National Service

More than 65 million Americans now volunteer for charitable and service organizations, and President Bush wants to push the total to 75 million by 2010. But the president appears to have lost some of his enthusiasm for volunteerism. In his 2002 State of the Union address, Bush called on more Americans to volunteer to help their neighbors. But now the administration wants drastic cuts in AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps-type program created by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Experts say the issue could move into the spotlight in coming years if Bush's support wanes, and candidates for public office pick up the banner of national service. Supporters argue that requiring national service will foster national unity and inspire more volunteerism from Americans young and old. Critics counter, however, that making service compulsory negates the whole purpose of volunteering — giving one's time willingly to help others.