Why Liberals Should Oppose Reinstating the Draft
Democrats such as Rep. Charles Rangel believe that if our young—males and females 18-26, with no exemptions for college students or conscientious objectors-- were forced to serve in the military there would less willingness to go to war. Yet a draft was in effect before the Korean and Vietnam wars and never deterred Washington from military involvement---the more potential cannon fodder is conscripted the more savage is the war.
Another reason why Rangel and his liberal allies have endorsed a draft is that they argue it would make the military more racially equal. But in fact, today's military is more racially and ethnically integrated than any other American institution and more black officers and NCOs are giving orders to white troops than ever before. African Americans are slightly over represented in the armed forces and in the officer corps but overall the army is basically middle class, as proven by troops' educational levels and social backgrounds. In its year-end 2003 issue, the unofficial but authoritative Army Times published photos of 471 of the 506 American soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan . The dead, noted the newspaper, “represent[s] the full, rich face of American diversity….They came from all walks of life, from every race and creed.”
Trial balloons urging a draft have been floated for the past few years, and more so since the war and occupation of Iraq . American forces are posted in more than 150 countries and there are genuine fears that the Bush administration's post- 9/11 American adoption of preemptive war and expansionism will inevitably lead to a manpower shortage requiring a draft.
Many pro-draft politicians are doubtless waiting for the coming post-election period when another effort will surely be made to reintroduce conscription. More than likely they are only awaiting a green light from the White House while for now letting Rangel and his fellow liberals lead the way and take the heat. For too many “conservatives” another draft means recapturing the mythical ethos of WWII and the pre-Sixties period. In that imaginary Eden, there was no racial or religious conflict, women knew their place, support for tyrants abroad was justified in the name of fighting Communism and young men called to the colors went willingly and patriotically to proudly serve their God and Country. And many liberals, especially non-vets, think they missed something by not serving in the military. Yet are they now prepared to send their children and grandchildren into the service? I doubt it.
Four million Americans turn 18 every year. Should the current lottery system be continued, how can a draft of, say, 50,000 be justified when all the rest are free to go about their civilian lives? Remember this: No congressional son was drafted during Vietnam and today only one congressional son or daughter is an enlisted soldier. Most important: The notion of conscription may tempt Washington's living room hawks to invade other “evil” nations, but the same favoritism and deference to influence and wealth will certainly prevail in a future draft. Anyone with political contacts and family connections will always be able to avoid active military duty, or if not, receive plum jobs.
I don't know if there will be another draft, though I sometimes fear there will. If you listen to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and the Pentagon, the answer as of now is emphatically “no.” One may or may not believe them but time and again, Rumsfeld has said that he is fervently opposed to a revival of conscription. A draft, he and the Pentagon recognize, would mean short stints for distrustful and reluctant draftees without the technical skills or dedication needed in post-modern warfare. And, of course, another draft raises the distinct threat of mass discontent and opposition at home for wars fought for very dubious reasons.
I believe Donald Rumsfeld is justified in opposing the draft while Rangel and his allies are dead wrong in playing their dangerous political game. What they ought to be doing is publicly battling the radicalism of our empire builders and help instead develop a sane, alternative foreign policy that encourages peaceful relations with friends abroad and at the same time courts potential rivals.
Since World War I the world has experienced continuous bloodletting, almost always enhanced by conscription. We Americans rightly despise the draft because it tramples on our freedom. That fundamental value should never be sacrificed for ideological pipedreams and political manipulation.Another draft is a terrible idea in a very troubled time.
This article was first published by BuzzFlash and is reprinted with permission of the author.