"An Internet-driven rumor mill" about DRAFT forces BUSH denial

[Dems Will Win]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36265-2004Apr23.html

White House Pressed on Military Draft

And here's what McClellan says: "That is just not something that's under consideration at this time." But that doesn't really answer the question that is being asked: Is Bush thinking about reinstating the draft in the future?

-snip-

The issue of the military draft emerged in the major media this week after an independent-minded Republican senator raised it at a committee hearing on Tuesday. As Helen Dewar reported in The Washington Post: "Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), a Vietnam War veteran and an influential member of the Foreign Relations Committee, wants the United States to consider reviving the draft as part of a broader effort to ensure that all Americans 'bear some responsibility' and 'pay some price' in defending the nation's interests."

Long before that, the question had become a hot one on the Internet, particularly on blogs and Web sites that routinely express great skepticism about the Bush administration. (See, for instance, BuzzFlash.com.)

Here's how Dana Hull of the San Jose Mercury News puts it: "An Internet-driven rumor mill about the possible return of a military draft is forcing Pentagon officials to step up denials that such plans are in the works."

-snip-

[Wright Patman]

1. There is an old saying

'Never believe anything until it is officially denied.'

[Dems Will Win]

2. Doubly so in this case

[Kanary]

3. Looks like we have a lot more impact typing on the 'net t

than hitting the streets. Interesting, that.

I think we need to thank Chuck Hagel!

Kanary

[Devils Advocate NZ]

4. Not more impact - just different

But look at it this way - you're less likely to get your head busted open while posting on DU or BuzzFlash.

However - there is still nothing better than tens (or hundreds) of thousands marching in the streets!

[Kanary]

6. Had my head busted open plenny times on DU

This isn't always the friendliest venue.

During my dirtyhippiecommiepinkobum days in Berkeley, I became quite adept at avoiding the protests that turned into head-busting exercises for the cops. But, that doesn't mean that it won't turn bloody again.

Kanary

[ck4829]

5. 'pay some price'?

Evidently paying taxes, and obeying the law aren't enough. Now we have to go suffer while Bush and friends relax and make jokes about us dying.