If Kerry doesn't CONDEMN a draft for Iraq, will you still vote for him?

[robertpaulsen]

Now that Republican Senator Chuck Hagel has brought up the possibility of a draft in response to the debacle in Iraq, I'm awaiting the response of both Presidential candidates. Obviously Bush would never publicly condemn a draft since Syria and Iran are on the liberation agenda for his second term. But Kerry will inherit the mess in Iraq, which may be bad enough by 2005, even with greater U.N. responsibility, to warrant a draft. What do you think Kerry should say? More important, what do you think Kerry should do?

[w4rma]

1. Sen. Kerry has already stated that he sees no need for a draft. (nt)

[Nicholas_J]

13. Yup

He has already stated the absolute need to send well trained recruits into areas like Iraq, not draftees who get a few weeks of boot camp and are sent off.

[Caution]

2. yes

I think Kerry should say whatever his actual stance on the issue is. Hopefully that stance will reflect the will of the people. I think he should do what his conscience tells hims to do.

Either way I'm not voting for Nader, I'm certainly not voting for Bush and I'm not staying home on election day, so yes I'll vote for Kerry, just like i have in the past 2 senate elections here in MA

[GainesT1958]

3. Say that he was against a draft "then" (during Viet Nam), and...

That he's STILL against a draft now. (Which IS his position, as I understand it). He just needs to make sure that he's articulating it to the people!

B-)

[nickinSTL]

4. draft

Yes.

[Direckshun]

5. ...

I think Kerry will do the rational thing.

He should say that drafting should only be a last measure when we are depleted of resources. He should also say, if countries like Syria and Iran are mentioned, that we should not be set on attacking these countries unless we have proven, urgent reasons to. We've already made that mistake once, and we're currently suffering from it.

[Cocoa]

6. I'm voting for Kerry

he couldn't get me to vote for Bush if he tried.

[maxwall]

7. Say "Forget it"...

The key is getting international troops/UN in Iraq. If Kerry is president, we have a chance at doing that. If Bush is re-selected, ain't no way... I believe Kerry has already stated that he opposes starting a draft. But he should reiterate that, forcefully. And he should imply, or flat out say, that Bush will start one. Make Bush state that he won't.... Because he can't say that... (Then again, Bushie sure does love to lie...)

[liarliartieonfire]

8. Kerry is the alternative to George.

Why would anyone NOT vote for John Kerry?

The thought of an election coming up,
where we may actually have a chance to rid ourselves of life under the Bush Regime,
is like having only ONE wish left.

Its the only right thing to wish for.
Regime Change in 2004.

[coltman]

15. Welcome to DU on fire n/t

[comradebillyboy]

9. i think resuming the draft is a good idea

but no deferments this time. i think its good for the military to have all elements of american society in the ranks. it also makes the pols think twice about usung force. get rid of all the military contractors and have the soldiers and sailors do all military related work, especially in combat areas.

[RobertSeattle]

11. Agreed - I'm another Dem who would support a no deferment draft

With some kind of "peace corps" type option for those who truly do not believe in military service.

[Old and In the Way]

10. Of course.

If there is a draft (and I have a 15 YO son, so I'm not thrilled by the idea), I think there'll be a lot less adventurism when everyone's sons and daughters are exposed to a draft.

[Malva Zebrina]

12. Got to--no other choice to get Bush out

that is the rub.

[Upfront]

14. No!

He makes another mistake in judgment he is dead meat where I stand. This war is wrong and we can't win. Kerry needs to take a stand if he wants to win this election.

[robertpaulsen]

16. I feel the same, but I'm not sure what to do if Kerry waffles.

Yes, he has made statements in the past that he is against the draft. But this war is a no-win situation and will only get worse. What if after June 30, Sistani declares an intifada against the U.S. as he has threatened to? Where would we dig up the troops against the ENTIRE Shiite population rising up? If Bush asks for a draft under these circumstances, then I agree, Kerry needs to take a stand against it.

But if he doesn't take a stand, then what? I can't stay home on November 2 and stand by while Bush takes a second term. In addition to invading half a dozen other countries that Kerry wouldn't, we'll watch our civil liberties, Roe v. Wade, and the environment get destroyed.

Iraq is Vietnam and this election is starting to feel like 1968.

[Cuban_Liberal]

17. Voting for Kerry is a no-brainer.

Bush has gotta go!

[JHBowden]

18. Want a Draft? Vote Bush/Nader.

While it is an open question whether Kerry can internationalize the reconstruction, there is a probability of ZERO that Bush will be able to.