leopard wrote:SMS,
my understanding is that the draft law is around, and yes, while it is a "technicality", it will allow the president to invoke a draft. not to say that people won't riot.
if you do not associate NS with patriotism then what do you associate NS with? payment? one pays the SG back with NS because SG provides all the greatness of safety, 1st class edu system, etc?
leopard,
I really don't think that you will have to worry about the draft (I am Ex-Military when the draft WAS a fact of life during the VN conflict). Riots due to the draft? Read some US history from the VN war era. Google Kent State or some of the demonstrations in DC during 68-74. It is really doubtful that it will happen again unless there is an all out declaration of war. GWB is stupid but I really don't think he's THAT stupid. (Although I could be wrong

)
Patriotism or payback? Interesting concept don't you think? From a personal POV I think that they have almost the same meaning. If a country has provided you with all the necessities of life and so forth, wouldn't that kinda give you a debt of gratitude to the country. If you feel a kinship or oneness due to the country having been your shelter and provider all your life, wouldn't one normally develop a fondness and desire to protect that which has protected you?
This is only my opinion. I am patriotic but I am not always in agreement with my country though I will die for her if need be, you'll not see me run to Malaysia or Canada (I didn't run in 1965 and I won't run today). She is, after all, MY country, warts and all. No, I am not a recruiter!

I have been against our policy of foreign aid for 30 years. This is why I vote from overseas and pay a little taxes as possible by staying overseas. If I don't give it to them, then they cannot give it to some damn 3rd world country to buy AK-47's to shoot at us with!
If you are a Singaporean, I really don't expect you to understand but if you've taken up US Citizenship and have been in the US for a number of years already, then you may well have had time to learn what the emotion "Patriotism" really means. We'll can fight amongst ourselves all we want, but don't let an outsider try it.
My personal POV only okay?
sms
edited to add: WIMH, yes - I know.......I'm opinionated!
