About the Author

Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Founders and a 21st Century Idea.

July 3rd, 2009 • Richard Cochrane
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july-42Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence.  Nine died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.  Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;  two others had sons captured.

 Each who signed pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

I believe every man and woman upon reaching 18 years should do public service. Perhaps 2 years military or police; three years fire service or four years in some other way. For each year of deferment for college an added six months should be added to that service. For those who honorably complete their public service there should be subsidized educational and housing loans.

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