Winds of war could lead to return of draft

[bluestateguy]

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040717/1025155.asp

BOSTON - No law has been signed to revive the draft, and the president, the Pentagon and the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee all oppose mandatory military service. Yet as fatalities in Iraq increase and as troops see their tours of duty extended, there is a growing concern across the United States that a draft may be in the offing.

At summer barbecues, youth baseball tournaments and work sites, conversations focus on whether a new generation will be called to mandatory military duty. Parents, grandparents and others are wondering how long America can rely on volunteers and reservists to supply a strong defense.

"I have thought about this a great deal," said Barbara Nicosia, who works in a bookstore south of Boston and is the mother of a 14-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter.

"I have a strong memory of the draft during (the war in) Vietnam, and I don't like where they are going with this," she said. "I just don't like it."

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[Lefty48197]

1. Team Bush has already instituted a draft

They're extending tours and straining many families to the absolute limits. To make matters worse, they're calling members of the Individual Ready Reserve back into service.

[nightperson]

2. I'll

kick this with this.