Reinstating the Draft (Bill in place)

[astralspinner]

Further details

[no_leaf_clover]

Yes, so far the bill may be improbable, but the powers that be will no doubt get what they want if they want it bad enough. It's more of a question of how bad those behind the bill want it to go through.

Take, for example, the Patriot Act. The bill was very unpopular to say the least, even after 9/11, for repealing some of the rights granted in the Bill of Rights in the name of 'national security'. Such criticism of the bill could be expected, as not every senator would be so eager to counter rights assured to every American citizen in the Bill of Rights, which were supposed to have been natural rights that every free man in the world should be allowed. Even after 9/11, when the event was still fresh in all our memories, Congress still objected to this bill and would not pass it. But we all know that eventually, it did pass.

What events happened to occur between the initial unpopularity and its later passing? The anthrax scares. Everyone remember those? Since that time period we haven't heard anything else about them, except that it was found that they came from US labs rather than the Middle East, and that, yes, we were breaking treaties and illegally producing anthrax. Well, the anthrax was also (very coincidentally) mailed to the two senators who were speaking out the most against it: democratic senators Daschle and Leahy. It was sent to two other businessmen, but no other senators; those were the only two.

Congress was sent home for a couple days while the place was sealed off. A pretty dramatic event. The letters containing the anthrax even had some nice little messages that suggested Muslims that spoke English as a secondary language had sent the letters ('Death to America', 'Allah is Great'), but later investigation showed the letters were not likely sent by any Muslim terrorist groups. No such groups ever claimed to have sent the letters, either.

But for now, the senators didn't know this. They showed back up and soon a new version of the Patriot Act was brought into Congress. It was much longer (and later, most senators admitted they didn't read the document through but still voted in favor for it), and was hurried through the disgruntled legislative body. It passed 98 to 1. Previous votes couldn't even approach the minimum numbers needed, and now the vote is almost unanimous after these psychological tactics are used on Congress. Daschle and Leahy now vote in favor, and therefore of course the opposition of this bill had completely deteriorated since the scares.

Some of you will of course mark these events up to coincidence; that by some unfortunate coincidence this bill was passed. Any other idea is some uncredible conspiracy theory. That's up to you. What is completely obvious is that the anthrax had an effect on Congress. Without the scares, Daschle and Leahy could not have been expected to change their position on the bill, and they would've had no reason to. Thus, the bill would most likely continue to have been strongly opposed in the Senate. That much is obvious. But instead of this scenario unfolding, something else happened, so efficiently crippling the opposition to the bill that one simply wonders if there was ever any guided intention for it to do so.

Another interesting aspect of this event is that later, after microbiologists worldwide responded by trying to develop a cure to anthrax, the microbiologists started to mysteriously die off. World wide, the top microbiologists died from unsolved cases of bludgeonings, falling from bridges, plane crashes (once killing multiple microbiologists at the same time), hit and runs, and other suspicious causes (no natural causes of death). Some fifteen world-renowned microbiologists died in a period of five months, more following later. What a complete and utter coincidence that this should so coincide with what was going on with anthrax scares in the US, and the passing of an otherwise very unpopular bill. What a completely unbelievable coincidence. But of course to associate such events would cause you to be full of BS - a conspiracy theorist, which of course has negative connotations in our society. Such prejudices are a defense mechanism of our extremely corrupted state.

Of course, a cure for anthrax was never found, so anthrax is still available for use by the government. I would even go so far as to say that if this bill comes to Congress and meets with criticism similar to that experienced by the Patriot Act prior to the anthrax scares, that we may see more anthrax scares if those in power want it passed bad enough. It would be a risky bill to pass, as it would of course be a very controversial issue when news of it would hit the public.

More futher information on the Bill:

http://www.crossroad.to/Excerpts/government/reinstate-draft.htm

[ImmuredSoul]

quote:Whatever the mandatory assignment, it would surely include universal training in group thinking and consensus building (The Mind-Changing Dialectic Process). If this bill becomes law, all recruits -- Christian or Pagan, public- or home-schooled -- will be forced to conform to the prescribed group standards for world citizenship and unbiblical solidarity.

      Since our children (and their values, attitudes, willingness to compromise and readiness to conform) are now measured, monitored and tracked in the vast networks of the international information systems, it's not unlikely that assignments would be based on their record (IEP) of cooperation and conformity, not knowledge and integrity. That could mean that Christian "traditional" thinkers would be channeled toward the more dangerous assignments.  

What is this suppose to mean? The last sentence kind of threw me there. . . . Well, if I understand it right, then I won't be picked for anything, because I can't think as a group, only as an individual.

[Jenadots]

Yes, it seems to be coming.

And yes, it is important to vote.

And point of info - draft proposals started and supported by Congressman Charles Rangel (democrat) from New York. For what that is worth.  

My only problem with it all is I don't see a "You First" clause - as in You First, presidential, senatorial and congressional sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  As in You First, sons and daughters of all families with six figure or higher incomes.

And I don't mean some General's aide or a cushy job pushing paper in the Pentagon - but right into the real combat units.  Surely some of these families have able-bodied and mentally normal people who could serve.  

Perhaps if some of these people had a real vested interest in what happens to those in the military, they might be a bit more interested in what the rest of us have to say and in what happens to all the sons and daughters of the USA.

And I want no deferments for things like college or much else. Medical school - fine, we need doctors and nurses and other medical specialists.  Handicapped parent or child to take care of, OK.  Police and Fireman can also be exempted.  They risk their lives every day for the rest of us.  Every one else should go.

Physically unable or impaired is one thing.  Taking the easiest classes in the school is quite another.  I saw enough of that in my generation.  As a young teacher, I saw many capable men in their twenties quit their teaching job on their 26th birthday because they could no longer be drafted.  Those who couldn't go to college, did.

Assuming that the draft is coming sometime in the next few years, I just hope it is a whole lot fairer than the last one.

I don't want to see another generation go to war.  But if there is a big one, I don't want to see another generation of poor kids dying and getting crippled while rich kids risk nothing.

[WalkerInTheWoods]

Violence is against my religious/spiritual beliefs. Do I still have to serve if I tell them flat out I will die before I kill another person, especially over politics and money?

[RJA]

Although I would like to believe that the Bush Administration would try to re-enstate the draft (this would kill them off politically because Americans aren't invested enough in Iraq to support it), - it appears not to be true.  Both of the pending bills were introduced by a group of Democratic lawmakers to try to force the war issue into Americans consciousness.  Their point is that if soldiers have to be dying in Iraq then people should have to consider whether they would want their own kids over there.  No Republicans are behind this legislation and the bills are not likely to ever even come to a vote.

Bush Administration officials have repeatedly denied any interest in reviving the draft, and although I hardly believe them on anything else I believe them on this one.

Regarding the reason why the draft boards are seeking to refill 10,000 or so positions, it's because those positions - appointed for 30 year terms in 1970 (or something like that) - expired in 2000.  So they need to be filled.

Regarding the Selective Service's budget being given $28 million dollars to "get ready".  They weren't given an additional $28 million, but rather their total budget is $26 million and that hasn't changed much over the years.

If you research this issue on the web you will find that there doesn't appear to be a Republican plot to re-enstate the draft.

[Jenadots]

Saw an interview last night by Chris Matthews on CNBC with a democratic sponsor of one of the bills.

This one calls for a one to two year National Service requirement.  No one would be able to register in any college without having served.  Scholarship money would be given to those who do serve.  People would have a choice of service, military, educational, health, senior citizens, parks, etc.  

Sounds reasonable, except that if it passes, I do believe those who do choose the military should get more scholarship money than those who are cleaning up the national parks.  Those who actually train to risk their lives should get more than those who simply get sore hands.  

Not likely to pass, however, as the colleges and universities will lobby against it -- imagine no freshmen for two years.  Of course they might then have to open their doors to many people in their twenties and thirties who might like to go back to school but think they are too old or don't have a chance of getting in.  That might be a very good thing.  

At least this proposal gives young people some choices as to where and how they serve.  I am assuming they would also get paid something while they did the service.  Don't know if they would all have to live in barracks or dorms or if some could live at home.  

But even if everyone ends up in the military, there are many jobs in the military that are not combat positions.  Assuming the more connected sons and daughters don't get all those positions, there might be some left over for those who consider themselves conscientious objectors.  

I am still looking for that "you first" clause tho, that doesn't let the sons and daughters of the powerful get all the jobs serving coffee to the generals or driving them around to various places.  

Maybe Charles Rangel is right.  As things stand now, the kids of the rich and powerful do not see it as their responsibility to serve the country.  They don't want to be with the general "public" - that's why they were sent to private schools.  If any of these plans actually pass, it would be interesting to see if they go in as ordinary servicemen or get to go right to Officer's schools.  

Oh, well....we probably do need a draft of some sort.  And certainly some really good incentives for choosing the military service over some of the other choices being talked about.  

Maybe not this year, but possibly in one or two, this will be come a reality for our kids to deal with.  

And I do agree that the Republicans, and the higher ups in the military, prefer an all volunteer service.  From their point of view, it makes training easier.

[RJA]

Actually if you read the text of the bill, it doesn't actually give people a choice as to where they serve.  It states that all men and women 18-26 would register and that some would be drafted into the military.  Those who aren't drafted would then serve in a civilian capacity.

[Anonymous]

The only way out of this draft (if it passse) will be to trust the black market. Get yourself a fake I.D. and disappear into the crowds. Steal if you have to, lie, cheat, do whatever, just don't hurt or kill people. Develop skills you can barter with others. Don't use money. At least you are not going overseas to kill innocent people. All I can say is, the best code of honor to follow is YOUR OWN, not the government's.

[wsxsw]

Bills like this show up all the time, nothing ever comes from them... every few months I hear about a new draft bill

[The AlphaOmega]

Now that the draft has been abolished, if it's ever reinstated I don't think it will have the same effect. I for one will move to Canada.  Or serve time for disobeying.  War is not something you just do because your country asks you to do.  It's a cause you have to believe in to succeed at.  If tomorrow I got a letter stating that I had to enlist and go to Iraq... hello Montreal.

[no_leaf_clover]

I think one of the additions to the current bill is that Canada is no longer a safe haven. We've made agreements with Canada already so they can send back those that have been drafted. Maybe somewhere in Europe or Australia, or even something along the lines of what EnderWiggin said. I would personally just turn to living at an undisclosed location in the mountains, off the land, but I know that might not be an option for everybody.

[Reason]

This is why its so important to vote.



Mandatory draft/military service for boys and girls (ages 18-26) starting
June 15, 2005, is something that everyone should know about. This literally
affects everyone since we all have or know children that will have to serve
if this bill passes.

There is pending legislation in the house and senate (companion bills: S89
and HR 163) which will time the program's initiation so the draft can begin
as early as spring, 2005, just after the 2004 presidential election. The
administration is quietly trying to get these bills passed now, while the
public's attention is on the elections, so our action on this is needed
immediately. Visit this site http://thomas.loc.gov/ , enter in "HR 163" and
click search to bring up the bill. It is less than two pages long.

If this bill passes, it will include all men and all women from ages 18 - 26
in a draft for military action. In addition, college will no longer be an
option for avoiding the draft; and an agreement signed with Canada will no
longer permit anyone attempting to dodge the draft to stay within it's
borders. This bill also includes the extension of military service for all
those that are currently active. If you go to the selective service web site
and read their 2004 FYI Goals you will see that the reason for this is to
increase the size of the military in case of terrorism. This is a critical
piece of legislation, this will effect our undergraduates, our children and
our grandchildren

The draft $28 million has been added to the 2004 selective service system
budget to prepare for a military draft that could start as early as June 15,
2005. Selective service must report to Bush on March 31, 2005 that the
system, which has lain dormant for
decades, is ready for activation. Please see www.sss.gov/perfplan_fy2004
html to view the Selective Service System annual performance plan, fiscal
year 2004.

The pentagon has quietly begun a public campaign to fill all 10,350 draft
board position s and 11,070 appeals board slots nationwide. Though this is
an unpopular election year topic, military experts and influential members
of congress are suggesting that if
Rumsfeld's prediction of a "long, hard slog" in Iraq and Afghanistan (and
permanent state of war on terrorism) proves accurate, the U.S. may have no
choice but to draft.
Please send this on to all the parents and teachers you know, and all the
aunts and uncles, grandparents, god-parents. And let your children know -
- it's their future, and they can be a powerful voice for change!

Please take the time to write your congressman and let them know how you
feel about this legislation.
www.house.gov
www.senate.gov

Please share this message with all of family, friends and neighbors. This is
very important*



Raul Martinez Jr.

Coordinator, Minority Recruitment and Retention

1000-SAS Division

P.O. Box 40010

(517) 483-9803