We've all heard the hype in the news about the draft coming or not. Selective Service has declared that it is absolutely not preparing for a draft. In that case, why are there two almost identical pending bills to reinstate the draft for 18-26 year olds, including women? Why was the most recent co-sponsor of the House bill added on 05-19-2004? If the bills are dead, as we are being told, no new cosponsors would be joining in. This is proof that Congress is still working to push the bill through. The only question that remains is "when?"
Don't believe this only because it's written here. Use the links below this introduction to read the bills for yourself, right from Congress' own website. Keep yourself informed, and forward this page to as many people as you possibly can!
Introduced on 01-07-2003, H.R. 163, and S. 89 in the House and Senate, respectively, both call for the return of mandatory civil service, and it's much broader than what we've had in the past. H.R. 163 was written by Rep Rangel (D-NY) and co-sponsored by 14 other democrats. S. 89 was written by Sen. Hollings (D-SC) and this bill is almost entirely identical to the House version.
The new draft legislation will make it nearly impossible to avoid service. Conscientious objectors will no longer be exempt, as they will be required to perform "non combatant duties." College will no longer be an exemption from service as well, and the U.S. and Canada made agreements almost 3 years ago to prevent draft dodgers from seeking refuge to the north.
These Bills call for a total mobilization of the public from the ages of 18-26 for a period of 2 years. This goes against the most basic principles of a free society and is, in fact, slavery. Think slavery is too strong a word? Webster's defines it as: "submission to a dominating influence" For a period of 2 years, our nation's young people will be slaves if we don't stop this out-of-control government from moving forward with this legislation.
Both Bills empower the President to decide when to implement the powers of the draft. Yet another step towards dictatorship. One person will be able to require millions of citizens to perform 2 years of duty.
The Democrats claim to be on the side of the people, yet they are the ones pushing for the draft. This is better than a dream for our neo-cons in power, and we're seeing how the two parties are more and more alike. There is a push for the draft, it's coming from the left, and it must be stopped. Forward this page to as many people as you can!
The House Bill (H.R. 163) is not dead. On 02-03-2003 it was "referred to the Subcommittee on Total Force" The Bill is still active, waiting for a response from the Department of Defense, and then a vote.
The Senate Bill (S. 89) is not dead. It was read twice on the Senate floor, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services - also awaiting approval before a vote.
Use the links below to read the full text of each Bill. Adobe Acrobat is required.
Contact Info for Authors and Co-SponsorsSimply right-click on this link and save the file to your computer.
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