Why I expect a draft - no matter what happens in November.

[brokensymmetry]

We've been reading various items that discuss a draft in June. Today, some items suggest it could start as early as January, 2005. A few posters believe it might begin even earlier - though the consensus seems to be that such an action would assure a Kerry win.

Let's consider a different possibility.

Presently, we have a "situation" in Iraq. Arguably, certain elements of the Islamic world are becoming inflamed about present tactics.

Presently, we have uncontrolled borders. The mainstream press reports significant levels of illegal immigration. It seems reasonable that terrorists could follow the same path that those aspiring to be day laborers do.

Presently, we have reports that suggest that long-term sleeper cells exist within the US.

Presently, we have a military that is stretched paper thin. The delayed troop rotation suggests this.

Presently, we have potential challenges from North Korea.

Presently, a resurgent China looks toward Taiwan.

For those who suggest resistance to the draft, please recall the Patriot Act - presently in effect.

Now suppose - purely for the sake of discussion - that a terrorist act occurs within the borders of the US. Suppose it is moderately horrific - say, on the order of one tenth what 911 did. Suppose that 300 Americans die in that attack.

At that juncture, will the American people not demand greater domestic security? Will there not be some degree of siege mentality? Could there be a new desire to lash out at perceived enemies around the world?

Is it not possible that the vast majority of the population will demand a draft? And this demand will affect any President, no matter who it might be?

I'm not aware of anyone saying that a terrorist act won't happen; rather, all reports seem to agree that it is only a matter of time.

Your comments welcome. Please feel free to show me the errors in my logic.

[mike_c]

1. frankly, I think you're correct in many respects...

...although a draft under any circumstances will increase the polarization in America. I'm actually wondering whether an "absolutely necessary, limited" draft will be Kerry's honeymoon surprise. The "war on terror" isn't going to fight itself, and being entirely open ended, will NEVER be sufficiently well staffed.

[aquart]

2. I WANT a draft.

I want all Americans to have a stake in the fighting and dying, not just an underprivileged few.

I want Congressmen afraid that a vote for war will kill THEIR children. I want that in the equation.

This war was too damn easy to enter. Congress simply caved.

Will the privileged still find ways to shelter their young? Sure. But with a draft they have to account for it.

[mike_c]

4. I'm absolutely opposed to a draft except in dire cases of...

...national defense. A ready suppply of cannon fodder just makes it easier for Congress to abdicate its responsibility, and once people get used to the idea, it won't really be much of a political liability.

[NNN0LHI]

6. See if you can find one example of a Congressman or Senators son...

...ever being drafted. Bet you can't find one.

Don

[brokensymmetry]

7. Be careful what you wish for!

I've had some military friends - and they tell me that officers who come from West Point get treated very differently from those who came out of ROTC from Podunk U. Will it be otherwise with different categories of draftees?

Who knows, some option like the Air National Guard might offer the opportunity to enlist. :evilgrin:

I'm not at all sure there won't be exceptions, deferrals, and so on for certain "special" groups - and even if the Congressman's son gets drafted, I'd wager he won't be pulling guard duty in some god forsaken outpost.

[ThomWV]

3. Other Reasons It Will Be Reinstated

You forget, the draft takes unempolyed persons off the streets as well, so it leads to a drop in the UP numbers.

It also pumps cash into the pockets of young, for the most part single, men who spend it like water - and up goes the economy.

[meow mix]

5. i bet pnac would like a draft too

must draft for imperial pursuits.

no thanks..

[brokensymmetry]

8. By the way -

have you noticed how many sources are suggesting an October surprise? General Tommy Franks...William Safire...

And now I come across a little piece by a fellow named Jim Sinclair who says that certain trading patterns in the dollar and gold are similar to those seen in the airlines just prior to 911.

Here's a link: http://www.propagandamatrix.com/articles/april2004/010404newfootprints.htm

:shrug: