Senior Democrat to reintroduce legislaion to reinstate the military draft

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Here is another article with more detail:

Rep. Rangel will seek to reinstate draft

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 21 minutes ago

...

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

...

He's got a point there.

The kids' would probably end up "helping with an election campaign".

[Alex+R 0]

Here is another article with more detail:

Rep. Rangel will seek to reinstate draft

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 21 minutes ago

...

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

...

He's got a point there.

As much as I don't like Michael Moore, it reminds me of a scene from Fahrenheit 911 where he walks up to senators and congressmen with military-age kids and asks them to sign up their sons and daughters to fight. Of course they all refused...

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Here is another article with more detail:

Rep. Rangel will seek to reinstate draft

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 21 minutes ago

...

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

...

He's got a point there.

As much as I don't like Michael Moore, it reminds me of a scene from Fahrenheit 911 where he walks up to senators and congressmen with military-age kids and asks them to sign up their sons and daughters to fight. Of course they all refused...

Wonder why where those kids could have been safer in Iraq than they are in the DC area or some other US cities. Or so I was told...

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Here is another article with more detail:

Rep. Rangel will seek to reinstate draft

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 21 minutes ago

...

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

...

He's got a point there.

As much as I don't like Michael Moore, it reminds me of a scene from Fahrenheit 911 where he walks up to senators and congressmen with military-age kids and asks them to sign up their sons and daughters to fight. Of course they all refused...

Wonder why where those kids could have been safer in Iraq than they are in the DC area or some other US cities. Or so I was told...

Those senators certainly like taking the "long odds"

[Joel Halfwassen 0]

The fact is- YOU do have a duty to your country. The reinstatement of the draft I believe would be a very positive thing since most young men in this country (U.S.A., ekrose you have no say here!) are very much detached from the reality that their very existence, or way of life, is a result of those that serve this country.

I don't want to discount the fact that most U.S. "kids" growing up these days are completely inept and unable to function in the "real world"......A stint in the U.S. Army is a real "eye opener" and a vehicle to cut the proverbial "apron strings" and learn to sustain oneself; or spend time peeling potatoes or perhaps in the brig........It's life's "college".

Those that have served and are reading this post can relate to what I just said......

In my opinion your only duty is to vote...or to get to the point where you CAN vote in you are a LPR. And I don't agree with a draft. However, I DO agree with what you said in your second paragraph. Although I didn't serve (not allowed due to medical) I would have out of university. I dreamed of working as an Air Force Officer in Aerospace Communications for a long time (I know...not what you had in mind). The most grounded people I know now are people who went into the service in one form or another.

Joel

[kaydee457 13]

U.S.A., ekrose you have no say here!

And why would that be?

I guess I have no say - even though as an LPR I could be called up just the same as everyone else. Interesting perspective.

It is my understanding that you are a U.K citizen.

If so, then no input from you. This is an issue to be addressed by U.S. citizens.

If not, then fire away......

Here is another article with more detail:

Rep. Rangel will seek to reinstate draft

By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 21 minutes ago

...

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

...

He's got a point there.

The kids' would probably end up "helping with an election campaign".

More reason I sincerely beleive that....no, it's not worth it.....

[mawilson 2,133]

It is my understanding that you are a U.K citizen.

If so, then no input from you. This is an issue to be addressed by U.S. citizens.

STFU kaydee. We don't need any input from you either.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Many countries require it's citizens to serve a couple of years in the military.

...

* 7.14 Germany

A conscientious objector may petition for permission to do civilian alternative service, "civilian service" (Zivildienst) instead for nine months, which is usually accepted. A third option is to become a foreign development aide (Entwicklungshelfer) for at least eighteen months.

It's a choice in Germany to do service in the military or in a civilian capacity such as a hosipital, nursing home, work with the disabled, etc..

I think that's great that they offer an alternative.

[aussiewench 9]

This is an issue to be addressed by U.S. citizens.

Excuse me, but that is the biggest load of #######. It is an issue to be addressed by USC and LPR's. We may not be able to vote. But we can damm well have our say and that includes erekose.

This is really getting old kaydee and insulting to all of us that are LPR's.

[Carol&Marc 0]

And why would that be?

I guess I have no say - even though as an LPR I could be called up just the same as everyone else. Interesting perspective.

I dont think the military allows male nurses, Maybe the mess hall. Can you cook?

[Heracles 417]

Indeed. Isn't that one of the reasons that Vietnam was so publicly unpopular? because you were essentially forced to go.

of course. Why would young democrats want to risk their lives to secure someone else's freedom... Come on now..

This is an issue to be addressed by U.S. citizens.

Excuse me, but that is the biggest load of #######. It is an issue to be addressed by USC and LPR's. We may not be able to vote. But we can damm well have our say and that includes erekose.

A person who is a USC has generally pledged their allegiance to this country. The only time a LPR should be allowed to have a say about US policy is the day the become a USC or after they serve in the US military..

That is just common sense.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Indeed. Isn't that one of the reasons that Vietnam was so publicly unpopular? because you were essentially forced to go.

of course. Why would young democrats want to risk their lives to secure someone else's freedom... Come on now..

This is an issue to be addressed by U.S. citizens.

Excuse me, but that is the biggest load of #######. It is an issue to be addressed by USC and LPR's. We may not be able to vote. But we can damm well have our say and that includes erekose.

A person who is a USC has generally pledged their allegiance to this country. The only time a LPR should be allowed to have a say about US policy is the day the become a USC or after they serve in the US military..

That is just common sense.

Common sense? And here I was thinking its completely disingenuous to suggest that Legal Permanent Residents who pay taxes like everyone else, should have no opinion about a draft - when they could potentially be included in that draft.

What is this? Starship Troopers?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

A person who is a USC has generally pledged their allegiance to this country. The only time a LPR should be allowed to have a say about US policy is the day the become a USC or after they serve in the US military..

That is just common sense.

A person that is not a USC has generally not pledged any allegance to this country and should, therefore, not only not be required but not even be permitted to serve in this country's military. That would be common sense.

[mybackpages 0]

I think everyone is missing Rangel's point here. This bill is not about the size of the military and the need for troops. It's about the socio-economics numbers of who serves in this all-volunteer army. Rangle is arguing if the US is anxious to inject itself in unilateral, pre-emptive strike policies, then everyone should take responsiility.

Regarding the exemption for women- it's one of those arcane discrimination laws, that argues it's okay to discriminate because it "protects" the women.

I have mixed feelings about mandatory serivce. when I was young I would argue my individual civil liberties not to be compelled to serve. Now I can see how the benefits of mandatory community service might actually improve us as a nation. Rangle's bill offers the option of non-military service which would be vital for me. But I am still confused on the legal civil liberties issue.

Edited November 20, 2006 by mybackpages

[dani_christine 0]

this is politics as usual. the US will not be reinstating the draft any time in the foreseeable future. our all-volunteer military is strong, and ready. even the military leaders in this country say it is not necessary or desirable. this is simply a ploy by the democrats to scare the public into supporting their cut and run policies.

however, on the question of allegiance of LPR's...that would not be in question. upon being sworn in to military service, a soldier makes the following oath:

I, ___________________________________, do solemly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed overme, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

oh, and yes..the army *does* allow male nurses. Anthony has been waiting patiently for his greencard to arrive so that he can enlist in the army as a nurse. so there.