Posted on 09/21/2004 3:40:42 PM PDT by tomnbeverly
One of the reasons I - a conservative Republican - have concerns that a draft could be coming is that neocons like yourself demean people who are opposed to a draft, as "cowardly." That tells me you support a draft - because you suggest that to oppose it is wrong and reprehensible and "cowardly." Draft - good. opposition to draft - cowardly. That's the implication of your statement. Do you consider Cheney a "coward" for not accepting a draft during Vietnam? I'm not dumping on Cheney - I'm dumping on you. And I'm expressing a real worry that - especially if we're considering further invasions in the Middle East (Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia) - it's hard to see how it can happen without a draft.
What were his words? I know he's said a draft "isn't needed" -- but that's not the same thing as opposing it on principle. to people who hear neocons talking about further invasions in the Middle East, an assurance that the draft "isn't needed", can mean, "isn't needed - yet."
Good to hear from you again, friend.
I think we've had this discussion before, haven't we?
I don't think everyone who opposes a draft is cowardly -- sorry if I gave you that impression. Heck, I oppose the draft and almost everyone else I know in the military is opposed, so it wouldn't make sense for me to think that everyone is a coward who opposes the draft. Can we agree that this isn't my opinion?
On the other hand, I think you and I can agree that there are those who oppose a draft because the put their personal fears ahead of the public good. Those are the people I was referring to. And I'm sure there are those who oppose a draft for other reasons also. Maybe that's the category you fall into. The draft is such a bad idea there are plenty of reasons to oppose it.
As for calling me a "neocon," I'm not real sure what that is so I guess I'll take it as a compliment!
Bush opposes draft
Both Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld have repeatedly said they oppose a draft.
"We don't need the draft," Bush told a campaign audience in Florida last month. "I'll tell you one way you make (the all-volunteer Army) work. I just signed a defense appropriations bill, which is the fourth year in a row in which we've raised the pay of those who wear our uniform, and the pay's getting better. And the housing is getting better."
“This country does not need a draft,” Rumsfeld told an Army sergeant who’d just returned from Iraq and asked about the draft at a town hall meeting in Fort Bliss, Texas on Aug. 23.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.