The Rag Blog: Questioning Charlie's Motives

19 November 2006

Questioning Charlie's Motives

Charlie ain't gonna get what he thinks he will from doing this. And I have a difficult time with the argument that politicians won't favour war if they think their children will have to fight. When we own up to the fact that it's about the money, we may see some realism in Washington. Richard Jehn

Congressman Rangel Will Seek to Reinstate Draft
By JOHN HEILPRIN, AP

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19) - Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 under a bill the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee says he will introduce next year.

Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars.

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War who has unsuccessfully sponsored legislation on conscription in the past, has said the all-volunteer military disproportionately puts the burden of war on minorities and lower-income families.

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