Military Draft in the News

Been talking about it for some time at Hoots' Place.

Aee also Military Conscription is Coming... (April, 2007)

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According to a recent article in The Hill, Representative Charles Rangel (D-New York) will reintroduce his controversial legislation to reinstate the draft this year, but will wait until the economic stimulus package is passed. Rangel contends the burden of fighting wars falls disproportionately on low-income people and that the cost should be borne more broadly.

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A Washington Times columnist has claimed that a universal military draft is a key necessity if America is to survive throughout and beyond the 21st century.

Tony Blankley, also a former Reagan speechwriter, a former Newt Gingrich press secretary, and currently a Fellow at right wing think tank the Heritage Foundation, makes the call in his new book American Grit.

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Currently, the dire economic crisis creates an economic draft of sorts, forcing folks who might not otherwise join the Armed Forces to sign up to avoid the dim prospects of getting a job. Yet, the moment that the economy shows signs of improvement and real choices emerge, the real test for amilitary dependent on volunteers will come.

An initial step (and early sign of things to come) will likely be the extension of Selective Service Registration to women. As the "me generation" passes on the opportunity to serve their country, the specter of a military draft or, more likely, universal compulsory national service will only grow.

Finally, there is the double tsunami of a shrinking economy and a growing deficit. As government revenues plummet, and domestic federal spending explodes, there will be growing pressure to cut spending on the national defense. It will start simple enough - cash in on the savings from elimination of the funding of the war in Iraq. Link to a column this morning from Fayetteville, GA.

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Mr. Rangel, a Democrat from Harlem, has figured prominently in developments since Congress reconvened this month. He helped shape President Obama’s economic stimulus package, and he suggested that he might once again propose a controversial measure to reinstitute a military draft.

Mr. Rangel has said he has no intention of allowing the ethics inquiry to overshadow his legislative agenda.NY Times article yesterday.

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Columnist: Draft is needed because we may have to invade Pakistan
David Edwards and Muriel Kane
Published: Monday January 12, 2009

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[Israel already has conscription]...anyone considering dual passports think first of the tax consequences and the potential for military service, though, he added, “you can get exemptions for all of this because you’re a U.S. citizen.”Israel allows anyone of Jewish heritage to use what is called aliyah, or the Law of Return, to become a citizen, but the military draft can be an issue. Noam Greenberg, a press officer with the Israeli Consulate in New York, said that the maximum age for the draft is 28 for men and 22 for women, although married women are exempt at any age. Americans can apply for exemptions. NY Times article Monday about dual passports,

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Obama has a unique opportunity to change the world forever. [Quote from near the end of the article.]
In 4 specific areas, President Obama can affect the culture of the world forever.
In the economy, He has proposed the biggest infusion of capital ever. Yes he can and will create jobs but what about changing the psychology that caused people to end up with less than they could have in the first place.

What will change the mindset of consumers from waste to sacrifice and savings? Obama's leadership must do more than make money available but must also lead better to make better choices with what they have.

Will he start a draft? A draft could help the economy by getting some of deadbeats off the streets and into constructive activities. But will a military draft send a wrong message and dampen out the goodwill the American people are giving Obama? However, a chance should be considered if this country is going to continue being a policeman and goodwill ambassador to the world.