Rumsfeld rejects idea of returning to the draft

Wsshington Times ^ | 4/23/04 | Guy Taylor

[kattracks]

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld yesterday dismissed the notion of reinstating the military draft, saying that the Pentagon, if needed, can dig deeper into Reserve and National Guard forces to relieve troops deployed in the war on terrorism.

"I don't know anyone in the executive branch of the government who believes it would be appropriate or necessary to reinstitute the draft," Mr. Rumsfeld told a Washington gathering of members of the Newspaper Association of America, the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Associated Press.

[MNJohnnie]

Rumsfield is right again!

[Nonstatist]

A draft just might undermine support for this war, that's apparently the hope. Why not propose a draft ten or 20 yrs ago? What's changed so much since 1973? (other than this war, that is)

[stocksthatgoup]

Sit down John, for God's sake John Sit Down!
....lyrics from 1776... appropriate for Sen McCain

[EGPWS]

According to the Associated Press, Mr. Hagel said the nation is engaged "in a generational war here against terrorism," which is "going to require resources."

"Should we continue to burden the middle class who represents most all of our soldiers, and the lower-middle class?" he said. "Should we burden them with the fighting and the dying if in fact this is a generational — probably 25-year — war?"

Democrats in both chambers — Rep. Charles B. Rangel of New York and Sen. Ernest F. Hollings of South Carolina — have introduced bills calling for the reinstatement of the draft.

And should this surprise anyone?

Politicians politicizing the defense of our nation.

The burden is placed by government mandate NOT by freedom of choice of an individual to walk the path of their choice.

[Paul C. Jesup]

The Hawks don't want a draft, but the Doves do. It's a world gone mad.

[smonk]

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