less chance of out-of-control wildfires. No chemical retardants seeping into the ground and groundwater, no burnt-out grazing land, farms, homes, rural towns and peoples’ livelihoods.

Also, more importantly for the collective health of our nation, young people from all parts of the country mingle and befriend folks from diverse regions of the nation. Some will be deployed to far-flung states. That’s a good thing; understanding people connected by a Constitution but located far away from their own home encourages cohesion.

Many developed countries employ mandatory conscription, it’s time for the United States to seriously consider the notion. America is already the greatest nation on earth, conscription could help make America whole again.

Steve LaCombe

Spokane Valley