Rangel Still Wants to Draft You

Burning a draft card during the Vietnam War.

Rep. Charles Rangel, who has repeatedly called for bringing back the draft, was at it again yesterday outside the military recruiting station in Times Square. Rangel believes Congress should stop funding the war and any further expenditure should go toward bringing the troops home. Spoke the Rangel:

I cannot challenge the president's handling of the war in Iraq, where he was left with few options after inheriting the conflict from the previous administration. I support his intentions to withdraw, but I'd like to see it happen sooner... Whether in Afghanistan, or any future conflict, the test is whether Congress — in supporting a war policy — is willing to require all eligible residents of this great country to make a contribution to put their own children at risk.
In other words, in order to fulfill one's moral responsibility to this democracy, anyone who supports this, or any war, should also support a compulsory military draft.

A draft would enlist Americans between the ages of 18 and 42, and according to Rangel it would affect a broader segment of society, reaching those Americans who "don't take any of this personally." Rangel, who is 80 years old and a decorated Korean War veteran, faces at least three challengers vying for his seat this year. Earlier this year he was stripped of his position as chairman of the House Ways and Means Commission after being investigated for ethics violations.

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By John Del Signore in News on July 8, 2010 3:09 PM

Comments [rss]

wingedearth

Why is that corrupt jerk, Rangel, still in office and not in prison where he belongs?

ladyjane

I don't know. You say you're for it: It's equalizing, it would end the war faster. Call me naive, but I think it's really easy to say all that when there is no draft. I'd like to see how all of you feel when you're number is called to go fight in Afghanistan.

John L

At first I though he was crazy but now I totally agree with Rangel after listening to his reasoning.

The reality is that the children of the lower economic classes are fighting the wars of the upper classes. Unfortunately most people join the military because it's the only way they can afford to get an education. Wealthy Americans's children, members of Congress included, don't have to worry about this and enlistment figures reflect this. One can only wonder if the draft was reinstated and EVERYONE had to go if America's elite would be so gung-ho about going to war. If the wars this country is fighting benefits everyone, or so they say, shouldn't everyone do their part?

It's unfair that while these soldiers are fighting for our country the children of America's elite aren't even affected. They're partying and going to college, on Facebook, playing with their iPhones, etc. while America's disadvantaged are risking their lives for us. But twenty years from now most of those soldiers won't even be able to find a job while the son's and daughters of the elite will be running for office and deciding on America's next wars without ever having worn a uniform their entire lives. Let's at least see who the draft dodgers are and who proudly serves their country, even if they were drafted or forced to.

So I say yes bring the draft back and we'll see how much more peaceful America will become when these wars affect EVERYONE equally.

Anyone interested in exploring this further read this

http://97.74.65.51/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=3552

inoyourider

It's a volunteer army.

The individual's choice to be part of a fighting force.

Of course there are inherent risks, and of course it's not a popular choice for people with options.

If there was a draft wouldn't that be taking jobs away from people who need them?

inoyourider

Not bad points, but I'm sick and tired of Rangel and can;'t wait to vote him out of office.

He lost NYS the Chair of Ways and Means.

That alone should end his career.

Stewart

While we are at it, let's make all members of congress send their children to public school in dc. Oh and let's make everyone pay income tax via a flat tax, that way everyone can be outraged by the government pissing money away.

HBHB

I'm all for the draft. A draft would end the wars so fast. That's the problem with the USA going to war these days, nobody cares. Is doesn't hurt anyone at home. If families had the threat of their children being called to war than these wars would come to a fast end.

bashmentgirl

Excellent idea. However, this time there shouldn't be any loopholes for the children of rich or "important" people.

bonu$baby

Can we deport him to the Dominican Republic when he gets convicted of tax evasion?

bashmentgirl

Excellent idea. However, this time there shouldn't be any loopholes for the children of rich or "important" people.

unretrofiedforu

Like you?

bashmentgirl

No because Mr. Rangel is a native born American citizen.

cutlass

No draft, but mandatory 2 years of military service between ages of 19 and 24. 'Hood rats and hipsters sharing barracks and having to get up at 5am to practice marching.

Mordicai

I would broaden it to Mandatory Service in general; I mean, the Army Corps of Engineers does good work, but I don't want to preclude other social benefits from mandatory service by limiting it to strictly military applications.

unretrofiedforu

Both of you guys STFU. Stop trying to paint links between 'mandatory service' and patriotism. The whole point of America is to be free from being forced into something. If you guys think it makes 'better americans', send your kids right now to Army recruiting. There's plenty of real-life combat for them.

Eric

I agree with this. Or some sort of social service, or a non-combat role in the military. Lots of other countries do it, and it gives them a greater sense of nationalism which is something this country is severely lacking.

SP's Ghost

I agree with him wholeheartedly. If Everyone had to serve in the military, the government wouldn't be able use it as recklessly and irresponsibly as they do.

DanielJ

Keeping my draft card in a safe place so I'll know where it is if I ever feel like burning it.

Kojak

Well that certainly is the right sentiment, but lets only use the draft for more serious conflicts which require far more manpower.

This is not Starship Troopers, and Service should not be needed to guarantee citizenship.