Before we ever need a draft, we have to increase what's known as the "end strength." You have to have empty slots for the conscripts to fill. And the end strength hasn't been increased appreciably.

And even then, you have to fall short on your recruitment goals, which hasn't happened so far.

But go ahead and keep talking, guys. It's amusing to read such a baseless, vapid, fact-, experience- and reality-free discussion.

Don't waste your time with Boyd. He's a Rove-programmed blowhard who hasn't posted an original thought yet. Your analysis was reasoned and unencumbered by idealogy -- the kind these boards are supposed to promote. Thank heavens for Americans like you who still think for themselves.

Secondly, it seems that most of those in favor of the draft are the left...led by Rangel if I remember right. I have a sneaky suspicion that their calls for the draft serve two purposes. The first is to attempt to mobilize the young against George Bush in the next election. The second is if there is a draft (with the military not really wanting the people) then the majority of the draftees will be provided conscience deferenments of other type of national service: ie the old CCC from FDR.

Don't agree with much you say here, but I think you're on to something about the Left, kids and Bush. The kids seems to see through his "aw shucks" personality better than we do, and they know his agenda is to make money for himself and his type. It's a shame, a real shame, because we worked hard to win the disenfranchised Democrats, but we've lost them and I blame it on the Elites like Bush and his crowd. Between the old time Left, the working class Democrats which now include minorities who, we have to admit, benefited from the Civil Rights movement we opposed, I fear Kerry will handily defeat Bush. Not that I mind Bush losing -- his administration has hurt us here and abroad and it will take decades to undo what they've done to us -- but a clear margin of victory will make the Democrats the party of choice for the undecideds for years to come. Let's face it. We've benefited from having a lot of people vote with us who are easily swayed by doing what seems popular. Those people will go to the Democrats if Kerry wins big -- and I think the kids will play a big role in making that happen.

Attila Girl --

Shame on you for equating "uneducated" with "unintelligent." You're not one of the Elite Right, are you? Those poor kids in Iraq and Afghanistan are as smart as anyone, I'd bet, and they're risking their life for you. Shame on you for saying they're dumb.

And if you want to call me a "Rove-programmed blowhard," you haven't been paying attention. I won't make statements which expose my ignorance about you by pulling stock insults and baseless speculation of your motivations out of my ass. I don't know what motivates you. I know that we disagree, and I also know that, from your statements, you have no idea how military manpower is managed.

'the elite right won't allow a draft'

You are tripping. And did you know that last year, at the DoD web site, a call for assembling draft boards was posted for a few hours and quickly taken down because of the hell people were raising when they saw it. If we are going to continue with this pre-emptive policy, there has to be a draft in this country - common wisdom though, says not to call for it until the elections are over. So just wait until after November of this year to kiss your kids goodbye.

Good point. If Bush wins, the draft will be re-instituted after the election because we'll need more troops to support his Oil Lust -- and the Elite Right will find a way to get their kids deferred. I can buy that.

Boyd --

You almost used "ad hominem" properly. But what I and others have said about you on these boards can't be take personally by you since you've put no personal thought into them. You are a Rove parrot and I'd bet if this were 1969, you'd be a flaming Liberal. Whether you're good at Risk means nothing. You and your kind are the reason we've lost the mainstream. You're like Fox News -- you'll say anything as long as it supports your world view. Americans are fair-minded and we know a phony when we see one. God bless people like Paul, Jim and Christina. I may not agree with them, but I can tell that what they're saying comes from their hearts and minds, and not some neo-con's talking points. From them, I can learn. From you, not so.

Hate to burst your fantasy bubble, pops, but you're a guy who posts notes on a web site. You're not lecturing at the Naval Academy. I've learned a lot from people on "Outside the Beltway," but you've got nothing original to say. You voted for Bush, and he's done nothing but lie, mislead and done what may be irreparable damage to our country. But you'll vote for him again because you're programmed to do so. And that is the sorry truth of you and your kind.

But I'll stay away, Boyd. This fantasy means a lot to you, and your unwillingness to challenge orthodoxy mean more to you than our great nation.

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