For example, our soldiers comprise what many like to refer to as a volunteer army. Would you say this drains out all the relevant content? That our soldiers receive room, board, and low wages diminishes their sacrifices by very little, wouldn’t you agree?

Since we are far more likely to see MORE low compensation/stipend level volunteerism in the future, I think we’re better off thinking of it in terms of “pollluted altrusism” than pining for a bright line between categories. I think that ship has largely sailed.

I don’t quarrel with the theory as much as I do with its execution. How long has Americorps been around? What are its major accomplishments that it can point to? What areas of need has it targeted with the resources that it has consumed and thereby diminished these problems?

I’m really asking. Can supporters point to something more than things like building character and participating in programs? Is there any data that suggests that Americorps efforts have led to a measurable and substantial mitigation of any problem it has sought to resolve?

And isn’t the “illegal war” nonsense a little passe at this point? It was always nonsense, but at least when Bush was in office, I understood the tiresome partisan imperative that led to its rote recitation. Now he isn’t even in office, yet we’re still hearing it? What do you think you’re getting out of it?

Simon is obviously conservative- how close to the center depends on who you’re comparing it against.

Precisely my point. I’m not in the center, and I know it; Justin isn’t either, however, and I don’t think that he does know it. There’s nothing wrong with being a liberal, but it becomes seriously grating to hear someone on that side acting as though anyone to their “right” is way out in the wings.

It’s an ego fallacy: “I am a reasonable person, and reasonable person must be moderates, ergo I must be a moderate.” Doesn’t hold. There are reasonable people on the right; there are reasonable people on the left; there are also unreasonable people in the center.

Why are your framing this as a left vs. right debate? And making cryptic insults at Justin?

Because he is a Republican/Conservative. It is as simple as that, there is no rhyme or reason to the party/movement actions right now. To the dead end believers its all about attack, attack, attack.

They’ve lost any inclination to be constructive and I for one want them to continue along on this track as they will also lose any hope of returning to power any time soon.

It’s an expansion of the AmeriCorps program. One that costs us $182 per volunteer, and probably gains us a lot more. It’s good economies of scale and helps people find a way help their country. Why are your framing this as a left vs. right debate? And making cryptic insults at Justin?

Not that there’s anything wrong with being on the left, of course. The problem is when those on the left start thinking their position represents the center.