Ceasefire too soon?

[krishnadasa]

Lock the UN and throw the key into the Indian Ocean

 

hari hari bol

[krishnadasa]

 

Whoa! calm down there .

This forum is for discussion of world events,

discussion

n 1: an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic; "the book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic"; "his treatment of the race question is badly biased"

2: an exchange of views on some topic; "we had a good discussion"; "we had a word or two about it"

 

There is no point in responding to cut-and-pastes because they require no thought. Want to post a news story and your feelings about the story, you would get a response then.

 

Again you post an opinion piece, I could cut and paste several opinion pieces that state the direct opposite, instead I prefer to excersise my mind and discuss the events with my own words

 

You claim that these Soldiers face rebirth and state it as a fact ? Do you know each one personally ?

 

Anyway, feel free to have an opinion, it is kind of nice to think for and express yourself

 

<!-- google_ad_region_end=def -->

 

Suchandra had a point here, whomsoever dies in this age during the war wouldnt go to heaven if not hell!!! The war is not a Dharmayuddha, its filled with lots of dirty tacticts. No kings lol, the politicians are behind the wars, n they never comeinto the battle field.....And when the civilians die in the war, what do ya expect more? a Heaven , a hell ???? Rebirth would be a mercy from krishna:smash:

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

Suchandra had a point here, whomsoever dies in this age during the war wouldnt go to heaven if not hell!!! The war is not a Dharmayuddha, its filled with lots of dirty tacticts. No kings lol, the politicians are behind the wars, n they never comeinto the battle field.....And when the civilians die in the war, what do ya expect more? a Heaven , a hell ???? Rebirth would be a mercy from krishna:smash:

 

...in this dirty age there is this war and - on the one side there are these irregular fighters and - they have an irregular empire building program - to be realized through their islamic revolution.

 

One the other side - we [mostly] have the western leaders and the 'free world' who are not bent in the manner of the irregular fighters and - who are not a threat to the whole of the world - in the manner that the irregular fighters are.

 

That is a fact. Sure western leaders are full of faults - this is kali yuga after all - yet - despite all these faults - they are standing up to the acute threat that is advanced by these irregular fighters - they have understood that this is a threat - not be ignored.

 

It is NOT an "oil war"...and that should be clear by now?

 

It is clear that despite the fact our leaders are prone to mistakes and at times some appear power mad themselves - we must support them in this 'war'.

 

How many of us would want to live within a "convert or die" islamist world? I don't know anyone who would - do you?

[Kulapavana]

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Source: CNA</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top>Published: November 8, 2006 </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Israel gets away with murder while Americans follow election results -->Israel launched more attacks in the northern part of the Gaza Strip early on Wednesday.

 

Israeli tank shells and rockets fired from Israeli helicopters suddenly crashed into Beit Hanoun early Wednesday though Israeli forces had pulled out Tuesday after a week-long military operation.

 

This morning's offensive left at least 18 dead, including children and women, and many others injured.

 

Efforts are under way to rescue people, dead or alive, from

the wreckage of buildings knocked down during the Israeli attack.

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

<table><tbody><tr><td valign="top">Source: CNA</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td valign="top">Published: November 8, 2006 </td></tr><tr><td> </td><td valign="top"></td></tr></tbody></table><!-- Israel gets away with murder while Americans follow election results -->Israel launched more attacks in the northern part of the Gaza Strip early on Wednesday.

 

Israeli tank shells and rockets fired from Israeli helicopters suddenly crashed into Beit Hanoun early Wednesday though Israeli forces had pulled out Tuesday after a week-long military operation.

 

This morning's offensive left at least 18 dead, including children and women, and many others injured.

 

Efforts are under way to rescue people, dead or alive, from

the wreckage of buildings knocked down during the Israeli attack.

 

When hamas stops their rocket attacks I'm quite sure these incursions will cease - but of course - you don't mention the attacks on Israel that broght this on...

[Guest guest]

What you call Israel is really Palestine.

 

There were hardly any Jews at all in Palestine a hundred years ago but since then they have followed a program of ethnic cleansing and pushed the Palestinians out of their homes, or bombed their homes, and ousted the Palestinians from their own homeland.

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

What you call Israel is really Palestine.

 

There were hardly any Jews at all in Palestine a hundred years ago but since then they have followed a program of ethnic cleansing and pushed the Palestinians out of their homes, or bombed their homes, and ousted the Palestinians from their own homeland.

 

That is not true and you're saying it - doesn't make it so.

 

The Islamists who have hijacked the palestinians are however engaged in such a program - in Africa and - in other places too.

 

Why won't the palestinian leadership accept Israel's right to exist and enter peace talks - without their own genocide plans - why don't they ever engage in peace talks - in a sincere attitude?

 

Why won't the Palestinians stop the terror and rocket attacks?

 

They and their leaders are now quite hopeless - much like you!?

 

If there shall ever be peace it will come by way of a change in the palestinian leadership and - a change in their focus on violence.

 

Israelis have been very patient under these circumstances...

[Kulapavana]

 

When hamas stops their rocket attacks I'm quite sure these incursions will cease - but of course - you don't mention the attacks on Israel that broght this on...

 

that is a load of cow dung. look at the statistics - Israel attacks more often and kills a lot more people. both sides use garbage arguments like yours to continue the killing. they throw a stone, you fire a tank... suuuuure... you were "provoked" to fire at them...

 

this constant bleeding and war is only good for Israel as it allows for the illegal land grab to continue and for the illegal settlements to exist and expand - THAT is the real reason there is no peace and the dumb palestinians keep playing into your hand. but Krsna is watching and the law of karma applies to us all.

[Kulapavana]

European Parliament strongly condemns Israeli killings in Beit Hanoun

Brussels, Nov 9

 

EP-Palestine

The President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell "strongly condemned " the Israeli military operation Tuesday night in Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip.

 

"18 persons were killed and about forty, almost all civilians that are the victims of this new military operation. In what measure could the death of civilians bring security in Israel? In what measure can it lead the Palestinians to get involved politically for peace and on dialogue?,'' said Borrell in a statement Wednesday evening.

 

"There cannot be military resolution of the conflict and the European Parliament has not ceased repeating it."

The EP President sent his sincere condolences and expressed solidarity and support to the Palestinians victims of this Israeli terror.

 

The president of the Inter-parliamentary Delegation for Relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council in the EP, Adamos Adamou, strongly denounced the bloody Israeli military attacks in Beit Hanoun.

 

"Israel must immediately stop its merciless war and all hostile activities carried out against the Palestinian people, as well as its continuous violations of international law and human rights that have wrought disaster for the prospects for peace and stability in the Middle East,'' said Adamou an MEP from Cyprus.

[Kulapavana]

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Source: Reuters</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top>Published: November 9, 2006 </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- -->PARIS, Nov 9 (Reuters) - French peacekeeping troops in Lebanon recently came within two seconds of firing missiles at Israeli fighter jets that approached as if to attack them, French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said.

 

Speaking to the lower house of parliament on Wednesday night, she said this was the latest in a string of incidents in which Israeli warplanes had "adopted a hostile attitude" to French and German forces and said it was "not tolerable".

 

"A catastrophe was narrowly avoided by our troops," Alliot-Marie said, according to a transcript of her comments. She did not say exactly when or where the events took place.

_____________________________

 

 

are the French and German forces provoking Israel? NO! they are the ones being provoked. what do you think? the Palestinians are given more concern by the IDF? LOL! they are just being slaughtered like cattle.

 

so, WHO is the provocator in this conflict?

[Guest guest]

It's not "Jews" who are the real troublemakers. It's Zionists and their Evangelical stooges.

 

See www . nkusa . org

[AncientMariner]

Too bad its not all of 3 them then we could affectionately call them all the 3 stooges. Wo! Ha-Ha.

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

It's not "Jews" who are the real troublemakers. It's Zionists and their Evangelical stooges.

 

See www . nkusa . org

 

Well it ain't all so simple now and - i guess you think that zionists are the group in charge of our world - maybe you would rather it be the islamists?

 

I fully support the REAL Zionist effort! I would certainly befriend an evangelical but - i would NEVER befriend any islamist - how about you??

[Guest guest]

Associated Press

<strong>Democrat's Iraq Message Ousts Senator</strong>

By BOB LEWIS 11.09.06, 6:16 PM ET

 

Democrat Jim Webb entered the race for Republican Sen. George Allen's seat wearing the scuffed, buff-colored combat boots of a son who is fighting in Iraq.

 

On Thursday, the first phase of his mission accomplished, he took off those boots and held them over his head as supporters cheered.

 

The victory put Democrats in control of Congress, giving them majorities in both the House and Senate for the first time since 1994.

 

A disaffected former Republican, decorated Vietnam War hero and a Reagan administration Navy secretary, Webb had credibility when he balked at President Bush's plan to invade Iraq.

 

He predicted that overrunning Iraq would destabilize the Middle East, inflame Muslim anger toward the United States and mire U.S. troops in the bloody occupation of a hostile land.

 

<strong>"What you see here is a split between the theorists who have never been on a battlefield or never worn the uniform" and those who have, Webb said in a televised debate in September.</strong>

 

The war, along with economic disparities and social injustices Webb believes are eroding the middle class, made him an unlikely Democratic convert with the perfect portfolio to sweep the GOP out from power.

 

Webb was a best-selling author and military historian making his first bid for any elected office. He is known for being headstrong and clashing even with his own professional advisers.

 

Webb, stocky and square-jawed with steel-gray eyes, was an awkward fit for traditional Democrats. Campaign small talk did not come easily for him, and he was a reluctant fundraiser.

 

He was a tough sell among minorities and women because of long-ago writings against affirmative action. In a 1979 magazine article titled "Women Can't Fight," Webb lamented the admission of women to his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy, and described a formerly all-male dorm there as "a horny woman's dream."

 

In Allen, he faced a giant of Virginia politics whose re-election was considered a warmup for a 2008 presidential bid. By midsummer, Allen led Webb by 16 percentage points in statewide polls and had 16 times more campaign cash.

 

Allen's own missteps raised questions about his character and racial sensitivity and gave Webb his opportunity. Some Democrats, many of them influential, groused privately that Webb failed to exploit Allen's woes.

 

Others were dismayed that he refused to campaign on his resume as a decorated Marine rifle platoon commander in the Vietnam War's bloodiest battles or the fact that his son, Jimmy, 24, is a Marine fighting now in Iraq.

 

"I was not going to trade anything I believe to get a vote or a dollar, and I walk into the U.S. Senate with the independence to represent the people who have no voice in the corridors of power," Webb told jubilant supporters at Thursday's rally.

 

Virginia Democrats had to get used to Webb on Webb's terms, said Larry Framme, a Richmond attorney and former state Democratic chairman.

 

"He recognized a few assets he had and those he didn't, and he used the assets he had," Framme said. "Jim Webb was being Jim Webb. He waited for the world to turn in his direction, and it did."

 

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

So we hear that the democrats are going to try to pressure President Bush into some negotiations with Iran and Syria - to try to solve the Iraq insurgency. It sounds like even the 'left leaning' Tony Blair suggested such a thing yesterday [and thank goodness he seems to be resiling it today].

 

That some negotiations with Iran and Syria - to try to solve the Iraq insurgency - is a big mistake - because Iran and Syria are part of the problem - is scarcely difficult to understand.

 

It is long obvious that Iran and Syria are involved in directing and arming the insurgents [just as they assisted hezbollah to rearm after that latest conflict with Israel] - so - if the western nations decide to enter into 'peace' negotiations with the leaders of Iran and Syria - it isn't because the leaders of Iran and Syria have turned aside from their obnoxiously adversarial and altogether irregular positions regarding their 'widespread' islamic revolution and - their desire for the demise of the state of Israel - if these 'negotiations' proceed with the leaders of Iran and Syria - this would serve as an acute machination towards their goals of hastening their 'widespread' islamic revolution and - their avowed desire to induce the demise of the state of Israel.

 

It is a big mistake to enter into negotiations with the leaders of Iran and Syria - especially under these circumstances.

The circumstances in which there could be talk of negotiations could not come to exist without their first having *turned aside from their obnoxiously adversarial and altogether irregular positions.

 

Just see what a democratic president/government might do to sell out to terrorists and - for what - an impermanent flaccid peace?!

 

*it would have to be in a most convincing fashion for the most doubting of us in the world - for those of us who would not be fooled.

[Guest guest]

If you haven't realized it yet. America has lost the war. They tried everything... but their enemy is the winner.

 

Now the Americans and Zionists will have to retreat to their fortresses and await the coming Desert Storm.

[Guest guest]

Israeli killings pass unnoticed

By Patrick O'Connor

 

 

 

At least 19 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli military on Friday November 3, 2006, including two women, and other civilians. No Israelis were killed.

 

Although photographs of Friday's attack on Palestinian women have been widely disseminated, the bigger story is still not being told.

 

These killings are part of a new, longer-term pattern; there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli military since Hamas took control of the Palestinian Authority seven months ago, despite the low number of Israelis killed by Palestinians during that time.

 

Palestinians, already subject to occupation by the Israeli military, have been killed at a rate of 26 Palestinians for every Israeli killed since Hamas took power on March 29, 2006.

 

 

 

Since July that ratio has risen to 76 Palestinians for every Israeli.

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

If you haven't realized it yet. America has lost the war. They tried everything... but their enemy is the winner.

 

Now the Americans and Zionists will have to retreat to their fortresses and await the coming Desert Storm.

 

Does that please you dear guest? Is "the coming Desert Storm" a pernicious kind of euphemism for - a maledicted 'islamic revolution'?

[suchandra]

Looks like the battle isnt yet finished - additionally 57,000 more troops are being send to Iraq.

 

("In God we trust and thanks to God for the invention of paper money to pay for all this.")

 

U.S. Announces Troop Deployments to Iraq

 

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2661835

By LOLITA C. BALDOR

 

Pentagon Announces That 57,000 U.S. Troops Have Been Told to Deploy to Iraq in Early 2007

 

 

WASHINGTON Nov 17, 2006 (AP)— The Pentagon announced Friday that 57,000 U.S. troops, including five combat brigades, have been told to deploy to Iraq early next year a move that will maintain current force levels there.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld signed the deployment orders for about 20,000 soldiers from active duty Army brigades based in North Carolina, Georgia, Washington, Kansas and Italy. Another 10,000 reserves and 27,000 active duty troops are scheduled to go to Iraq in smaller units.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman also said that 1,500 soldiers in the South Carolina National Guard's 218th Brigade Combat Team have been told they will deploy to Afghanistan early next year.

The deployments, which will serve as replacements for troops leaving Iraq, will largely maintain the current force level of 141,000. The moves were initially described by military officials last week, but the specific units were announced Friday.

The units scheduled for deployment are the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters from Fort Stewart in Georgia; the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley in Kansas; the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis in Washington; the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning in Georgia; the 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg in North Carolina; and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy.

At least one of the five combats brigades the 4th brigade of the 1st Infantry Division is currently at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., undergoing intensive final training for their deployment to Iraq.

Whitman said the deployments reflect a continuing commitment to maintaining security in Iraq. In a written statement, the Pentagon said the "U.S. force rotations will be tailored based upon changes in the security situation. Iraqi security forces continue to develop capability and assume responsibility for security in Iraq."

The announcement comes as some Democrats, who are poised to take control of the House and Senate, continue to press for substantial reduction of U.S. troops in Iraq, and a timetable for that drawdown.

[Yogesh from za]

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful and so are we.They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people and neither do we."

 

Nuff said

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful and so are we.They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people and neither do we."

 

Nuff said

 

So how would you check global islamist activities?

[Yogesh from za]

The question you have posed is not an easy one and I do not have an answer for it.

The only way I can try to answer it is by asking:

 

How do you control any persons actions which are manifestation of their desires born out of ideologies of hatred??

 

Do You think that by putting a gun to their heads will change the way they think??

 

We cannot even controll our own minds let alone controll others minds and desires.

 

The only way is to first get your own house in order before trying to go out there and try to fix the world.

 

It is natural for people persuing spiritual practise to feal empathy for their fellow humans.

 

My only answer is to first rescue yourself before trying to rescue another.

 

This may sound selfish but remember you are held responsible for your own actions.

 

The best way is to mould your life in Krsna Conciousness (always conciouss of Krsna/God) so that it can manifest into positive actions which can impact positively on not only your life but that of others around you.

 

You may say that it sounds like ostrich mentality or an immature bhakta.

But I live by the following words:-

 

Raghe Krsna Mare Kaun??

Mare Krsna Raghe Kaun??

 

Translation:

If Krsna wants to protect me who can kill me?

If Krsna wants to kill me who can protect me??

 

Hare Krsna

 

Jay Sirla Prabhupada

[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

The question you have posed is not an easy one and I do not have an answer for it.

The only way I can try to answer it is by asking:

 

How do you control any persons actions which are manifestation of their desires born out of ideologies of hatred??

 

Do You think that by putting a gun to their heads will change the way they think??

 

We cannot even controll our own minds let alone controll others minds and desires.

 

The only way is to first get your own house in order before trying to go out there and try to fix the world.

 

It is natural for people persuing spiritual practise to feal empathy for their fellow humans.

 

My only answer is to first rescue yourself before trying to rescue another.

 

This may sound selfish but remember you are held responsible for your own actions.

 

The best way is to mould your life in Krsna Conciousness (always conciouss of Krsna/God) so that it can manifest into positive actions which can impact positively on not only your life but that of others around you.

 

You may say that it sounds like ostrich mentality or an immature bhakta.

But I live by the following words:-

 

Raghe Krsna Mare Kaun??

Mare Krsna Raghe Kaun??

 

Translation:

If Krsna wants to protect me who can kill me?

If Krsna wants to kill me who can protect me??

 

Hare Krsna

 

Jay Sirla Prabhupada

 

The points you make are quite valid - however - it isn't so simple as 'get your house in order first' - because the irregular fighters are not going to wait for that - they most certainly are looking for any inattention to them and their program.

 

Of course - in order to fight these irregular fighters the west has to do so - as agents of justice and - not as counter-points.

 

It may be a subtle differnce but - the line is there nonetheless.

 

Without doubt - the message that Krishna gives to Arjuna on the Battlefield could be best imbibed by our own western leaders right now as they - like Arjuna - are confronted with many nasty contradictons and - many other conflicts and confusions within this fight - as it relates to duty and responsibility.

 

I could say that the islamist irregular fighters could also read and learn Gita but - we know that shall not happen. For them 'vedic' is 'infidel'.

 

Prabhupada says:

 

...This age of Kali will certainly be full of all activities of Kali, but this does not mean that the leaders of society, the executive heads, the learned and intelligent men, or above all the devotees of the Lord should sit down tightly and become callous to the reactions of the age of Kali. In the rainy season certainly there will be profuse rainfalls, but that does not mean that men should not take means to protect themselves from the rains. It is the duty of the executive heads of state and others to take all necessary actions against the activities of Kali or the persons influenced by the age of Kali... [sB 1.17.28, purport]

 

Would you not say that the islamic revolution has come to exemplify the activities of Kali and the irregular fighters who forward it are "persons influenced by the age of Kali" - also please consider this:

 

Thus the demons, being fond of disastrous activities, took Hiranyakasipu’s instructions on their heads with great respect and offered him obeisances. According to his directions, they engaged in envious activities directed against all living beings. [sB 7.2.13]

 

So Hiranyakasipu’s instructions were delivered to 'terrorists' in that they were 'fond of disastrous activities' and with the encouragement of a demonic leader they readily 'engaged in envious activities directed against all living beings' - in the same way that the islamist irregular fighters direct terror - against citizens and - most especially - those who they dislike or - who otherwise oppose them and their irregular program.

 

These are real issues in our world.

 

Of course I don't want a global nightmare war - who does? Not our leaders - however the islamists - they want such a war.

 

If they are left to their own devices they shall machinate it into reality.

 

In SB 1.17.28 in the purport Prabhupada is very clear:

 

This age of Kali will certainly be full of all activities of Kali, but this does not mean that the leaders of society, the executive heads, the learned and intelligent men, or above all the devotees of the Lord should sit down tightly and become callous to the reactions of the age of Kali - so there it is.

 

There IS an emergency in our world - our way of life has ruined this earth [in every nation] and yes - there is a lot of karma everywhere in the world but - that is not any excuse to be callous to these issues.

 

If the islamists wake-up out of their horrific delusions and renounce their program and embrace all of God's followers and in that - respect all of God's faiths - then - we might have a hope in this hell - otherwise - if they continue with this obnoxiously adversarial position - what can the world do? Yet - the world cannot sit down and hope that they'll "get their house in order" on the plea that it might happen...if this is going to change - the ball is in the islamist's court...in that respect.

 

For example - the president of Iran and his intense anti-semitic position - who but him can change that position?

 

Yes you are correct in your understandings but - I think that you need to broaden your thinking - yes we must encourage everyone to change for the good - and yet we have to understand that despite all efforts - war can still take place.

 

If we are to avert this next global war [and end global terrorism] and save the earth from a battle that would peril the planet then we are going to have to look to God and what He has told us in so many places to understand.

 

Myself I think that God shall save the day - He shall change the hearts of people and they won't be able to get to the point of enmity that we are seeing thus far in kali yuga.

 

This kali yuga must be understood and we do not see the practical reality that it IS the winter of time and - if we don't prepare and plan for 'storms' then - what do we do when they come?

 

We can only affect so much - in so many ways and - it is nice that now with the internet we can reach out and connect with anyone on these message boards - who knows who may read these postings - right?

 

So we can see an opportunity and we should advance the non sectarian message of Srila Prabhupada.

 

Just see the purport to the above quoted Bhagavatam text 7.2.13; The discovery of nuclear energy has been disastrous to people in general because demons all over the world are manufacturing nuclear weapons. The word kadana-priyah is very significant in this regard. The demoniac persons who want to kill the Vedic culture are extremely envious of the feeble citizens, and they act in such a way that ultimately their discoveries will be inauspicious for everyone... - there it is - he wrote that a long time ago and yet - with Iran and North Korea - that is the very issue isn't it.

 

Next time you hear of a suicide bombing or rocket attack from gaza [should be called homocide bombings actually] think of this - aren't they who do these things:

 

demoniac persons...extremely envious of feeble citizens...being fond of disastrous activities they take instructions from bad leaders [of the likes of groups like al-Qaida hezbollah hamass islamic jihad etc., from the likes of national leaders such as the current presidents of Iran and Syria] - they take these envious instructions - on their heads - with great respect and offer these bad leaders obeisances. According to these bad leaders directions, they then engage in envious activities directed against all living beings or the otherwise feeble citizens.

It is a complex issue indeed. We can hope that if we make an effort to educate people - God shall help the right people see it.

 

Is there hope for the irregular fighters? That is their choice.

 

Islam is a fast growing faith and the noted Islamists are using every dirty tactic to capture those who come to have faith in that path - it is imperitive that those who are moderate muslims commence an education program of their own - directed at their own.

 

It is imperitive for moderate muslims to form even stronger ties with non-muslims in the religious world. To openly declare that they love that - "God is One and so are those who love God - no matter the Name He is called by"!

 

If there shall ever be hope - in particular - the long seated irrational hostility and enmity of so many muslims - toward Hindus and Jews - must be repudiated - must become healed - can it happen?

 

YS,

[suchandra]

Today is Monday, November 20, 2006

Time to draft again?

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.

<!--- byline --->By The Associated Press

 

 

<!--- credit --->

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. <!--startclickprintexclude--><!--endclickprintexclude-->

"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, has said the all-volunteer military disproportionately puts the burden of war on minorities and lower-income families.

Rangel said he will propose a measure early next year. While he said he is serious about the proposal, there is little evident support among the public or lawmakers for it.

In 2003, Rangel proposed a measure covering people age 18 to 26. It was defeated 402-2 the following year. This year, he offered a plan to mandate military service for men and women between age 18 and 42; it went nowhere in the Republican-led Congress.

Democrats will control the House and Senate come January because of their victories in the Nov. 7 election.

At a time when some lawmakers are urging the military to send more troops to Iraq, "I don't see how anyone can support the war and not support the draft," said Rangel, who also proposed a draft in January 2003, before the U.S. invasion of Iraq. "I think to do so is hypocritical."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Standby Reserve, said he agreed that the U.S. does not have enough people in the military.

"I think we can do this with an all-voluntary service, all-voluntary Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy. And if we can't, then we'll look for some other option," said Graham, who is assigned as a reserve judge to the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals.

Rangel, the next chairman of the House tax-writing committee, said he worried the military was being strained by its overseas commitments. "If we're going to challenge Iran and challenge North Korea and then, as some people have asked, to send more troops to Iraq, we can't do that without a draft," Rangel said.

 

He said having a draft would not necessarily mean everyone called to duty would have to serve. Instead, "young people (would) commit themselves to a couple of years in service to this great republic, whether it's our seaports, our airports, in schools, in hospitals," with a promise of educational benefits at the end of service.

Graham said he believes the all-voluntary military "represents the country pretty well in terms of ethnic makeup, economic background." <!--startclickprintexclude--><!--endclickprintexclude-->

Repeated polls have shown that about seven in 10 Americans oppose reinstatement of the draft and officials say they do not expect to restart conscription.

Outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told Congress in June 2005 that "there isn't a chance in the world that the draft will be brought back."

Yet the prospect of the long global fight against terrorism and the continuing U.S. commitment to stabilizing Iraq have kept the idea in the public's mind. <!--startclickprintexclude-->

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[Bhakta Don Muntean]

 

Today is Monday, November 20, 2006

Time to draft again?

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.

<!--- byline --->By The Associated Press

 

 

<!--- credit --->

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.

<!--startclickprintexclude--><!--endclickprintexclude--> Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars. [...]

Quote:

 

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.

 

Reply:

 

Just see the democrats are already talking conscription! What a lame excuse he attaches to it too - just see - if there is a Democrat president...