Saturday, September 15, 2007

National service

Every so often a commentator will bring up the idea of requiring national service from high school students or young adults. This type of service generally seems to mean something like the Peace Corps or tutoring in inner city schools.

I think national service is a good idea, though not compulsory service. My plan would involve communities encouraging every junior or senior in high school to contribute in some way to the local neighborhood, and generally in tasks such as garbage man or janitor. Tasks like these are essential to the community, they would save the community money (I would advocate paying a wage but not much more than that), they would teach humility, and I think they would strengthen the bonds of the community. I would think 5 hours or so a week for 20 weeks would be reasonable.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Immigration and nurses' wages

A fairly balanced look at the nursing shortage and stagnating wages, although quoting an immgration lawyer is a bit absurd.