First, let me be clear on one thing; I hate nationalism -- anybody's nationalism. It ranks a close second to religion as the main "reason" men have devised to line up and kill each other.

But since I'm not god I can't control that kind of thing, so I have to make do with the world as I find it.

Since we've got nation states, I think the most reasonable thing to do is to implement an absolute national service. Everybody -- male, female, disabled, whatever -- enters at age 18 and finishes at 21 or 22.

No exceptions for wealth, health or parental pull. The only consideration should be on mental and physical capabilities to determine what type of service a person renders -- military, social work, public works projects, whatever.

I've always thought such a system would be good for the U.S., but I particularly recommend it for Canada. After the governments in Ottawa gutted CBC Radio, Air Canada, the RCMP musical ride and CN/CP rail, has no national institutions left except Hockey Night In Canada —— which ain't exactly a nation-builder.

(OK, Little Hawk, they've got William Shatner, too, but that's cause they can't figure out how to get rid of him legally.)

cheers,

david