How to Lose the Support of the Nutroots
When they voted Democrat, I don’t think the Nutroots gang was counting on this: Rep. Rangel will seek to reinstate draft.
Rangel says he’s “serious.” Serious about shameless, cynical grandstanding, maybe.
WASHINGTON - Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 under a bill the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee says he will introduce next year.
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars.
“There’s no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm’s way,” Rangel said.
Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War who has unsuccessfully sponsored legislation on conscription in the past, said he will propose a measure early next year. While he said he is serious about the proposal, there is little evident support among lawmakers for it.
UPDATE at 11/19/06 3:30:58 pm:
How cynical is Rangel? When his last draft bill came up for a vote in 2004, he voted against it.
UPDATE at 11/19/06 4:55:45 pm:
Here he is on Face the Nation: Video: Rangel says he’ll introduce a bill to bring back the draft.



