Imperious Entertainment
Make Imperious Your Homepage
You are here: Home
Blogs Minorities & Politics "Is it Time for Mandatory National Service?" by Tim Reed
You are here: Home
Blogs Minorities & Politics "Is it Time for Mandatory National Service?" by Tim Reed | "Is it Time for Mandatory National Service?" by Tim Reed |
|
|
|
| Written by Tim Reed | |
| Thursday, 05 July 2007 | |
  In the June 25 issue of Time, political commentator Joe Klein "offers five ways to judge whether" any of the current candidates for President of the United States have the requisite courage to lead the American people. In an article entitled "The Courage Primary," in addition to foreign policy and national security, energy independence, universal health insurance, and education, Klein discusses a policy that he himself acknowledges is "a very personal preference – and a lonely one at that – but…goes to the heart of what makes for a healthy democracy": the revival of a military draft. Arguably, if we had a draft prior to President Bush's unnecessary war in Iraq, we would have had 3,500 less military funerals since 2003. As Congressman Charles Rangel, a New York Democratic and Korean War veteran has noted, "There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to Congress, if indeed we had a draft, and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way." However, history has shown, during the Civil War and Vietnam War for example, that drafts initiated to support unpopular wars ultimately breed discontent and a military that lacks the requisite morale. Also, it is almost certain that this administration could never seriously consider such an endeavor. Bush and Co. lack both the political capital and the legitimacy to put forth such a daring initiative. Bush’s conflation of the war in Iraq and the broader struggle against international terrorism, though effective in garnering support for the invasion, now leaves him in a position in which he would be subject to a national outcry, even if undertaking a legitimate military action.  Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) supports the return of a military draft. If Bush's successor was willing – and able – to bring back the draft, it could not have the flaws that previous drafts have had, and would instead need to require that everyone serve. Also, the idea of service could be defined broadly. Klein conceives of the following: Not every 18-year-old would be pressed into two years of military service. Other options would be available: service as homeland and border security guards or airport check-in inspectors. In each of these cases, two years' service as a draftee would be the first step in a career ladder if you wanted to become, say, a border guard. College deferments would be available, but they would come at a price: a third year of mandatory service for a bachelor's degree, a fourth year for an advance degree. College graduates would also have the option, if they qualified and received intensive training, of working off their student loans by serving as military officers, teachers, police officers, social service caseworkers, nurses and paramedics. According to Klein, under such a plan, not only would elected officials be more reluctant put young American's in harm's way, but "The frustrations of teaching or fighting crime would also become better known to a broader swath of business leaders. And a history of rigorous public service would become a necessary credential for anyone who wanted to be elected President of the U.S." Comments
(3)
How about we put the money we spend towards unecessary wars towards education and health care America!
I believe you would have a war over hear, before anyone attempts to put a draft in place. From your own people. Believe that!
 written by Ametra , September 28, 2007
Putting money towards education and healthcare is good only if it is true education and not the dillutted version. Putting money towards healthcare is good only if it will trully help someone and not cause other side effects.
Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved.       |
|
| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 August 2007 ) |
Subscribe
Subscribe to our free week in review newsletter. The "name" field is optional.
Do the Right Thing
Here lies the "Do the Right Thing" poster to remind people what they're supposed to do.
Member Login
Submit News
Submit relevant news, video, etc. at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact us on AIM at ImperiousTVDonate to Imperious
Questions?
If you have suggestions or questions contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
