Actually quite a bit. All of those dictators and scumbags shared a lot of resources together.

Yep, that'* quite possible. I'm glad Bush is following through with the war instead of pulling troops out right away, leaving Iraq behind like we did in the past. I think that since he started it he must follow through. And I know his intentions for the country are good. But the way it was started is the real cause for my hesitation to fully agree with the war. I'm glad we got Saddam, his sons, and the other leaders of terrorism in Iraq. But I still would never agree with the draft.

Yea, I know where your coming from. But I dont agree with taxes or Interstate speeds, but the law must be maintaned. The draft will not be taken in affect. Im sure whoever posted this original thread can also find some other stuff that congress was thinking about passing that was really contreversial or stupid. Its a bunch of old grumpy politicians, what do you expect?

I mostly agree with you. I dont like the draft either. But if it comes down to a full scale war and we need the people to defend our country, then MAYBE thats when we need it.

Let me start by saying-I don't like the draft, or any potential for the draft. Period. End of story.

BUT...if you want to argue against it, I'd like to see the reasonable *better* option. Like previous said, the draft has been needed here and else where to preserve freedoms and a way of life. And as much as if that was needed again, I'd love to be secure in the fact that an all volunteer army would fight for those values, but that is unrealistic to believe that would happen if mass troops were needed. So what is the better option?

Side note: A big thank you to anyone here that has served America.

I served Australia, does that count ??

Today at work I had a mom come in the office that lost her son 1 year ago to this war. She was very sad about the loss but also had a great sense of pride that her son in some way made an impact on the situation. It was kind of ironic that she come into the office now after I've been reading these posts the past couple of days and mulling over the situation. She really made me stop and think about that old adages that if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything AND freedom isn't free. We may not like the war but that is the way things are. Where would we be if our fathers, grandfathers, etc felt like it wasn't their responsibility? I shudder at the thought.

While I don't believe in the draft I do believe in our armed forces. I believe that there are men and women that will step up to the challenge and get the job done.

Oh yeah! I even read your post and left you out, sorry. I am grateful and have the utmost respect to anyone who served the country which they lived (granted they aren't attacking mine)

Also got to remember, they will call up retired officers and 'retired' reservists before activating the draft.

I'd like to say that I doubt that more than 10-15 Congressmen or Senators have looked at these bills seriously. Simply put, the draft is bad poliicy and bad politics.
BAD POLICY; People forced to serve under threat of imprisonment ARE NOT reliable soldiers. The random selection of draftees will turn up far too many people incompetent to run today'* advanced battlefield gear, or even effectively scrub a toilet(which is neccessary in the military just like anywhere else).

BAD POLITICS; If you were drafted or threatened with a draft would you re-elect the politicians who voted for it?

I will say that I am heartened by the level of discourse on this topic, several other forum-sites have degenerated into massive flaming contests over this one. Seems that BCers may be a cut above the rest when it comes to the maturity level. Yay for us!

BTW, I like MOS'* idea of the All-Female Assassins Squad, especially when you think that the Islamic idea of Paradise is being surrounded by submissive women!!