Hillary Clinton echoing pro-draft sentiments?!

[wuushew]

-snip-

The New York Democrat did not call for a revival of conscription, which ended 30 years ago, but said the all-volunteer nature of the military hides from the public the costs of overseas actions.

Clinton urged an increase in the size of the Army, supporting a proposal by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) to expand the Army by 10,000 soldiers.

Noting that she had conducted a tour of U.S. deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq last November, she said there are not enough American troops in either country.

Clinton said U.S. officers in Iraq had specifically told her that they did not have enough troops to accomplish their mission.

“Off the record, they’ll tell you they don’t have enough and have never had enough,” she said.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4372246/

[knight_of_the_star]

1. That is different

She is only proposing expanding the armed forces by 10,000 soldiers, although I can't imagine HOW that would be done, but she isn't in favor of a draft.

[wuushew]

3. Right but isn't that the logical conclusion?

Amerika needs more troops, not enough are joining up. The only possible solutions.

(A)Draft

(B)less imperialism

(C)International cooperation


Which viewpoint is she articulating?

[seabeyond]

2. and draft has to start

with those children who voted for the war, grinnin

i say to the south or to the north

[jfxgillis]

4. Good for her!!

We DO need a draft, but not to encourage military adventurism, but rather to DIScourage it.

[anti-NAFTA]

8. I don't care.

I'm 18, and I don't want to get my legs blown off to discourage military adventurism that she voted for in the first place.

[jfxgillis]

15. When I was 18 in 1971 I felt exactly as you do now.

But I'm now SO SCARED of the emerging possibility--even PROBABILITY, at this rate--of the US Military devolving into some grand "Republican Party Militia" by virtue of the demographic skewing of volunteers that, loathesome as it is on so many levels, I think we need a draft to prevent it.

"Making the Corps" by Thomas Ricks totally changed my views on this.

[shance]

5. Its a bandaid that Sen. Clinton is willing to cover with more troops

I have not been to Afghanistan, nor Iraq, however, it would have seemed to me that the Hillary Clinton I have witnessed in former years, would have the empathy and insight to see that promoting more young Americans to be potentially be shot like fish in a barrel for two invasions brought on by wealthy men, greed and corporate interests would not be the best or most diplomatic choice here.

When in history has it ever been shown that adding troops to a situation brought about peace. Yes, sending in more troops, after many additional deaths has certainly brought about surrender throughout history, but why do these countries need to surrender?

WE are the ones who invaded their countries.

How can this move rationally be seen as a move to calm what are horrific situations that we essentially initiated?

How much more money does America have to make off the lives of our kids?

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

6. yet another reason Clinton has no business ever running for President

She's my Senator, and I don't think she's doing a very good job. I'd never vote for her as a candidate for President. She's about as pro-war, pro-imperialism, and pro-corporate as they come. No thanks.

[anti-NAFTA]

9. I've read many of your posts

but this one places you in the group of my favorite fellow DUers along with Tinoire. I'm glad not everyone salivates at the name Clinton just because it comes/came with a (D) next to it. The Clinton family supported NAFTA, and Bill Clinton disgustingly went on Larry King to whore for Bush about the WMD. Sickening stuff.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

13. thanks! anyone with a handle that says "anti-NAFTA"

is a friend of mine!

[havocmom]

7. it is a way to tell the privledged their kids will be cannon fodder too

There is not much volunteer about the military if you are poor and unemployment grows to the point the fortunate sons are trying to convince you flipping burgers is a manufacturing job.

Draft may not be such a bad idea if it gets the frat brats too. Maybe extend it to members of congress who wanna mix it up in other nations. Ir they are so hot for invasions, let them wear helmets with red plumes and lead the charge.

[Doctor_J]

10. Reps of urban

and working-class families might be inclined to support the draft, since their constituencies would tend to be more heavily represented otherwise. IOW, I think that Sharpton and Rangell might support the draft to make sure that the Republican kids have just a good a chance to die for oil as the inner city kids. West Wing did a little thing on this.

[anti-NAFTA]

11. Don't drafts usually exclude college students though?

like in Vietnam?

[Doctor_J]

12. I think the premise would

be that that these types of white-collar dodges would NOT be available. The only thing that could keep Frist Jr. safe at home would be if his local recruiter turned him away because the minorities has taken all the slots - like what happened to Delay during VN :wtf:

[jfxgillis]

14. Actually, FYI, the most likely vehicle for a draft ...

... would be the McCain/Bayh "National Service" Bill, which would have a military option along with a civil component and would wedge in between high school and college, if I remember the details correctly.

Virtually no deferments at all for anyone.

[RegenerationMan]

17. You're incorrect

There is no need for a new draft law. Bush simply has to ask Congress to reinstate and the draft is back, no women drafted for combat.

Women will be drafted under the current SSS laws, however, as doctors and nurses up to Age 45.

[jfxgillis]

18. Well, while that's technically true ...

... my argument is that if conscription is re-instituted, it'll be under the proposal I mentioned.

[Maddy McCall]

16. No...

you would be allowed to finish the semester. That's all. Then you go.