Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., caused a political firestorm recently when he said he wanted to reinstate a military draft. His radical proposal brings to light a growing theme that both political parties should consider very closely.
In a world where science provides better health and improves the prospects of longevity, death is no longer glamorous, particularly the early variety.
Rangel is incoming chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, making his proposal worthy of attention even if the two top House Democrats — Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader-Elect Steny Hoyer — have no intention of supporting conscription.
According to a June 2005 Gallup poll, 62 percent of adults oppose mandatory military training and reserve service. This opposition calls for a closer look at Rangel’s thinking. It is clear that he is trying to stop, not start, a war — and it seems he has discovered the politically powerful idea that unnecessary death is unpopular.
“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.
It is true that there is growing resistance to body counts, a factor in the recent Republican defeat in the House and Senate. However, resistance to casualties doesn’t necessarily mean that war will end — it simply means that Americans need to stop dying in battle. That is where a political lesson for Republicans or hawkish Democrats presents itself.
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