Rep. Rangel's Draft Proposal: A Seriously Good Idea
Whym Rhymer
November 23, 2006
When U.S. Representative Rangel (D, NY) went on Face The Nation last Sunday and dropped his 'let's reinstate the draft bombshell,' he may have been surprised that so many people believed that he was serious. I believe that Rep. Rangel, sly old fox that he is, made his proposal to reinstate the draft strictly as a jab at all the legislators who support the Iraq war as well as those who are promoting military options to combat threats by Iran and North Korea. He wants them to see what he perceives to be the inevitable result of a military stretched to and beyond its limits. It's only a bit of a surprise that he didn't take the extra step and propose that the ban on gays in the military be lifted as well, to help what he sees as a manpower shortage; but he may have felt that that would have been too far out of character.
A serious proposal or a political ploy, either way, Rangel has started (or re-started) a National debate on the draft that has both the supporters and detractors of the draft pulling out their best arguments and that's a healthy thing for America. Both sides have valid arguments and unless we get them out and dust them off every now and then, we can hardly complain about the status quo.
"Young people (would) commit themselves to a couple of years in service to this great republic, whether it’s our seaports, our airports, in schools (or) in hospitals. -- Rangel on Face The Nation"
I am heartened by the number of Americans who are speaking up in response to newspaper articles, opinion pieces and blogs and especially heartened to see the number of those people who understand the benefits of a mandatory period (most say two years) of military service or public service by every American as he or she graduates from High School, and before starting college or that first full-time job. Most also voiced support for the "no deferments" rule (except for serious financial or health concerns) for the college bound and the children of the wildly rich and politically powerful!
The concept that the benefits of being an American comes with an obligation has long been removed from our society and we are worse off for it. Too many Americans have grown, in a civic sense, to be fat, lazy and self-important. Too many Americans seem to feel that they owe nothing to America but, just the opposite, that America owes them a good life.
I join those who think that Rangel's proposal (or ruse) is a seriously good idea. A mandatory period of either military service or service in some position that benefits greater society is one way to start a cycle that will eventually bring America back to the proud society it once was; and with pride comes strength; a strength even greater than military strength, strength of character.
Then there are those, we all know them, who say they would leave the country rather than serve it; to them I bid a fond adieu! If America is that unimportant to them they deserve what they may get elsewhere.
Links:
The Cincinnati Post: Bringing back the draft obligation
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Fewer new members of Congress have military experience
From the blogosphere:
Sgt. Mom at the Blogger News Network: Caught in the Draft?
Robert VerBruggen at the Blogger News Network: Rangel to introduce draft legislation
Dan Rodricks' Random Rodricks: Broadening patriotism
Whymrhymer's fresh perspectives on today's news, as published here, also appear at My View from the Center. You are always welcome there!
A serious proposal or a political ploy, either way, Rangel has started (or re-started) a National debate on the draft that has both the supporters and detractors of the draft pulling out their best arguments and that's a healthy thing for America. Both sides have valid arguments and unless we get them out and dust them off every now and then, we can hardly complain about the status quo.
"Young people (would) commit themselves to a couple of years in service to this great republic, whether it’s our seaports, our airports, in schools (or) in hospitals. -- Rangel on Face The Nation"
I am heartened by the number of Americans who are speaking up in response to newspaper articles, opinion pieces and blogs and especially heartened to see the number of those people who understand the benefits of a mandatory period (most say two years) of military service or public service by every American as he or she graduates from High School, and before starting college or that first full-time job. Most also voiced support for the "no deferments" rule (except for serious financial or health concerns) for the college bound and the children of the wildly rich and politically powerful!
The concept that the benefits of being an American comes with an obligation has long been removed from our society and we are worse off for it. Too many Americans have grown, in a civic sense, to be fat, lazy and self-important. Too many Americans seem to feel that they owe nothing to America but, just the opposite, that America owes them a good life.
I join those who think that Rangel's proposal (or ruse) is a seriously good idea. A mandatory period of either military service or service in some position that benefits greater society is one way to start a cycle that will eventually bring America back to the proud society it once was; and with pride comes strength; a strength even greater than military strength, strength of character.
Then there are those, we all know them, who say they would leave the country rather than serve it; to them I bid a fond adieu! If America is that unimportant to them they deserve what they may get elsewhere.
Links:
The Cincinnati Post: Bringing back the draft obligation
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Fewer new members of Congress have military experience
From the blogosphere:
Sgt. Mom at the Blogger News Network: Caught in the Draft?
Robert VerBruggen at the Blogger News Network: Rangel to introduce draft legislation
Dan Rodricks' Random Rodricks: Broadening patriotism
Whymrhymer's fresh perspectives on today's news, as published here, also appear at My View from the Center. You are always welcome there!
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