I wonder how many kids will be turning 18 this year. This being Christmas weekend I’m going to give myself a break and not track down the census info. It doesn’t take a genius to know that the answer is a lot.
Do you hear an engine that sounds vaguely familiar? It’s been dormant for some time, but the gears of Selective Service are turning once again.
“The agency is planning a comprehensive test - not run since 1998 - of its military draft systems, a Selective Service official said. The test itself would not likely occur until 2009. Scott Campbell, the service's director for operations and chief information officer, cautioned that the "readiness exercise" does not mean the agency is gearing up to resume the draft.”
Why does it not mean that? Oh, I see, it’s like a fire extinguisher—just in case.
“….the White House said Thursday that policy has not changed and no proposal to reinstate the draft is being considered.”
Wait, I could have sworn I read…..
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 — President Bush said Tuesday that the United States should expand the size of its armed forces, acknowledging that the military had been strained by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and would need to grow to cope with what he suggested would be a long battle against Islamic extremism.
“I’m inclined to believe it’s important and necessary to do,” Mr. Bush said. He said this was an “accurate reflection that this ideological war we’re in is going to last for a while, and that we’re going to need a military that’s capable of being able to sustain our efforts and help us achieve peace.”
So what is this "just in case" business? He clearly stated that he wants a bigger force and that this will require a increasing the active component. Logistically, and in the face of serious recruiting problems, a draft (likely to be under the banner of National Service) is the only way to accomplish this stated goal.
President Bush’s Secretary for Veterans Affairs would like us all to begin cozying up to the idea that a draft would be beneficial to society.
“He later issued a statement saying his comments had been misconstrued and thathe does not support bringing back the draft.”
Orwell had no idea what he was talking about. Just because two statements are fundamentally opposed doesn’t mean they can’t co-exist. It’s no different than the chocolate/vanilla Jell-O Pudding Pop or the Reeses Cup—just two great tastes that taste great together. If the two statements seem absolutely contradictory to you, well, that just means that a) you’re not listening close enough, or, b) you’re not thinking hard enough. It takes some time to overcome the fundamentals of logic, but I know you can do it. Remember, practice makes perfect.
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As the family is gathered around the warm hearth of the television singing along to the Product Hymns this holiday season, don’t forget to (as you see news clips of Iraq whizzing by, if you see them at all) remind your kids that they will likely get to go there one day to “protect the Homeland.” Also, don’t forget to remind yourself incessantly that it’s all going to be okay eventually, it will all work itself out in time—even though in the back of your mind you still hear the echo’s of the sentiments beaten out to you from the elitist war drum.
This war is going to last generations. It will require additional and ongoing sacrifice.
Sacrifice. Provided by you, the working adults, in the form of your children and way of life. How’s that housing market smell? The
You may not have known that you wanted a meat-grinder for Christmas, and Santa probably missed it, too. But George knows what you want, and more importantly, he knows what you need, and by God, he’s going to make sure you get it.
George doesn’t cut and run when it comes to giving meat-grinders to his beloved sheeple.
Merry Christmas, everything is just fine.
Technorati: Politics Iraq War Commentary Bush New World Order Draft Selective Service DoubleThink
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