Yes it sounds far fetched. But, most countries have a national service program when a citizen turns a certain age- many other countries even make it mandatory. This is not just about reducing federal costs and filling much needed service positions. This is not just about reinvigorating our economic engine by returning stagnant pools of capital back into our system. This is not just about allowing our new generations a leg up to participate in our economy. This is not just a way to integrate disadvantaged youth and our overly divergent classes together. This is not just about retaining young professionals in America who are moving overseas at a record rate due to political burdens, cost of living and healthcare. This is about allowing Americas’ youth a chance at the pursuit of happiness.

Economists have long held that economic growth is dictated by innovation. So who does the innovating? Steve Jobs was 21 when he started Apple. Alexander Bell was 25-20 and Tesla was 28. Edison was 25-30. Eli Whitney was 28…. see a pattern? It takes youthful curiosity, energy and an ability to think outside the box.. to innovate. The dollars stuck in an offshore account of a retired billionaire is not contributing much if anything to our economy. A dollar invested in a single mother with a curious mind and a great idea could be worth more than imaginable. It is time to give the seedlings of our economy a bit of water to help them through the cost of education, housing and startup businesses so that they can grow and strive for happiness.

They are the next generations of Americans and they deserve to have the hope of shelter, upward mobility , and the pursuit of happiness.