Part of the vast criticism of the President's immigration reform bill is that the guest-worker program is not as much a realistic workaround to the notion that "Americans won't do those jobs", as it is a confirmation that companies want the most work they can get for the lowest wages they can give. Today in the senate, Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT) gave statistics that he claimed showed how Americans are willing to do those jobs, but that American companies aren't willing to pay competitive wages or offer health care or other benefits. Sen. Sanders made a strong point, most of which I agree with. But there's no question there are other transformations that have happened in our society that are influencing the job vacuum.

Think about what it takes to get someone to do a tough job. It takes a strong incentive- either tangible or intangible. For the US military, since the draft ended in 1973, getting Americans to serve has required recruiting campaigns, education incentives, monetary bonuses, special training guarantees, and more. America's job vacuum extends beyond mowing lawns and picking strawberries, and includes driving tanks and pulling triggers.

In 2005, when I found out one of my Marines wasn't an American citizen, I was shocked. As a kid, I had resented the fact that one could serve in the military, with the responsibility of killing and dying, and not be able to drink alcohol. But to serve without being able to vote? I remember endorsing that Marine's application for citizenship- he was an outstanding Marine who had been meritoriously promoted- and thinking about how he had earned his citizenship by service. Perhaps it's because I am only the third generation of my family to be born in this country, or because I've studied the depravity of other countries' tyrants, but I viewed my military service in the exact same way- a chance to earn what this country gives me just for being born here.

Construction companies and restaurants might hire foreign workers because American citizens won't work for poverty wages. But what about serving the military? Wearing the uniform has been my life's most meaningful experience, and the compensation was more than adequate. Today's military is looking to recruit foreigners to serve. Compensation for those low-skill high-labor jobs is a legitimate problem. But in our society, the issue extends beyond the pay. I think Americans don't want to earn anything if it's not tangible anymore.

Further Reading: Boston Globe Christian Science Monitor (1) Christian Science Monitor (2)