The politics of Rangal's draft idea

[WI_DEM]

First, I fully understand Charley Rangel's draft proposition. He feels that if we have the draft that people will consider more carefully than we have the last 30 years questions of war and peace--if it includes their kids and not somebody else's.

That said, the politics of the idea stinks. If a Democratic proposition to bring back the draft is one of the first things to come out of the new Democratic House and Senate I think it would doom us in 2008. Bush would probably veto it and it would be a big issue in '08--"Dems want to bring back Draft".

My guess is that many democrats know this and it won't get anywhere.

That said I admire Rangel for what he is saying and a part of me agrees with him.

[ComerPerro]

1. This needs to be said over and over again, because some people here

seem to think that either:

a) the average citizen will be smart or aware enough to appreciate the politics behind it

or

b) that any kind of draft, should it actually come to that, would be remotely fair, or that somehow the rich would be compelled to serve if called, because its "the right thing to do"



both positions are incredibly naive.

[elocs]

11. Amen. Very, very naive. n/t

[Options Remain]

2. actually the best way is to install a War Tax

That requires all Profits acheived by government contracts and utilities in wartime are Taxed 50% or more to pay for the war.

TearForger

[treestar]

5. This is brilliant

If they refuse, we can immediately and fairly accuse them of failing to "support America" or "support the troops." It's practically the same people saying we fail to do that just by protesting the war.

Heck, it arguably should be nonprofit. Isn't it undertaken for noble causes, like the defense of our way of life?

[eleny]

7. I thought war profiteering was illegal

But if that's not possible to enforce, I sure like your idea.

[savemefromdumbya]

3. Would Rangel get off the air?

this is suicidal?

[eleny]

4. I don't believe it will go anywhere, either

But it sure gives the right wingers something to worry about. The public discussion has begun in earnest because Rangel can get his idea at least heard in committee. I hope it scares the piss out of the fundies and their macho attitude toward nuking everyone who disagrees with them. And makes them realize how Dems are not necessarily weak on terror. I think Rangel is rolling the dice here.

Being 60 gives me the advantage of remembering how the draft helped to end the Vietnam conflict. I now have images of fundy parents leading the charge this time.

[A Simple Game]

12. I don't believe Rangel thinks it will go anywhere either.

It didn't the last time, but he gets on a lot of shows to talk about it doesn't he?

If the number of threads on DU are an indication, people are talking about it, and having second thoughts about starting unnecessary wars. That is Rangel's primary reason.

If you listen to Rangel at all, you know he is a very smart person. He knows what he is doing.

[eleny]

16. I agree with you

[onenote]

6. repubs won't vote against it

They don't want it to come up for a vote because they'd have to vote for it. For a repub to vote against it would be sending the message to their heartland constituency -- those midwestern moms and southern dads etc. whose kids volunteer because they think its the "right thing to do" that the costs of war should be borne by them, and not by everyone, that only they should have to sacrifice. .

[lumberjack_jeff]

8. I'm with you, right up to "IF".

For it to become a rightwing meme, it needn't be a bill.

"Democratic leaders support a draft" is a phrase you'll hear frequently, no matter.

[helderheid]

9. Recommended - I couldn't agree more. Most people will not appreciate

the politics behind this move.

[elocs]

13. Most people includes most American voters who will think it is stupid. n/t

[leftofthedial]

10. plus, we know that the sons and daughters of privilege

those who make the decisions to go to war to enrich themselves and their friends

won't serve

they'll find every possible deferment, exception or cushy country club "texas air national guard" duty

(except with vanishingly rare exceptions)

[elocs]

15. Yep, it will always work that way. Don't believe t won't. n/t

[Hosnon]

14. Agreed. I'm amazed at all of the DUers assuming we think this is dumb because we are

stupid and don't understand what he means.

Yes...we know what he means. Just as we knew what Kerry meant with his little joke. But do you understand NOTHING about how politics works?

[PsN2Wind]

17. His bringing the subject up puts Iraq on the front page

instead of page A11.
Also he thinks, and I agree, that serious consideration of the draft would cause massive demonstrations on the campuses that are only seen now when a school has won a sporting event, lost a sporting event or a new a Xbox is brought out.
"Nothing focuses the mind like a hanging"!!!