Reinstate the draft?

[Karin M Fichtner]

So I read Charlie Rangel's statement today about how he believes we need to reinstate the draft before we get involved in Syria.  Ok.....He's been wanting to put the draft back in for years.....but this time, he says women should be included.  Since women have been approved for combat positions, my son thinks it's only fair.

Your thoughts?

[Dell]

I agree with a mandatory 2 year service for everyone at age 18. It could be military, peace corp, or some other approved service. But it needs to be universal. There is no need for just a military draft. Since the draft stopped the military has really not had a problem filling it's quotas. And since we do not need to be fighting in two or three countries at a time...we don't need a larger military.

[Shadowman]

I agree. If one does not want the military aspect, then whatever serves society, forest service, social services, etc. The current military is not really voluntary. Many are there because of the wages and benefits and even so they have a hard time making quota and we make up the lack with expensive mercenaries and contractors. And if we ended up with too many draftees we could alter the time to serve, etc.

[Karin M Fichtner]

I don't know about that, Chief; those boys who fought two wars on two fronts in WW2 were pretty darned motivated. 

[Karin M Fichtner]

I don't, either....especially when we can't afford to properly train and equip the ones we have now. But if we did feel the need.....I think women should be included.

[ProblemAgain]

i believe the idea is to make sure sacrificing for your country is shared equitably across the board, whether rich or poor, black, brown or white and whether politically powerful or not. much like the republican congressperson who didn't understand the furor about the civil rights of gay people til his own son came out, the way a politician votes might just be better thought about if it is one of their own or one of their backers who might lose a loved one when voting for a military action...or even voting for veterans benefits and va budgets

[ProblemAgain]

by the by....during the civil war, there was a draft for the union and you could buy your way out by essentially purchasing a substitute for 400 bucks. at the time this was the equivalent to an average household income for a year and a half. in some respects, things don't change. a rich man's war  but a poor man's fight...

[Karin M Fichtner]

So do I assume you wouldn't mind your daughter being drafted? 

[crestofwaves]

I like the draft--no exemptions.

[crestofwaves]

Exactly-- I ain't no Senator's son...

[T2Friends]

If they were to institute a draft it should indeed be for both men and women.  I am not sure I agree that instituting a draft would change a vote on whether to start a war or not, it is a good theory but not sure it would really work, unless there was no deferment for school, etc.  

[Karin M Fichtner]

I have a granddaughter who's a senior this year, and she wants to enlist in the AF when she graduates.  Actually, she is trying really hard to get accepted into the Academy in Colorado Springs.  I would not have objected to any of the other granddaughters enlisting.  My ex dil is retired Corps.  I think we are not the same country we were during the last institution of the draft.  We have changed our outlook on things.  I think it is only fair to draft both men and women.  If women have worked hard to be in combat positions, why should they not be asked to serve, too? 

After all....it's not like we expect them to sit home and have babies anymore. 

[ProblemAgain]

equal rights...equal pay...equal responsibilities...equality all around....and the point is the kids can do alternative service as they did in the past...vista etc.....sign up for that BEFORE you get drafted and you get to work on an indian reservation or in some other job of service to the country ...it's good for the country all around