It Feels Drafty [Former Nixon Aide Advocates Universal Draft]

The Episconixonian ^ | March 15, 2011 | John Taylor

[Rufii]

It Feels Drafty

By John H. Taylor

My cousin and fellow Episcopalian and blogger, Bebe Bahnsen, believes it's time for rich and poor to share the burden of defending our country. For one thing, she thinks we'd all pay more attention to decisions about where, when, and how military force is used:

And I believe it should be a universal draft—men and women. The new draft I envision would require one or two years of service from all young Americans. Many would probably be in the military but there might be other ways to perform required service—teaching or assisting in substandard schools where children are destined for failure without special attention, for instance. Or volunteering in crime prevention programs in high-crime areas. Spending a year or two helping to rebuild this country’s crumbling infrastructure might be a possibility.

It might be necessary to stipulate a certain number of draftees for military service. In that case, the draft would have to be a system such as the lottery during the Vietnam War.

[oh8eleven]

Yeah, that whole concept worked so well in Vietnam times
WTF do you know about VN? We never lost a single major military battle and it was the scumbag, civilian protestors who lost the war.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

The calls for a draft all seem to come from people with motives unrelated to having the best military possible. Some on the Left want a draft because an all-volunteer military makes Vietnam-style opposition to US military actions difficult. Some on the Right want a draft to make young people do their part for the US and appreciate it more.

Neither reason has anything to do with what's best for the military - it's all about using the military in order to reach their particular social goal. Pentagon officials have stated repeatedly that they prefer an all-volunteer force - until they state that a draft is needed, I think both sides need to butt out.

[the_daug]

With repeal of DADT would you be able to opt out?

[PGR88]

I agree - minimum two years in the military or "Americorps" type service.

I agree that it will give all Americans a common experience.

Military, maybe - because it still may be a bastion of traditional American culture. Americorp?? NO WAY. It is a Gov't sponsored community organizer. I could easily see the hands of ACORN and the Left guiding such an organization.

[mbynack]

Well said.

[fightinJAG]

*

[Alberta's Child]

Conscription is slavery. Maybe if the country is attacked, it would be acceptable.

That's an excellent point. There's no way in hell the Federal government should have the authority to draft people to serve in a military campaign halfway around the world when this country's survival isn't even remotely threatened.

[oh8eleven]

Americorp?? NO WAY.
I agree, but whatever agency handled the civilian end would have to have the capability of getting someone placed in a third world country.
Then I'd like to see them complain about America.

[fruser1]

We’d pay more attention to decisions about where, when, and how the government spends if we all paid the same tax rate.

[chesley]

But even worse is to conscript them into social service civilian jobs for any reason whatsoever.

If the job is needed, pay someone what it’s worth to do it using tax money. If taxes are kept low, it will be easy to determine what the gov needs to be doing.

[PeterPrinciple]

This sounds good on first thought. It was a good thing in the past so it would be a good thing now.................

But now is differenct. Does the military want a draft? NO.

It is a well intentioned idea but go get your Thinking Cap(tm)

[oh8eleven]

Do you own stock in a pharmaceutical company
Yes, I'm a greedy capitalist, comrade. I support BIG pharma, BIG oil, even BIG tobacco.

the introduction of tropical disease to the United States?
Unlike the tropical diseases borne on the backs of millions of illegals?
P.S. Isn't living in your parent's basement getting, like, old? Time to grow up sonny boy.

[oh8eleven]

That disqualifies you from being a "capitalist"
My account would enthusiastically disagree with you, LOL ...

[troy McClure]

Here is my idea.

When they turn 18 (Male & Female) must report to local Selective Service draft center with BC.

NO BC turned over to ICE for deportation.

Must carry Selective Service ID card with photo and finger prints at all times.

All LEO must ask for Selective Service ID along with other ID when doing a traffic or other LE stop.

NO Selective Service ID straight to ICE for deportation