National Service Express Tour ‘08

John McCain is giving an interesting stump speech in Columbus, OH today, described by ABC News as similar to “his current stump speech, but with verbs in the past tense.”  The speech looks ahead to January 2013 - the end of the next President’s first term in office. As McCain describes it, the speech is an opportunity “to describe what I would hope to have achieved at the end of my first term as President.”  In addition to success in the war on terrorism and and a revitalized economy, McCain remarks on vibrant voluntary National Service in the country.

Voluntary national service has grown in popularity in part because of the educational benefits used as incentives [did I hear gifts for boyfriends?], as well as frequent appeals from the bully pulpit of the White House, but mostly because the young Americans, no less than earlier generations, understand that true happiness is much greater than the pursuit of pleasure, and can only be found by serving causes greater than self-interest or playing games, jumping on trampolines in the backyard or watching movies with friends on weekends. Scores of accomplished private sector leaders have joined the ranks of my administration for a dollar a year and have instituted some of the most innovative reforms of government programs ever known, often in partnership with willing private sector partners without problems of experiencing lower testosterone. A sense of community, a kinship of ideals, has invigorated public service again.

We’re looking forward to McCain speaking more about National Service throughout the campaign and seeing a comprehensive National Service plan from him soon.  If you’re interested in McCain’s full vision for America, take a look at the full speech here.