Rangel's Military Draft and Congressional Term Limits

At the beginning of the year, Congressman Rangel (in an attempt to deflect attention from his own indiscretions) announced that he was going to introduce legislation to bring back the draft.

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) likely will introduce his controversial legislation to reinstate the draft again this year, but he will wait until after the economic stimulus package is passed.

Asked if he plans to introduce the legislation again in 2009, Rangel last week said, “Probably … yes. I don’t want to do anything this early to distract from the issue of the economic stimulus.” - The Hill

Part of his gripe with voluntary military service is his inaccurate claim that the burden of military service falls unfairly upon the poor and minorities. This has been proven as false, but like a good Democrat, does not stop him from spouting it again anyway, especially since his followers believe it to be true.

A decorated Korean War veteran and a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, Rangel argues that the burden of fighting wars falls disproportionately on low-income people and that cost should be borne more broadly.

If a draft had been in place in 2002 when members were making the decision on whether to support the war in Iraq, Rangel has said, Congress never would have approved the war resolution, because the pressure from constituents would have been too great. - The Hill

If Mr. Rangel is really interested in proportionality, then he should look at Congress itself. Long-term seat-warmers like himself should accept term-limit rules for Congress. This way no one person gets a disproportionate amount of time representing the people of this country. This will result in Congress being better linked to the communities they represent.

Here is the problem with a lack of proportionality in America.

His enthusiasm for having more Americans experience military life should also extend to public office. And since each district, including his, has only one congressional seat, holding onto it for decades (Since 1971 in his case) is just plain selfish and dare I say it, even un-American. President Washington knew that. Too bad these public servant's skulls are too thick (or greedy) to realize this.

P.S.

This bastard of a public servant should be encouraging his poorer constituents to join the Armed Services. It is a great way for the poor to obtain a valuable education and escape the poverty that they were born into.

-------------------- --------------------