June 3, 2007
Posted: 09:44 PM ET

ATLANTA (CNN) –Spurning the suggestion of a return to the military draft, Sen. Mike Gravel advocated the idea of a voluntary program with built-in rewards to entice young Americans to serve their nation.

“I would like to see a voluntary program where young people would have an opportunity to render public service,” the former senator from Alaska said. “Whether it's in the military, whether it's the Peace Corps, whether it's the AmeriCorps, or all of the above….every year that you serve, we'll give you four years of school free.”

He added, “That will give you an incentive to move forward and do something about education in this country.”

– CNN Associate Producer Taylor Gandossy

Filed under: Mike Gravel


Bill Pierce, glenrothes UK American citizen in the UK   June 3rd, 2007 9:52 pm ET

Sen. Mike Gravel, showed to me he alone was the only free thinker. The rest were slippery fish.

Randy Ping, New Orleans LA   June 3rd, 2007 9:57 pm ET

I wish that they hasd given gravel as much time as they gave Biden.

Anonymous   June 3rd, 2007 10:04 pm ET

I thought the questions posed tonight were very good ones. I appreciate how difficult it is with such a large number of contenders. As a viewer, I disapprove of your not having allowed equal time to each candidate. How can the voters truly decide who they want to vote for in the Primaries if they don't hear as much "air time" from all of the candidates? We do have interest in what you have dubbed the "2nd and 3rd tier candidates". Please go back to the fair way and give each of the many candidates equal time, but during your, hopefully, next future candidate presentation. And please make your format exactly the same as you did today on Tuesday when Repubican candidates are scheduled.

American voters deserve to judge for themselves all of the candidates under equal formats and equal time.

You definitely slighted Biden, Dodd, Gravel, Richardson.

From an "engaged" voter.

Craig, Dallas, Tx   June 3rd, 2007 10:07 pm ET

I thought Gravel's idea on this issue was brilliants. I hope whatever candidate secures the nomination will remember this idea and do something with it. As someone who graduated from college last month, I know first hand the dire financial pressure those entering college are faced with. A creative idea such as this is just what America needs to alleviate that pressure and at the same time give young people a chance to be involved in their country. The only other change I would make to it is make it two years for four years of college.

I also thought Edwards idea in the same vein was good, but not as appealing as this option.

Marge, Madison WI   June 3rd, 2007 10:14 pm ET

They really did not give him very much time at all-disappointing. I think a lot of people wanted to know more about him since the last debate.
Give us better coverage CNN.

Jake, dartmouth MA   June 3rd, 2007 10:42 pm ET

Gravel has amazing ideas on most of the issues but he was never allowed to speak. ive seen hours of Gravel speaking on youtube and he is AMAZING if they would give him as much time as the "front runners" im sure alot of people would be amazed at what he has to say. they give him 10 second quips all he could do was try to push in a comment and it comes off as crazy because he is trying to make a point in 10 seconds where clinton is given 4x as much time.

GoldenT, Rochester, NY   June 3rd, 2007 11:06 pm ET

I thought this was an interesting idea. It also seems harmonious with the Congressman Kucinich's desire that political leadership inspire the citizenry to service.

Bob, Hawaii   June 4th, 2007 5:05 am ET

Great idea.

Derek, Honolulu, HI   June 4th, 2007 5:40 pm ET

Four years of schooling for every one year of service? A year of schooling these days has got to cost something like $25,000 on average, so this guy is talking about paying someone $100K per year. That's absolutely ridiculous. Electrical engineers don't even make nearly that much in their 1st year out of school.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com