Charlie Rangel - His Efforts to Bring Back the Draft Deserve Support [View All]

[stevenleser]

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_steven_l_061123_charlie_rangel___his.htm

November 23, 2006 at 21:08:58

Charlie Rangel - His Efforts to Bring Back the Draft Deserve Support
by Steven Leser


I love Rep. Charles Rangel. His courage concerning bringing back the draft is the stuff too rarely seen among our elected officials. He faces condemnation from both the ideological right and the progressive left for his proposal.

I have just one caveat. If the draft is brought back, it must have NO exceptions.

There should be no exception for college. People can wait and can save their salaries for tuition.

There should be no exception for physical disability. The disabled can still serve albeit in supportive and non-combat roles. A different basic training could be developed for these folks.

There should be no exception for people who intend to join the National Guard. People who truly yearn for a career in the Guard should be required to serve their two years on active duty first, then be transferred to Guard duty.

There should be no exception for gender. Women should be required to serve just like men.

Assuming these issues, and any other potential loopholes are handled, Rangel's idea is great.

I would like to add something to his proposal. If the President or Congress commits to military action, any children of the President or any sitting member of congress who have served but are no longer on active duty in the military, who are above 20 years of age but below 40, should be immediately recalled to active duty to participate.

How many wars do you think we will fight then? My guess is we will only go to war if that is the absolute last resort. If Jenna and Barbara along with the kids of the Republican congress would have had to suit up in BDUs (Battle Dress Uniforms) what do you think the chances are that the Iraq war would have ever happened?

Representative Rangel, if you see this article, you have my support if you make sure EVERYONE has to serve. If Representative Rangel's bill stipulates to no deferments or exemptions, every Democrat should support it.