A bill introduced in Washington that would force all young men to serve in the military has good intentions, but is a bad idea.

U.S. Rep. Nick Smith, R-Addison, introduced a bill Tuesday that would require those who graduate high school or turn 21 after 2004 to receive training and education and be allowed the option of serving military or national community service for a period of six months to a year.

Smith said the bill, if instituted, would have positive effects on American society.

“The common experience of most men serving their country prior to 1973 had a very unifying effect,” he said.

But the fact remains that patriotism can’t be forced. Love for one’s country is developed on an individual basis.

U.S. citizens would probably feel safer being protected by those who choose to devote their lives to military service than they would by people forced to serve and whose hearts aren’t in it.

It is one thing to draft during a time of war; it is another to require everyone to do service.

Unlike some countries with such policies, the United States is not constantly at war or under attack, and there isn’t a scarcity of individuals interested in or involved with the military.

Furthermore, the bill is unfair in terms of gender equity. Why should ideals of community and national service be forced upon men and not upon women?

The bill challenges the way this country operates. The United States is a great country because its people have options and the freedom to make their own decisions.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, people have worked hard to promote patriotism. But this bill takes it a few steps overboard.

The idea of enlisting people who are not interested in protecting our country is not a wise investment.