Death, Taxes, and Back-door Drafts
It has become excruciatingly obvious that the current Republican regime has focused all of its resources toward finding a way to bolster troop strength without ‘technically’ instituting a draft. But not until recently had I realized just how desperate they have become. To wit:
While I had thought that my service to my country was completed some time ago, I very unexpectedly received a letter yesterday, informing me that due to wartime “stop loss” policies, I have been recalled to active service in the Cub Scouts of America. I have been assigned to retraining in central Minnesota’s Camp Onamia and recommissioned at the “Bobcat” rank, effective immediately. I have consulted a lawyer and learned that if I do not report promptly, I will face AWOL charges. So you will have to understand if my blogging is inconsistent for the next 18-24 months, as I have a long road ahead if I expect to regain the bird-watching, basket-weaving and archery skills of a seven-year old. Tie a yellow ribbon.
While I had thought that my service to my country was completed some time ago, I very unexpectedly received a letter yesterday, informing me that due to wartime “stop loss” policies, I have been recalled to active service in the Cub Scouts of America. I have been assigned to retraining in central Minnesota’s Camp Onamia and recommissioned at the “Bobcat” rank, effective immediately. I have consulted a lawyer and learned that if I do not report promptly, I will face AWOL charges. So you will have to understand if my blogging is inconsistent for the next 18-24 months, as I have a long road ahead if I expect to regain the bird-watching, basket-weaving and archery skills of a seven-year old. Tie a yellow ribbon.
posted by ab at 12/09/2004
3 Comments:
One thing I never understood that perhaps the author could enlighten me on: During the presidential race (which is over, by the way) John Kerry kept accusing President Bush of instituting a back-door draft.
When asked how he (Kerry) planned to solve the troop shortages, one of his answers was always 'Create two new divisions of troops'. I was always stumped how he planned to create these two new divisions of troops without a draft. Was he putting forth the idea of a 'front-door' draft?
Any insight?
-JSS
My understanding is that it was Kerry's desire to increase the "active military"/regular army, or, heaven forbid, seek help from the military of other countries, rather than rely on Ex-National Guard/Reservists who in some cases had been out of the military over a decade, are single parents, had recent hip replacement surgery, etc:
http://www.node707.com/archives/002437.shtml (courtesy Thismodernworld.com)
He also seemed to think it important to double the number of special forces troops, since we are trying to win what is essentially a guerilla war. I heard some estimates about how increasing the military this much is "doable" by some random wags (AKA retired generals) by doing what Kerry contended was also a good idea; increasing benefits of military service (pay, college funds, whatever), to get more people to sign up. That, and I'm assuming, the best damn propaganda machine our tax dollars can buy.
Anyone else want to weigh in?
Zing! Well I DID just say that I was all about free speech, so I suppose I'll have to let that comment stand, 'Dong.'
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