Can someone help me understand something re the draft?

[October]

My auntie thinks I'm crazy to support Democrats when they are the ones proposing the draft. (She knows I'm anti-war and against the draft.)

She's a bright woman, and open to my responses, even though she leans republican. I might be able to "flip" her with an intelligent reply, so I'm asking for help.

I want to carefully craft my answer, and I would appreciate any input.

Thanks so much, as always

[olddem43]

1. I don't think the Democrats are proposing a draft.

Kerry is saying that using the National Guard to fight overseas is in effect a "back door draft." I believe that he favors an all volunteer armed force.

[October]

3. I understand your point...but she read today's Inquirer

prompting her to write to me:

"I know that the draft issue if very important to you. None of us ever wants to see our country in a position to have to reinstate it.

Obviously, it will be a topic during the election. Howard Dean was on Meet the Press this a.m.basically saying that he thinks Bush has to reinstate it if reelected because it would be logical for him to do so.

Anyway, I read an article on page 2 of today's Phila. Inquirer about that topic. Here's what really surprised me. Democrats in Congress have introduced two bills to revive and expand the draft. They are sponsored by Rangel (D., NY) and Hollings (D., SC). The first bill has only 14 cosponsers, all Democrats.

Fortunately, neither of the bills has enough support to pass. On the other hand, Republican representative Paul from Texas has sponsored a bill to eliminate the Selective Service System. It has support from both sides, although few in number.

It went on to say the no Republican leaders have indicated any support for resuming a draft. I guess it all depends on which paper one reads and what slant they take on things, but the fact that two bills have been introduced by Democrats shocked me.

Anyway, I thought you'd want to read the article since it's of such importance to you.

E you later"

[olddem43]

7. I did hear Rangel say something about the current system

being unfair because only poor kids serve. His bill would therefore probably be to make sure there were no loopholes to let the rich kids avoid service. Fat chance of that passing.

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. It's an issue of who will end the war first

The longer the war in Iraq goes on, the more likely a draft will be necessary, no matter what Bush says. Bush and his Big Oil and defense contractor supporters have a vested interest in stayin in Iraq, and even possible invading Iran, as long as possible. They're making billions of dollars off that "military-industrial complex" that Eisenhower warned us about.

The bill is Congress that is sponsored by Democrats is a protest bill. It's their way of saying that having an "all volunteer" military and National Guard is unfair, because the majority of the people enlisting are poor kids who have no other opportunities.

[NMDemDist2]

4. wrangel proposed legislation when the war began to re institue the draft

his thinking was that if we need to fight that bad, all families (not just poor ones) should be in equal jeopardy

Wednesday, January 8, 2003 Posted: 4:28 AM EST (0928 GMT)


Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., wants to reinstate the military draft, saying fighting forces should more closely reflect the economic makeup of the nation. CNNfn's Peter Viles reports (January 8)
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Charles Rangel introduced a bill in Congress Tuesday to reinstate the military draft, saying fighting forces should more closely reflect the economic makeup of the nation.

The New York Democrat told reporters his goal is two-fold: to jolt Americans into realizing the import of a possible unilateral strike against Iraq, which he opposes, and "to make it clear that if there were a war, there would be more equitable representation of people making sacrifices."

"I truly believe that those who make the decision and those who support the United States going into war would feel more readily the pain that's involved, the sacrifice that's involved, if they thought that the fighting force would include the affluent and those who historically have avoided this great responsibility," Rangel said.

"Those who love this country have a patriotic obligation to defend this country," Rangel said. "For those who say the poor fight better, I say give the rich a chance."

According to Rangel's office, minorities comprise more than 30 percent of the nation's military.

Under his bill, the draft would apply to men and women ages 18 to 26; exemptions would be granted to allow people to graduate from high school, but college students would have to serve.

Anyone who didn't qualify for military service because of impairments would be asked to perform community service.

The lawmaker has said his measure could make members of Congress more reluctant to authorize military action. The Korean War veteran has accused President Bush and some fellow lawmakers of being too eager to go to war.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/01/07/rangel.draft/

[mahina]

5. My representative co-sponsored it and I asked him why.

Long story short it is a dead bill, (not that the draft is a dead issue, ) intended to bring people to their senses. It is a rhetorical device.
I care a lot about this because our family was profoundly affected by the Vietnam war and I have a child who will be draft age soon. The whole issue is an abstraction to most people who weren't affected by the war. Not an abstraction to me.
The last thing the Dems want is a draft, and they WILL be the ones who keep us out of unecessary conflicts.
Please feel free to email me if you would like to discuss it further if you are sincere.

[ima_sinnic]

6. BUSH is gearing up a Skills Draft--compare with Rangel Bill at:

http://blatanttruth.org/rangel.htm

This link also includes a Timeline of specific Bush activity toward a draft, while what Rangel proposed is symbolic and has no chance of getting passed.

Also see Military Draft Alert for an explantation/interpretation of a Selective Service System Issue Paper that details a meeting among some Selective Service honchos formulating plans for the Skills Draft, obtained by Freedom of Information Act request.

[AntiFascist]

8. When Kerry proposed a timeline for pulling out of Iraq....

the administration was all up in arms about it, stating we should be there for the "long haul," whatever that means.

Key members of the current administration have signed onto PNAC which is a long-term plan for Americanization and regime change across the ME and the "axis of evil."

Kerry is making more noise about not imposing a draft. Bush/Cheney seem to only be denying that there are any CURRENT plans for a draft.

Kerry is less likely to alienate allies and more likely to be able to work with other nations in providing the necessary resources for Iraq and diffusing the insurgency.

Most importantly, the religious right is not aligned with the democratic party. They are on the verge of turning this into a religious world war.