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PaperclipPerfector  12d ago (text post)   23007 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of June 8, 2026

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What about compulsory civil service? For improving public spaces and services that people would vote for, like cleaning cities, fixing/extending public infrastructure (especially housing), hosting public events, and elder care (for older demographics’ vote).

It would be “half-communism”: younger people are assigned jobs (with some freedom to select based on performance in standardized exams regularly administered during school), but the underlying economy is still capitalist and the jobs are temporary (though may begin lifelong careers).

Every reasonable career today should have a corresponding civil service entry-level job. Especially leadership: future politicians and CEOs should almost all be former civil service members (because the vast majority, including me, believes that civil service makes good leaders).

Maybe the civil service isn’t legally mandatory, but by far the easiest path to financial stability (like military, but more diverse specializations, and pays better or the private sector pays worse). Or maybe it starts during school, is mandatory until 18 (or a few years later), but encouraged for longer. Regardless, the rich (at least some) will avoid it, but I think that’s fine, because the civil service should benefit its members not just the outside public (especially future leaders, both in obtaining and effectively doing their role, as mentioned above).

I think this is possible in certain parts of Europe, but Europe is pretty broke, so it likely wouldn't survive annual government budget review. America on the other hand, I'm not so optimistic. People won't even spend the money to maintain roads that everyone depends on.

I think in America, the civil service should be implemented per state. Otherwise, it would be hamstrung by culture war and the practically inevitable bureaucracy and corruption that arises from being too large and centralized.

Then, I think it’s very possible in states like California and New York City, which seem to be constantly raising taxes to implement other programs. If it succeeds, more tax-averse states may be convinced; or maybe not, but existing in some of the US may be enough (especially because anyone who wants the program can move, much easier than moving to another country).

Or per town, but towns probably need some money or law power from their state.

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