I mentioned the other day my thought that while the rage of the masses was being purposely pumped up and focused on AIG executives to divert public attention from the real scoundrels - our elected officials - as well as my suspicion that the whole issue might well be a big distraction from other goings-on Obama&Co would prefer not to have the public notice.

Well how about conscription of a citizen army (as in Nazi Germany)? See, while we were busy trying to keep track of how many trillions O&Co are spending, and following their pointing fingers, our House of Representatives passed a bill which paves the way for our children to be conscripted as "volunteers."

HR1388 Passes House | Mandatory Volunteerism

Mandatory volunteerism" is one step closer to becoming a reality in America, thanks to HR 1388.

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D-NY] and 37 other co-sponsors introduced this public service bill to the floor of the House of Representatives, where both Republicans and Democrats combined to vote 321-105 in favor. Next it goes to the Senate
for a vote, then to  President Obama's desk for his signature or veto.

The title of HR 1388 - " Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education" ( GIVE ) - creates an acronym that is entirely more charitable than the reality of the bill, says the blog Bungalow Bill's Conservative Wisdom.

Bill claims it will "force your children into involuntary service to the government," and points out that numerous critics of the bill agree that HR 1388 does indeed require Americans and their children to volunteer for community service. It will costs each and every American a $3 cash advance apiece in 2010 to implement.

Nothing wrong with that in principle, but...

How long and to what extent will service be required? Will peoplehave a choice in where and how they serve, and what period of time thewill commit? Bill fears that, based on Mr. Obama's own history of community organization (he worked with ACORN ),people might be assigned to work on projects with objects that are notin concert with what the general public believe to be " public service."

Straight from the mouth of the recent pork-laden spending bill, HR 1388 is a spending bill. It promises college education credits for teenagers who volunteer. But Bungalow Bill and
any other right-thinking person would question what's in it for the government. "Will this be more indoctrination for this collective philosophy that has suddenly come out of Washington since January 20?" Bill asks.

Read entire article here.

And FoxNews reports:

House Passes Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service

The legislation will expand the1993 AmeriCorps program to match the renewed interest in national service since President Obama's election, which backers say is crucial in tough economic times. 

WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives passed a measure Wednesday that supporters are calling the most sweeping reform of nationally-backed volunteer programs since AmeriCorps. But some opponents are strongly criticizing the legislation, calling it expensive indoctrination and forced advocacy.

The Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, known as the GIVE Act -- sponsored by Reps. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y, and George Miller, D-Calif. -- was approved by a 321-105 vote and now goes to the Senate.

Read entire article here.