Senator Wants U.S. To Rethink Military Draft

[skpaw]

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/3027078/detail.html

Senator Wants U.S. To Rethink Military Draft
Republican Pushes 'Mandatory' Service, Stops Short Of Calling For Draft

WASHINGTON -- Should the United States resume the military draft?
DRAFT? Reinstitute?
Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., said it is time to think about compulsory military service again -- with American forces stretched thin by fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq -- but he stopped short of actually calling for resumption of the draft.

Hagel told NBC's "Today" show that a renewed military draft is among the possibilities the United States should consider. (for rest of story, click link above.)

POSTED: 12:21 p.m. EDT April 21, 2004
UPDATED: 12:57 p.m. EDT April 21, 2004

I have a son who will 18 in less than a year. I DO NOT want the draft to resume.

[carogonza]

I bet they won't do anything until after the election but if Bush wins I wouldn't doubt they would try and resume it.

[dandylin]

I think a draft is the best option. That will force some of the "haves" into this war and I bet if they got in, we'd be out of pretty quick. Can't have the upper class dying now can we?

[Txsweeper]

Supporters of civil liberties want to see the draft reenacted? That's a contradiction of convictions, isn't it?

[Fidget]

Hello canada... or perhapse Hola Mexico

I'm not handing my husband over to the military. I'd rather live in another country than lose my husband to a war i dont believe in

[tommy]

even though i do not wanna see your son get drafted skpaw i do hope they reinstate the draft

several days ago i spoke to 2 young lads ( full time army --- friends of my son -- going back to iraq in several months ) and they related to me they would much rather have full time soldiers fighting by thier sides then some of the weekend warriors that where there with them on thier first tour :smile9:

[advantage2000]

I think a draft is the best option. That will force some of the "haves" into this war and I bet if they got in, we'd be out of pretty quick. Can't have the upper class dying now can we?

I have to disagree there... we have a volunteer army, so there is no have/have-not division. Young men and women can join the military of their own volition, regardless of background. (I was upper-middle class and knew many people in the Army from much wealthier familes than me.)

I think that the draft is a BAD idea, as evidenced by Vietnam.. we don't have the old problem of rich people writing their congressman or buying their kids out of service with this system.

[Txsweeper]

I have to disagree there... we have a volunteer army, so there is no have/have-not division. Young men and women can join the military of their own volition, regardless of background. (I was upper-middle class and knew many people in the Army from much wealthier familes than me.)

I think that the draft is a BAD idea, as evidenced by Vietnam.. we don't have the old problem of rich people writing their congressman or buying their kids out of service with this system.


I'm winking at you guy! :wink3: :wink3: :wink3:

Between you and MrDave, I may have to rethink my political stance (oh lest I forget dear Patty!)


NOT! But it is a compliment, you all are convincing on many issues. Sorry Pechuna, I'm not as "stout" as you :laugh:

[carogonza]

I think a draft is the best option. That will force some of the "haves" into this war and I bet if they got in, we'd be out of pretty quick. Can't have the upper class dying now can we?

Unfortunately, the "haves" kids still wouldn't go into the army and be on the front lines. They will do what Dubya did and enlist and get the plum assignments or stay out all together. :worry:

[Hhhyyyddd]

Let the snotty out of control Bush daughters go to war. They're not getting my sons. I'm not blowing wind when I say I would leave the country first.

[Veuve-Cliquot]

Let the snotty out of control Bush daughters go to war. They're not getting my sons. I'm not blowing wind when I say I would leave the country first.

The Bushie girls can't go to the middle east, it's too hard to get alcohol over there. :rolleyes:

[Hhhyyyddd]

The Bushie girls can't go to the middle east, it's too hard to get alcohol over there. :rolleyes:
I forgot, no booze in Islamic countries.
:laugh: :laugh:

I think the Bush daughters might need their very own thread. Say what you will about the Clintons, at least their daughter wasn't trashy.

[Tametaz]

Since there are so many women in the military, would women be included in the draft this time around, if it were reinstated?

[dandylin]

Supporters of civil liberties want to see the draft reenacted? That's a contradiction of convictions, isn't it?

How? I think mandatory service, be it military, civil or private is a good thing.

[cowleyh]

Since there are so many women in the military, would women be included in the draft this time around, if it were reinstated?

that's my question as well...

[cowleyh]

How? I think mandatory service, be it military, civil or private is a good thing.

i am shocked. :shocked4: we agree on something.

[Cerris]

I think mandatory service would be a great thing for this country to have. No draft, just a minimum 2 years of service would suffice. You could choose when you wish to serve though in a 6 to maybe 8 year time frame after you turned 18 years old. Men/women, there would be no seperation. I think everyone would gain a sense of respect for authority and would learn a displine that would help in them throughout their life. Plus think of the possiblities: everyone would be entitled to medical/dental coverage, everyone would have a least one skill taught to them, etc... Lots of possiblities that could happen if the US required mandatory service.

[dandylin]

i am shocked. :shocked4: we agree on something.

Don't worry I'm sure it won't happen often :laugh:

[dandylin]

I think mandatory service would be a great thing for this country to have. No draft, just a minimum 2 years of service would suffice. You could choose when you wish to serve though in a 6 to maybe 8 year time frame after you turned 18 years old. Men/women, there would be no seperation. I think everyone would gain a sense of respect for authority and would learn a displine that would help in them throughout their life. Plus think of the possiblities: everyone would be entitled to medical/dental coverage, everyone would have a least one skill taught to them, etc... Lots of possiblities that could happen if the US required mandatory service.

Mandatory service could be, in my opinion, working for the Park Service, Highway Administration or any other governmental service field, not necessarily military though.

I don't know about anyone else, but I've always taught my children and I was taught myself, to always QUESTION AUTHORITY

[cowleyh]

always QUESTION AUTHORITY

Always? Troublemaker. :halo:

[dandylin]

Always? Troublemaker. :halo:

And don't you forget it! :)

[advantage2000]

I think mandatory service would be a great thing for this country to have. No draft, just a minimum 2 years of service would suffice. You could choose when you wish to serve though in a 6 to maybe 8 year time frame after you turned 18 years old. Men/women, there would be no seperation. I think everyone would gain a sense of respect for authority and would learn a displine that would help in them throughout their life. Plus think of the possiblities: everyone would be entitled to medical/dental coverage, everyone would have a least one skill taught to them, etc... Lots of possiblities that could happen if the US required mandatory service.

Israel does it, why not us? Super idea... if you don't like the military, let's bring back the CCC, TVA, or be a teacher, or plant some trees, or something useful.

However, let's look at other countries who have it: South Korea, Greece, Algeria, Hungary, Germany, Croatia, Armenia, Switzerland, Turkey, Taiwan, Chile and Nicaragua.

[bewitched]

Let the snotty out of control Bush daughters go to war. They're not getting my sons. I'm not blowing wind when I say I would leave the country first.


I'm right there with you! My son is only 8, so we have 10 years before we really have to worry, but my husband and I have talked about the possibility of a draft quite a bit. Both of us agree that we would be on the next flight out of this country if they were to force our son to fight in a war our family doesn't support. It's very sad that we would even have to think of it.


Tabitha

[dandylin]

I'm right there with you! My son is only 8, so we have 10 years before we really have to worry, but my husband and I have talked about the possibility of a draft quite a bit. Both of us agree that we would be on the next flight out of this country if they were to force our son to fight in a war our family doesn't support. It's very sad that we would even have to think of it.


Tabitha

My parents had an exit strategy during the Vietnam conflict, for my brother. I would do the same for my children, if I thought they might lose their life in a war I thought was unjust.

[Mary Beth]

If we had a service alternative for everyone, where some could go and do CCC-like work in our national parks (where the budgets have really been cut) or some could serve in the military or some could work in inner cities, I think it might work. Now, everyone would have to serve - even the Dubyas of the world. There would be a wide variety of things that could be done, so that everyone could serve.

[nancy_k1]

I do not think they should reinstate the draft. It just isn't the right thing to do. I know around here after 9/11 there was a HUGE surge of guys signing up for the Army and Air Force. All of the younger guys that I know have already signed up and most are now in Iraq. I just don't feel it right to FORCE someone to fight. If they were to come and take me they would have to bury me because I would drop dead of a fear on the spot. I support our soldiers and I pray for them daily. This doesn't mean I do or do not support the war or the things going on. I support someone who puts their lives in danger to try to do thier very best for our country. I just know I wouldn't be a good choice for that position.

[littlebitties]

The draft is a nice thought in theory, but let me put it this way....do we really want to hand weapons to someone with zero desire to be in the military? I worry they'd end up shooting their commanding officers in the back first time they were told to engage in battle. :rolleyes:

[Bigfootsmother]

I have a 19yr old son, he is very much against this war and Bush, as am I.

He told me he would rather kill himself then fight for something he doesn't believe in :frown3:

My 17yr old daughter has had chronic mono since she was 12 and will probably always have it, she gets tired very easy and if she gets overtired she gets very ill, so I am not worried about her getting drafted

[dandylin]

that's my question as well...

Didn't they try to change that about 20 years ago? I don't think they got far. As with everything else having to do with women and service and leadersip 'We aren't ready for that yet" And if you have to ask the question, you ain't ready.

[bobbydean]

I think mandatory service to our country is a good idea. I think the person should be able to choose either military service or some type of civil service. I, also, agree with many of you that this should be 100%, no exemptions.

[pattyepye]

Previous draft efforts have resulted in rebellion, burning draft cards, moving to Canada, basically becoming criminals in the eyes of the government. Many priviledged (who you know) became part of the "Special Services", perhaps entertaining or some position that was always out of harm's way. There will always be those who circumvent regulations.

Proposing a military draft, is proposing a military focus of government. The suggestions for civil service in other areas is a good idea. Personally, I think military service or any government service should be voluntary. The young men dying in the Viet Nam War should always remind us that their lives were taken unfairly and at the whims of a military machine.

[dandylin]

Previous draft efforts have resulted in rebellion, burning draft cards, moving to Canada, basically becoming criminals in the eyes of the government. Many priviledged (who you know) became part of the "Special Services", perhaps entertaining or some position that was always out of harm's way. There will always be those who circumvent regulations.

Proposing a military draft, is proposing a military focus of government. The suggestions for civil service in other areas is a good idea. Personally, I think military service or any government service should be voluntary. The young men dying in the Viet Nam War should always remind us that their lives were taken unfairly and at the whims of a military machine.


You are right. But there are always a few that don't get by. As far as proposing a military focus of government, we are already well on the way to that. Military worship is at an all-time high and the "military" and it's tactics are being used in the civilian sectors of our county already. I just think instituting a draft, is in some small way, levelling the playing field.

[pattyepye]

The draft has worked before, mandatory military for youth.

[dandylin]

Point taken, I think a little over the top, but taken :)

[pattyepye]

Point taken, I think a little over the top, but taken :)

Sorry, not trying to be over the top....visuals will do it. :gvibes:

[bomar97]

Hello canada... or perhapse Hola Mexico

I'm not handing my husband over to the military. I'd rather live in another country than lose my husband to a war i dont believe in

MANY countries have a MANDATORY stretch of military service by their citizens...

and sometimes I think it would help many a youth out of high school who has no aim at what to do with their life....

[positivelift]

ahhhh It's so easy to send someone ELSE's kid to war...isn't it?

I served three years on Active Duty and received my honorable discharge last year about this time. I am 22, married, have 2 kids, work nightshift, and recently purchased our first home. (it's a nice one)

But, don't you draft-freaks worry!!!! Because I still have 5 years in IRR (individual ready reserve) ....meaning I will be sent before draft.

And don't worry again. I will be PROUD to serve again and protect the freedoms that you use anyway you want.

God bless America.

Rob

[hort1]

Many of us did not want to send ANYONE'S kid off to Iraq.

[bewitched]

Many of us did not want to send ANYONE'S kid off to Iraq.


Exactly! There is NO WAY I would ever let my son go off and fight in a war he doesn't support. I can think of nothing more DISHONORABLE then dying for something you don't believe in, but were forced to fight for.


My father was a Marine and served 2 tours in Vietnam. The things he went through were horrible. He still has nightmares about it to this day. As kids my brothers and I were told that when he was sleeping we were to leave him alone because once my mom tried to comfort him while he was having a nightmare and he threw her to the floor and started to choke her. I've seen and felt how painful war can be on a family. I've talked to my father about the possibility of a draft today. It speaks volumes when he told me that if any of grandsons were drafted and decided not to go he would support them 100%. His words, "No one should be forced to fight for something they don't believe in."


Tabitha

[positivelift]

((((((tabitha))))))

There's this guy at work (I work at a factory) who is nicknamed "The old man".
He doesn't look "that" old to me. Maybe 60. Anyway, he volunteered to return to
Iraq twice. I don't really know if he believed in the war, but knowing that he sure as hell
believed in his buddies.

Yes, I do agree with you.

And thanks Lisa. :)

And, although going into Iraq may not have met the approval of others (including other civil nations), we shouldn't half-ass it.

[skpaw]

ahhhh It's so easy to send someone ELSE's kid to war...isn't it?

I served three years on Active Duty and received my honorable discharge last year about this time. I am 22, married, have 2 kids, work nightshift, and recently purchased our first home. (it's a nice one)

But, don't you draft-freaks worry!!!! Because I still have 5 years in IRR (individual ready reserve) ....meaning I will be sent before draft.

And don't worry again. I will be PROUD to serve again and protect the freedoms that you use anyway you want.

God bless America.

Rob


This is a war I do not want to send ANYONE to. Not my son or daughter or any other Americans. I feel that this was a huge mistake to go into Iraq and a violation of American policy not to start a war just to change the government of the country that is invaded. There were no Weapons of Mass Destruction, and I belive that was known before we went there. They had looked for them for years and never found any. We did not belong there one year ago, and we do not belong there in the future. Saddam was a terrible man, but we did not meet our own qualifications for starting this war. I hope no one is drafted into this mess, and I feel very bad for the people who have SIGNED UP and ended up there. At least they were able to make a choice.

It is not about money (we are NOT wealthy) it is that I want my kids to get an education and start their own lives. They do not fall into the group of kids with no idea what to do with their future. My kids have many talents and are very smart, but I just don't think being a soldier would be a good choice for these kids. I do not even know if they would make good ones. I want them to choose their path--just as the current soldiers have done.

[bewitched]

I want them to choose their path--just as the current soldiers have done.


I think this is a great point. I will support my son no matter what path in life he takes. If he's a doctor, way to go. If he's a soldier, way to go. Even if he goes to work for the IRS, way to go. I want him to have the chance to choose even if it's something I don't agree with.


Tabitha