Would You Support a Reinstatement of the Draft as Rep. Rangel will Propose Early Next Year/?

Question

November 18, 2006
By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 if the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has his way.

Charles Rangel D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars and to bolster U.S. troop levels insufficient to cover potential future action in Iran,North Korea and Iraq.

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

Rangel, the next chairman of the House tax-writing committee, said he worried the military was being strained by its overseas commitments.

At a time when some lawmakers are urging the military to send more troops to Iraq, "I don't see how anyone can support the war and not support the draft," said Rangel, who also proposed a draft in January 2003, before the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told Congress in June 2005 that "there isn't a chance in the world that the draft will be brought back."

Yet the prospect of the long global fight against terrorism and the continuing U.S. commitment to stabilizing Iraq have kept the idea in the public's mind.

Answer 1

The draft will rip this fragile country apart. America is not strong enough to sustain the war over seas and far to weak to fight one the war that will occur at home if congress enacts the draft.

Answer 2

Rangel sees his district as strongly against the war, and yet his district is also fighting the war.

I agree that we would not have been fighting in Iraq with a draft. We had many young men and women enlist for the Afghanistan problem. If the draft was expected, then there'd be less public outcry when it was used correctly.

Answer 3

Hell no because according to the history in the US, the Draft was good until the Mid 1960s when the Vietnam Conflict began. Any one who supported a draft that is only minimun is a complete ***.

Answer 4

The Heritage Foundation proves that Charlie Rangel is wrong:

"The poor are enlisting at demonstrably lower rates since 9/11. Specifically, the percentage of recruits from the poorest one-fifth of American neighborhoods declined from 18% in 1999 to 13.7% in 2005. The reverse is true for recruits from the wealthiest one-fifth of neighborhoods. They are now overrepresented, accounting for 22.8% of all recruits."

"Household Income of Recruits -- We found that recruits tend to come from mid­dle-class areas, with disproportionately fewer from low-income areas. Overall, the income dis­tribution of military enlistees is more similar to than different from the income distribution of the general population."

Answer 5

It stands a danger as do different costs......yet I doubt that is going to bypass. Charlie's were given the incorrect idea besides. one of those bill received't guarentee something. First what percentage in Congress or the Senate have little ones of draft age besides. second, individuals of Congress and Senators by no potential study those costs all by besides, so even it if does bypass,. someone will upload something or delete something which will income the sons of Congress/Senators/the wealthy besides.i desire it by no potential receives bypass the first draft.

Answer 6

Yes! Military service makes men out of hip-hop kids. However, there should be no deferments for any males. The Senators' sons should also serve and not as chaplain's assistants.

Answer 7

I agree,with mr.rangel lets reintroduce the draft,but with one twist,the draftee army will be used as flank defense,and ground holding troops,mop up and reconstruction troops,and the all volunteer army as shock troops,attack troops,and nothing else.

Answer 8

There is no need for a draft - the volunteer service system works well and you have a fighting force that wants to be there defending America.

Our family has served , we were all volunteers for various branches.

Answer 9

I think everyone should have to serve the country in one aspect or another. Our country should be about more than just a birth certificate.

Answer 10

Our military leaders don't seem to want it. I'll defer to their judgment on this.