The Bundeswehr is facing a dramatic shortage in personnel. Now Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has rekindled the debate over reintroducing conscription.
the system for who is required to participate has practically never been fair and equitable, jury duty is not comparable to military service, and forced labour is slavery
The issue is you’re confusing compulsory labour with forced labour.
If you don’t do conscription or civil service work (the alternative option) the consequences are a fine, or jail.
This is the same as eg refusing jury duty or not doing your taxes.
Having compulsory civil duties is not new, nor is it slavery. In countries at high risk of conflict (eg Taiwan), it’s practically required for their continued short-term existence.
I’m not even pro-conscription (for my own nation at this time), but “conscription is slavery” is so reductive, and just stops people discussing the actual pros and cons of the practice.
Do you say the same about jury duty?
In my opinion, as long as the system for who is required to participate is fair and equitable, then it’s fair to consider it a civil duty.
the system for who is required to participate has practically never been fair and equitable, jury duty is not comparable to military service, and forced labour is slavery
Soooo… sometimes.
Jury duty is also compulsory labour.
ok
So you’re just doubling down on jury duty is slavery instead of considering a nuisance perspective?
im assuming you mean nuanced
me not agreeing with you doesnt mean i didnt consider your perspective, and saying ‘well surely not all forced labour is slavery’ isnt nuance
The issue is you’re confusing compulsory labour with forced labour.
If you don’t do conscription or civil service work (the alternative option) the consequences are a fine, or jail. This is the same as eg refusing jury duty or not doing your taxes.
Having compulsory civil duties is not new, nor is it slavery. In countries at high risk of conflict (eg Taiwan), it’s practically required for their continued short-term existence.
I’m not even pro-conscription (for my own nation at this time), but “conscription is slavery” is so reductive, and just stops people discussing the actual pros and cons of the practice.