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| (Ex)General re-invents Peace Corps! Kennedys claim copyright violation! |
| 2003-10-14 |
| "Clark Calling for Civilian Reserve Corps" By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press WASHINGTON - Democrat Wesley Clark says if elected president, he would create a corps of civilians who could be called up for service in national emergencies much like the National Guard. Every American age 18 or older could register for Clark’s civilian reserve, listing skills that could aid the country in a disaster. Registration is voluntary and would involve a commitment to serve any time for five years. (I assume this actually means that they could be called up for a six month "tour" anytime during a five year window.) In times of national emergency, such as floods, forest fires or terrorist attacks, the president would have the power to call to duty up to 5,000 civilian reservists. Tours would last as long as six months. Congress could authorize more to be mobilized. Civilian reservists also could be sent overseas for jobs like reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq. ($100/mo and all the bullets you can catch!) Those who are called to duty would receive health care, a stipend, and the right to return to their jobs when their service is completed. Clark spokeswoman Kym Spell said the program would cost about $100 million a year and would be part of the Department of Homeland Security. In a speech prepared for delivery Tuesday at New York’s Hunter College, Clark said the reserves "will reinvigorate America’s ethic of service, tap the vast reservoir of skill, generosity, and energy that is the American people, and call millions more Americans to duty." (yadda yadda) Clark, a retired four-star Army general, also called for an expansion of the AmeriCorps national service program created by President Clinton. (Bill oughta sue too...) Clark’s speech is the first of four that he will give over a month outlining his campaign agenda. Others will focus on health care, the economy and national security. (Coming soon to a Lefty University near you!) |
| Posted by:mojo |
| #2 It almost sounds like he wants to create a ready reserve of people to be called up as combat support services troops, except with absolutely no military training involved. It sounds like a bad idea to me. |
| Posted by: Phil Fraering 2003-10-14 6:52:50 PM |
| #1 Personally I think this idea is stupid. Expand and reform the peace corps instead of creating a new program. |
| Posted by: Yank 2003-10-14 3:42:46 PM |