From my favorite comedy movie of all time, Stripes:
Cruiser: I joined the army ’cause my father and my brother were in the army. I figured I better join before I got drafted..
Sergeant Hulka: Son, there ain’t no draft no more..
Cruiser: There was one?.
Bob Jones of Meredith, retired Marine and tireless POW/MIA advocate, recently wrote this letter to the Concord Monitor. He raises some serious points to ponder about the renewal of the so-called "draft".
The draft is an interesting and controversial subject. A draft shouldn’t and wouldn’t mean all would find themselves in a frontline situation. There are many ways one could serve our country without having to be in combat, though all should be trained for it..The idea of all having to serve a two-year tour in a military environment would certainly raise the meaning of "Support the Troops." We would be much more likely to become involved if our son, daughter or grandchild was serving..Going to war would take on more meaning. It would do away with the old silent majority. The flag would take on a whole new meaning for most..When we discuss the need for better VA funding for medical care or better pay for those who serve, congressmen and senators would listen and act. At least people would receive something other than a postcard or note saying, "Thank you for contacting my office, and if the problem ever comes to my desk I’ll be sure to support every effort on behalf of our servicemen/women.".The draft is a frightening idea to most, and it should be. But service to one’s country is honorable as long as it is your family member who is serving..Bob JonesMeredith, NH
Many an old buck I’ve met in my life has been wont to say, "Yep- back in my day there was a draft. EVERYBODY went. And even the most misbehavin’ young- ‘uns came back and turned out to be somebody." A conservative mentor of mine used to say the best thing this country could do for itself would be to reinstate the draft for a whole host of reasons, including many listed by Bob.
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Maybe we shouldn’t brush off Charlie Rangel’s proposal before giving it some thought…
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(The gang on Meet the New Press discussed this here.)