Welcome to the Army! Get in line and no talking…

I never thought I’d see anyone with the cajones to suggest bringing back the draft, but our future chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has the desire to do just that.

And I say he’s got a point.

If America wants to continue the occupation of our current colonies–I mean, “liberated countries,” with the added possibility of occupying Syria, Iran, North Korea and a number of African countries (you know, if we smell WMDs or something), then you’re going to have to do something, friends. Ol’ Salmons can’t fight all the wars for you.

The story also lists the strong opposition of the American public to the draft. Seven in 10 oppose conscription. Well, no sh*t! It isn’t so bad when it’s some other person’s kid or friend out there, but when it might be yours or you, that changes everything, doesn’t it?

Not that seven in 10 would refuse to go if conscripted, but it’s just interesting to see how many yellow ribbon magnets are on cars, but how many want it to be someone they don’t know.

But Lord help us if there was a draft. We can barely discipline our troops as it is now. No physical contact, no “unnecessary” verbal abuse, no strong language, “sensing sessions” to hear soldier complaints. Ladies often play the harassment card, so male must take extra care reprimanding females–always have a witness, always in the open. The racial card gets thrown out too. “Don’t correct him too much, he might think you’re racist. Find someone else to correct too, so that it doesn’t look as bad.” Basic trainees can’t be treated too rough, lest it hurt their feelings…*shudder*

But the representative’s idea is a good one, I think. He mentioned service wouldn’t just be in the armed forces, but would include seaports, airports, hospitals…that sort of thing. If it were more compatible with the American palate, I think it would do young people a lot of good to have to serve for a few years. Lots of countries have mandatory service: Israel, Germany, Switzerland, Korea. It definitely would make people more appreciative of the whole democratic process.

Then again, I just see this as a precursor to a few hundred thousand more government jobs that will have to be created to manage the whole enterprise.

Ack! Never mind, just let us fight until we’re deaf, crippled and drooling in the corner. I’ll wave whoever’s flag ends up winning.

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