Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: unclewest who wrote (20864)	12/21/2003 8:27:12 PM
From: DMaA	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 793698

I submit that having a volunteer military is an important check on Federal power. Their military goals are limited to those that can be accomplished with people who tacitly agree with them. I submit to you that the accomplishment of our military goals and the safety of our servicemen and women will be better achieved when every American household has something to lose besides their freedoms.

To: unclewest who wrote (20864)	12/24/2003 7:23:01 AM
From: greenspirit	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 793698

Hi Mike, I've been reading your discussion regarding the draft and wanted to comment... The problem with the draft is that when you force conscription, military leaders are less inclined to create an organization where "quality of life" is a part of the equation of serving. The path of least resistance would be toward treating people like cattle for a few years, under the assumption that most will not be committed and leave the organization after their first term. Today, we have a very different mentality toward young soldiers, we care for their families, we allow them to live off base and become part of the community and we have a host of quality of life initiatives which make serving more enjoyable. The reason we have many of these programs is because the services have had to compete for talent. This alignment is one of the main reasons we've retained highly talented and dedicated professionals. Rumsfeld has the right approach imo. I also think it's naive to believe children from wealthy connected families would serve in the same way as middle class children if a draft were re-enacted. e.g. Al Gore. Power and money will always have some influence in job placement.