I think universal service beats the draft in terms of fairness and alternatives forms of service. But that is socialism of a sort and more expensive. What are your thoughts on the draft?
Originally the draft was universal service for those drafted.
:o)
We spoiled it by creating loopholes.
I dug out some numbers for you.
End of 1992, when clinton was elected, our Armed Forces strength was 1,807,180.
End of 2000, when W was elected, it was 1,384,338.
A reduction of 422,842 on clinton's watch.
We could call clinton's time in office the, "Don't do anything for your country because somebody else might do it presidency."
Today we have 1,398,833...down from a (recent) high of 1,433,892 last July...and dropping.
I hope that we can stabilize somewhere in here soon, but I doubt it.
And I do not believe we can increase our Armed Forces without a depression or a draft.
The solution being implemented presently (last 60-90 days) is to throw large sums of $ at recruits and reenlistees. I can tell you this. $$$ isn't getting the job done at the recruiting office nearest my house. I was in there last Friday asking questions.
End of May recruiting numbers will be released next week. |
