We Need Both a Draft and a War Tax
By Louise
Democrats are “divided” on how to fund the new Afghanistan strategy, which will cost at least $30 billion more over the short term, not to mention billions to care for wounded veterans for decades. Both Democrats and Republicans have rejected a proposal from liberal members to impose a ‘war tax,’” but “they offered no plan of their own.” And the average citizen has no skin in the game, as nobody is talking about the impact of this on tax rates and, most importantly, we no longer have a draft. As Thomas Jefferson once wrote to his friend and protoge James Madison, we should minimize our permanent military and instead of a national defense force with a national draft like Switzerland does. Herbert Hoover correctly noted, "Old men declare war. But it's the youth who must fight and die." When the children of our President, Vice President, and members of Congress are all obliged to serve, the odds are infinitely higher that our leaders won't speak so glibly about the acceptability of "a few casualties" in optional wars of choice in oil-and-gas-strategic regions like Afghanistan and Iraq.
Comments
#2
I, for one, welcome the Obama-haters to the ranks of the anti-war movement.
(sarcasm alert!)
#3
Defund Texas.
#4
Any project with NO DEADLINE is done NEVER.
That's basic project management.
#5
Tha government doen't have to raise taxes in order to pay for the war in Afghanistan! All they have to do is to cut, pospone, or cancel funds for military projects. The military industry is the one who always benefits from the wars regardless of the conditions of the economy in the world. Instead of building 12 airplanes that may cost 6million dollars each, lets only built eight, for example. I wonder who are the ones always puching for somekind of war around the world. "Supply and demand!" BrownWolf
#6
I like Richards thoughts about Texas.Reminds me of of a comment I wrote on an outhouse wall, on a construction site.I wrote in responce to a pro war comment , my opposition to invading Iraq; WARNING! You are in a Republican time machine! DANGER! If you spend to much time in here You will smell just like a Republican! You will smell like you are full of Sh-t
#7
I will not go into the reasons why we do not currently have a military draft. I could, but I won't:)
My point is that all wars should be constitutionally declared by congress and no "blanket' declarations. At the same time a war declaration is made, a universal military draft will be called. Since a number of months are needed before said draftees are combat ready, a call-up of the reserves will occur to immediately fill the added needs due to the war declaration. As the draftees are combat ready, they will replace the reserves. At no time will national guard units be called for foreign combat. National guard units must be held at home for local and national emergencies. I say this, as a 72 year old vet. I understand why we have the structure that exists today and I oppose it without reservation. We must get back to the organization we once had and that I have outlined above. As for raising taxes - of course we must do so, but only after reorganizing as I have stated above.
#8
Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.
-Robert Frost
#9
Using Obama's logic we will always be in war......That is...they might come back so we have to go there now just in case. Why doesn't he tell the truth...making work for military industrial.
#10
Bring back the Draft?
What a GREAT idea !
And in that same spirit, let's bring back Slavery, Prohibition, and Witchcraft Trials !
Wait, that would be redundant.
Because the Draft IS a form of Slavery.
Any time you can seize a person, and force them to risk their life and limbs working for you on pain of punishment and imprisonment, that's Slavery, pure and simple.
Some of those promoting this idiotic idea are pushing it because they're anti-war, and want to drum up more opposition to the stupid war we're stuck in.
The premise is fine, but the proposed solution is ridiculous.
Some of those promoting this idiotic idea are egalitarian and think that poor people are being forced to fight the war. They'd prefer that the risk of death and amputation be spread equally across the population of young, eligible Americans.
That logic states that most members of the volunteer army we have, took service because it was their last good option.
And of course, this is correct. With America's foolish retreat from manufacturing, there are few good jobs anywhere that offer training and opportunity. We need tax incentives to rebuild manufacturing HERE, and soon.
But while the premise is again correct, the proposed solution is again ridiculous.
People who volunteer for the Armed Forces are making a choice. They freely CHOOSE to serve, knowing the risks.
And they get a lot in return for their service.
People who are drafted only have one choice, the only choice a slave has.
Accept enslavement, or risk running for the border.
You'd replace a perceived inequality, recruiting from the unemployed, with an actual injustice: enslaving young Americans who might have promising careers in rebuilding our Country's infrastructure.
Stupidity.
Stupidity on the level of Witch Trials... drowning a subject to test if they're a Witch.
If they float, they're guilty. If they drown, they were innocent.
Stupidity on the level of Prohibition. Outlaw a substance, reducing the supply, thus raising the price, and creating a whole criminal class.
Sheer, Pig Ignorance !
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I support and am willing to pay a war tax. I am also for the draft. I am definitely opposed to any further addition to Chaney’s Private contractor army. Having a standing army not committed to the US could have a lot of uses to the plutocracy none of which would require government approval.
How can we say don’t touch my great grandson’s piggy bank for healthcare but it is ok to keep Chaney’s War machine going to turn out the big profit bucks for the few.
It is our time and our responsibility if we are unwilling to foot the bill in dollars and human life then it’s not responsible to pass that burden on to an overworked armed forces and our great grand children.