posted on Nov, 2 2009 @ 11:15 AM
IMO, a military draft would not be feasible in today's political climate. I think Moyers knows this as well, but is using the point to illustrate
that there are those that do not understand the costs of the war. Certainly not all troops, but in my experience, the vast majority, of the enlisted
personnel in the military come from two "areas" of the country: minorities from larger cities and whites from conservative "Red" States. The rest
of the country seems content to sit back and watch it on TV. A draft would "bring the war home" those don't understand the sacrifices these cross
segments of the population make.
However, I would certainly be in favor of a National Draft program if it was implemented such that you could choose what way in which you serve. Two
years service between highschool and college, or (for those that qualify) agree to do 4 years after college and your college is paid for. The program
could allow a choice between military service (including the National and Coast guards), or non military service options. I'm not sure what all
would qualify for the non-military option, but certainly things like working for a National Park, or for a local police/fire/ambulance program are
examples of things that ought to fit the bill. Certain volunteer and teaching programs would also be good fits.
The point isn't what you do, but that we all do "something." I think it would go a long way to build a bridge of common experience that we all, as
Americans, share, and provide the young people of the Country with a sense of "ownership" of the destiny of this Nation. Too often the young people
don't get involved because, what's he point it's not really their country. This would show them that it is theirs as well.
Of course some reactionaries will scream that any plan which involves National Service like this sounds a lot like Socialism, but think of all the
problems this could solve. If everyone had to serve....everyone would qualify for VA health benifits....now no one is "uninsured." Private
Insurance continues because the more successful among us will surely still want to go to private hospitals, but as Nation we will have a "safety
net" that ensures that no one be denied basic medical care even for catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and chronic diseases like diabetes.
Those with advanced degrees like Doctors and Lawyers would be able to make a choice between going immediately into private industry, or working for
the VA or JAG programs for a set time period in exchange for tuition waivers.... this would encourage many to get higher education, and would
alleviate the burden on VA docs being spread thin by the increase in patients.
Overall, I think unless something like this were included in a proposed draft it would be a non-starter politically, and even if, and to some extent
because, it were included, there would be those that would fight tooth and nail against it for fear of socialism.