After a panel discussion with author Matt Miller at the Center for American Progress, I spoke briefly with conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks. Brooks had read the Times piece about the Academy and expressed his support for the idea. “It’s Hamiltonian!” he laughed — a nod to Alexander Hamilton, the patron saint of national greatness conservatives such as Brooks. I was pleased, thought not surprised, by Brooks’ enthusiasm for the Academy.

I have long admired Brooks not only for his wit but for his embrace of what he has called “grand American projects.” Unlike some modern Republicans who are virulently anti-government, Brooks (like John McCain) recognizes both the need for strong national institutions and the importance of civilian service to the nation. About ten years ago, he wrote a wonderful piece entitled “A Return to National Greatness: A Manifesto for a Lost Creed” in which he described how small-minded politicians of both parties had lost the courage and vision to embrace grand American projects. He wrote about the majestic Library of Congress, which was built during a time of tremendous economic turmoil and social strife. Congress pushed on with the library project despite the difficulties because leaders wanted to send a powerful message about who we are as a people and the importance of knowledge to our nation. Thank goodness they did!

A great nation deserves great institutions. The Academy is one of those “grand American projects” that will make a strong statement about our values and ideals. Hamiltonian, indeed.

In her “Cindy Talk” blog on snoety.com, Cindy Levine asks her readers: “Should the US have a “public service” academy (along the lines of West Point)?”

“As I watched the celebration in Grant Park on Election night, I was particularly taken by many of the first time voters — our kids. Inspired. Hopeful. Committed to change. Their energy is contagious and got me to thinking about what institutions and paths are available for them to apply it. My 22 year old son offered one very credible solution - The US Public Service Academy, which seems to be causing quite a buzz these days…” Read more

In this week’s Newsweek, Jonathan Alter warns President-elect Obama: “Don’t muffle the call to serve.” With all the concern about the economy and all the attention on the economic stimulus package, Alter writes, Obama and his allies in Congress may be tempted to delay or even forget entirely about his plans to expand national service programs. Alter is right — national service programs are “people-ready” and should be considered an essential part of our national infrastructure.

Too bad that Alter focuses only on the programs offered by AmeriCorps without mentioning the need to recruit and retain a new generation of young people to go into government work as a career, not simply a short-term, volunteer affair. The renewed interest in government — more than 300,000 people have applied for administration jobs — gives Obama the opportunity to build a lasting institution focused on developing civilian leaders for generations to come: the Public Service Academy. The Academy will endure long after the inaugural excitement fades. It would be too bad if Obama were to let this opportunity pass.