All kitted out and nowhere to go

Oh dear. Am I the only one who sees Lula's proposal to double the army intake to 100,000 this year with many of those numbers coming from the favelas as a quick fix?

Lula's pulling out all the standard and stock reasons given by those who support military service: instill discipline, love of country and the rest. But what about the consequences of such a policy? If the aim of the policy is to get kids off the streets and away from the drug trade, is it wise to teach them how to more effectively use firearms? Especially if there are no jobs to go to once their tour of duty is over.

Until that is thought through, Lula's proposal smacks of desperation - and a quick headline during a period of political crisis following the allegations of bribery by a government official two years ago.

My views on military service are already known to those who are interested in them - come to think of it, I still haven't yet been to the consulate this year.

What do you think? Let me know.