A Post to Keep My Mother from Worry

I got a forwarded e-mail from the official Mother of Craigorian Chant today that talked about legislation to reinstate the draft that is working it's way through Congress. Called S89 and HR163 it seems guaranteed to scare the crap out of my Mom and millions of women like her. Rest assured there is nothing to worry about. This is legislation introduced by Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) the very liberal, gravel voiced, black Congressman. Rangel, a Korean War vet, is very opposed to the Iraq war and stupid wars in general. He feels that if middle and upper class kids were going to die in wars then we would have fewer wars. These bills have no chance in Congress and are very much a political stunt. On the broader subject of having a draft I think that it is highly unlikely. It doesn't make a lot of military sense. There are two reasons that we don't have Vietnam-level casualties in Iraq, one is body armor. The other reason is that we have a professional, rather than a drafted military. Finally, having a draft would be political death. Imagine ten million moms just like mine storming the capital. If you are still worried read this John Edwards story:

"There will be no draft when John Kerry is president," Edwards said, a statement that drew a standing ovation.

So vote Kerry-Edwards and keep my mother from worry. She can go back to worrying if I will make it through grad school and get a job that has health benefits.