Heck, we already have involuntary extensions, why not bring back the draft. I don't know about the rest of you, but no one at my office ever talks about the war in Iraq, it's as if it isn't happening. As someone who served 21 years in the military, one of those against my wishes, I think a draft would put a quick end to the war. I would love to see the reaction of those with the W04 stickers still on their vehicles, if the draft were brought back. I wonder how many of them would happily send their kids off to this war. My guess is that all the pro-Bush folks would be forced to re-examine the war and would probably take a different view if it were their kids (or themselves for that matter) being drafted. I think instead of all the 20 and 30 somethings talking about who did what on American Idol, we'd see them out on the streets protesting this war. So, my question to all you who are of fighting age and who are in support of this war, would go gladly go fight if you were drafted? If not, why are you supporting Bush and the war in Iraq?
I think the most sad thing is there are people who signed up after 9/11 to go after Bin Laden in Afghanistan in the real war on terrorism and now they're rotting in Iraq, the country that had nothing to do with 9/11.
Yeah, now that I am too old for it, I think that's a great idea. Well, then again, a 1-year hitch in the military for all men and women beginning on their 18th birthdays might be a good thing. Providing strenuous exercise for a year would reduce the number of fatties and skinnies and thereby reduce health costs now and in the future. Those with a taste for military life could stay and the rest could go into the reserves, where one of their directives would be to stay fit and ready until age 40.
This makes way too much sense. It'll never happen, and I'm sure if it did, the same poeple would find a way out of it. When was the last draft?
I am not too old for it, I would certainly qualify for military service. The idea is to force the average American to have a real 'stake' in the decisions/consequences of our actions in the world, instead of having middle class Americans going about their daily business trying to 'tune out' the rest of the world...then and only then will our government truly speak for the people.
Our nations military is going through enough without hauling in guys who don't want to be there at all. At least when you're talking about extended tours, they still signed up in the first place. If we reinstate the draft, lets do it because it's necessary and not because some dufus is trying to make a point.
Dufus? Obviously I'm not the one who decides if we bring back the draft. I was simply trying to point out that a draft would reveal the true Iraq War supporters. Now let's talk about extentions. While I had my retirement put on hold for a year, many generals were allowed to retire. During that time I believe Bush went to Crawford twice, I was not allowed to take leave. If we were in that much of a national crisis, why was Bush taking vacation?
I think he may have meant the dufus in the White House, but I could be wrong. I understand your point, cmiller, but I am totally against it. If search worked, I'd repost some of my comments from previous threads about bringing back the draft. tiger, with all due respect, if you think a draft is such an all-fired good idea, why haven't you just joined up? No one is stopping you, and you say you'd qualify for a draft. Go right ahead. I'll feel that much safer, and that will be one less potential slot my 2 kids might get put into. Same goes for the rest of you young enough to be drafted that support it. Go ahead. Make my day. cmiller, you did your time and then some, from the sound of it. Relax, and let these other folks carry the water for you. You've earned it. Keep D&D Civil.
People who discuss bringing back the draft do so based on memories of the Vietnam War, and desire to create mass anti-Vietnam style protests. People who are against the draft understand what a poor PR idea this would be and that it would almost immediately end U.S. involvement with Iraq. Therefore lawmakers who supports the war will vote against the draft and those who oppose it will vote for it. Nobody who would vote for a draft actualy thinks it would be a good idea. It would be easier and more honest just to have a vote on leaving Iraq.
except that israel doesn't try to become the world police and get into messes they don't need to be in the first place. being at a prime age to be drafted, i would gladly fight for my country in any circumstance that involves the u.s. being directly threatened (ala WWII or REAL war on terror). but at the risk of sounding unpatriotic, if i see a draft instated and our country is in some senseless vietnam war or iraq war affair, i'm off to canada!
Canada isn't the friendly place it was during Vetnam for those who think they could avoid the draft. Oh, the Canadians certainly are as friendly as ever, but not the government. Think again if you believe that to be an option. Keep D&D Civil.
I know, and I thought that was interesting. Why would they bother? Inquiring minds want to know. Keep D&D Civil.
When you talk about involuntary extensions you gotta first understand the whole enlistment contract. When I was in the army (’94-’97). I originally enlisted for 3 years...but, I signed a contract for 8 years (everyone does or 4 years active; 4 years inactive). 3 years active; 5 years inactive...at any point in those 5 years I could have been reactivated to full time status. That's why it takes 8 years to receive an Honorable discharge if you decide to leave the military.
