The question of a draft depends on whether the US can get out of Iraq in a timely manner and not get into any more entanglements. It may have escaped you notice, but the armed forces missed its quota of recruits again this quarter, and that target had been reduced from its original number because it was seen as unreachable. Thus, you're looking at a shortfall of 12,000 to 30,000 odd recruits.

The numbers crunch is here. The Pentagon has squeezed the Reserves about as much as it can, but new recruits are the unexpected but reasonable problem. The Iraq War is not an attractive destination, with its ambivalent situation and danger, and most potential recruits are wise enough to know that Iraq is exactly where they will end up.

If somewhere like North Korea just can't be ignored anymore, then I'm afraid a draft is not only an option but a likelihood. As for the rich and influential, they are in no real danger unless they want to be. There is always a need for REMFs and support troops and if they are rich and influential they can wangle a billet there.

Not in favor of the draft. Several reasons:

1) An all volunteer Army is better quality.

2) The libertarian in me reminds you that if you have to draft people to get them to support a war, it's probably not a war worth fighting.

3) My son turns 18 in less than three years and will be draftable. I'll encourage him to enlist, instead.

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I'm not sure...maybe. If there was a draft, Americans would be more involved in politics and the decisions our politicians make.

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I've been informed....don't blame Bush, he's "not in control"
That must make him out of control

Every boy should have to serve a 4 year term and I say boy because that's about all this country has to offer anymore.

We use to be a country where men were men, now this country is turning out nothing but a bunch of Nancy boys. Now people sue each other over not being PC, spilling coffee on their selves, getting lung cancer from smoking, etc. No one accepts personal responsibility anymore and way too many are offended by others.

One good thing that comes from the services is it turns boys into men. It teaches personal responsibility, respect for others and character. Not only are these traits endowed but education is now another benefit of the armed services. In the service you must accept others no matter what their race, creed, or religion. You learn that there is good in everyone and your life might very well depend on that person that bunks next to you.

Just about every country on this planet requires its boys to enlist. We live in the richest country on the planet with freedoms and opportunities that others can only dream about. Every male US citizen should serve their country for this privilege.

Those that never serve will never understand what I’m talking about.

Tex

Anyone who votes yes on a draft law should be the first to be drafted ... and sent directly to the worst possible front-line area. That includes the congressmen who voted for it, the president if he refused to veto it, and any Supreme Court justices who don't find the law unconstitutional. And this should happen regardless of age.

Slavery and involuntary servitude went out the window with the Thirteenth Amendment. If the Army wants more soldiers, then maybe Uncle Sam should do like any other employer: raise what you're paying until enough qualified applicants respond.

BTW i voted yes....

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I would love a draft for our safety but half of the countries men today are not ready for it. They would not go and be thrown in jail. Our country today is sadly wimpy. I am too young to be drafted anyway..... but I do like the sound of it. However much i might want it, it is not needed. We have plenty of military men and women in the service.

P.S.
Republicans Rule!

we have to protect what we have.

i am for us draft

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I am and have been opposed to this war and that war and all war. I am a former Marine, however I vote yes to a draft because I'm interested in seeing the elite brought down to an everyday level. If their sons and daughters are available for the firing line, perhaps they too can be opposed to war. I understand as well that there are ways to avoid service especially if you have a great deal of money. But even the remote possibility of sending your kids to war can bring clarity to even the thickest of skulls.