Draft? Bush’s war needs troops

gldstwmn · #1 09-21-2004, 08:23 PM

http://wvgazette.com/section/Editorials/200409213

ALARM is spreading that President Bush may seek a military draft, or mobilize more of the National Guard and Army Reserve, to obtain enough combat troops to wage his bogged-down Iraq war.

Two bills pending in Congress would launch a new draft for all young Americans ages 18 to 26, both male and female, with no college exemption. Also, a new border agreement with Canada is designed to prevent young Americans from fleeing northward to elude the draft.

When Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards spoke in Parkersburg last week, he vowed: “There will be no draft when John Kerry is president.” His declaration drew a standing ovation from the crowd.

Meanwhile, President Bush, campaigning in Missouri, promised that there will be no draft. He said improving military pay, housing and medical care will attract enough recruits to supply the needed fighting forces.

However, Bush plans a sneaky “backdoor draft,” Democrats Kerry and Edwards allege. Speaking Friday in Albuquerque, Kerry said Bush secretly intends a major Guard and Reserve mobilization just after the Nov. 2 election. Kerry charged:

“He won’t tell us what congressional leaders are now saying: that this administration is planning yet another substantial call-up of reservists and Guard units immediately after the election. Hide it from the people, then make the move.”

Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a Marine veteran of Vietnam, said Pentagon insiders told him of the mobilization plan. A White House spokesman ridiculed the allegation.

Amid all this wrangling, it’s overwhelmingly clear that Bush’s war is draining America of thousands of young people and billions of dollars — and the nation is forced to meet both needs.

Tragically, the war is a waste. There never was a necessity for it. Bush’s far-right political clique planned to attack Iraq, even before he attained the White House. The 9/11 terrorist strike provided a “cover” — a surge of patriotism that Bush manipulated into justification for war against Iraq. All his pretexts for the invasion turned out to be false.

Although he declared “Mission Accomplished” last year, the fighting grows constantly uglier and more expensive. More than 1,000 young Americans have been killed. Bush needs more and more replacements.

Before the Nov. 2 election, he should tell the American people candidly how many more young soldiers he plans to order into combat — and how he will obtain them.

dissention · #2 09-22-2004, 10:39 AM

There will be a draft, he's already got the draft board pumping. Has had it pumping since last year.

DrummerDeanna · #3 09-22-2004, 12:23 PM

That scares the crap outta me....If they wait one year and a few months then I will no longer be eligible for the draft...fine for me...not for everyone else...that just sucks...

dissention · #4 09-22-2004, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

That scares the crap outta me....If they wait one year and a few months then I will no longer be eligible for the draft...fine for me...not for everyone else...that just sucks...

Actually, there is one bill that is currently floating around that ups the age.

And it makes it near impossible to get a deferment.

Merf · #5 09-22-2004, 01:20 PM

What congress person in their right mind would support this bill?

It's political suicide! I would gladly serve time in prison rather than spending time in Baghdad. No ****ing way.

dissention · #6 09-22-2004, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merf

It's political suicide! I would gladly serve time in prison rather than spending time in Baghdad. No ****ing way.

Me, too. But from the way things are looking, we might be drafted to either Baghdad or to Iran.

DrummerDeanna · #7 09-22-2004, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

That scares the crap outta me....If they wait one year and a few months then I will no longer be eligible for the draft...fine for me...not for everyone else...that just sucks...

Well crap

what about health issues and such - like a bad knee...asthma...?

strandinthewind · #8 09-22-2004, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Well crap

what about health issues and such - like a bad knee...asthma...?

I say tell em your gay even if you are not

I mean why the hell should gay people get a free ride while the straight people go off to be killed?

Actually, if the draft comes, which is likely but it is not here yet, I would be willing to bet suddenly it is okay for gay people to tell. Yet another incidence of the religious far right being hypocrites.

DeeGeMe · #9 09-22-2004, 02:41 PM

I think I'm safe. I just turned 40 and I've got arthritis severe enough that I have to take Enbrel. Then again, I'm a Democrat and how much do you wanna bet Ashcroft already has a list and is just ready to ship our asses straight out of this country?

strandinthewind · #10 09-22-2004, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeGeMe

I think I'm safe. I just turned 40 and I've got arthritis severe enough that I have to take Enbrel. Then again, I'm a Democrat and how much do you wanna bet Ashcroft already has a list and is just ready to ship our asses straight out of this country?

Lord HELP the people who captured you - one crazy and illogical diatribe from you and they'll send you back screaming "WE SURRENDER"

(for the faint of heart, I am joking here)

sparky · #11 09-22-2004, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Actually, if the draft comes, which is likely but it is not here yet, I would be willing to bet suddenly it is okay for gay people to tell. Yet another incidence of the religious far right being hypocrites.

Oh, that is the truth. I have gay military buddies who were in Desert Storm, and while in combat, the gay thing didn't seem to be an issue. Once the fighting was over and they had come home, a lot of the homos got the boot.

DeadliestPoison · #12 09-22-2004, 03:47 PM

The Draft scares the hell out of me, too. I'm only 16, but still. Sheebus.

Sign me up for prison, dude.

estranged4life · #13 09-22-2004, 03:55 PM

during the first Gulf War people worried about the draft...I was one of 'em, But if my country needed me I would have went, Even though I did not agree with WAR what-so-ever.

The only thing I do find humorous NOW about a possible draft is the youth who want to act like they are so damn tough whining/crying about it..."Not so damn tough now are ya Momma's boy? Guess yer whole damn 'gang-banger' image WAS and IS a total f--kin' joke!"

Brian j.