Picture a nation in mourning, which had been grievously attacked. People around the world supported America's loss on 9/11 with sympathy, but many Americans responded with anger, and military enlistments soared. Soon the US military would begin a "war on terror" for justice.
Five and a half years later, many of the top planning perpetrators of 9/11 remain at large. The US leadership moved the battle to Iraq; thousands of American young people (and dozens from the Coalition of the Willing) are dead.
Those on the sidelines talk and wring their hands. Those who lost loved ones wonder deeply - just what the hell is going on?
Studies + Streetsmart Suggestions
Friday, March 02, 2007
Deadly Anomalies
War is most perverse when only a few people are involved in a life & death struggle, and others are essentially unaffected. Too many Americans contribute to supporting war merely through displaying a tacky ribbon on their automobiles...
But there are other anomalies even less explainable.
Young American men are required to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. This has been the law since 1980. The system is for "emergency manpower needs of the Military by conscripting untrained manpower, or personnel with professional health care skills, if directed by Congress and the President in a national crisis."
According to the government's website:
Registration is the law. A man who fails to register may face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison term of up to five years.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Men who aren't registered won't qualify for Federal student loans or grant programs: Pell Grants, College Work Study, Guaranteed Student/Plus Loans, and National Direct Student Loans.
We live in a democracy. But women are not directly threatened by the Selective Service or its penalties. Why not? Perhaps because if all voters needed to register for the draft, those involved might adjust the system. Only putting young men at risk is sexist, inequitable, and perhaps illegal.
Many young men detest appearing cowardly. They would serve their nation honorably. Yet allowing others to weasel away (women & Dick Cheney) is wrong. Women could proudly serve if called. This system now places us all closer to war, and closer to a draft.
But there are other anomalies even less explainable.
Young American men are required to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. This has been the law since 1980. The system is for "emergency manpower needs of the Military by conscripting untrained manpower, or personnel with professional health care skills, if directed by Congress and the President in a national crisis."
According to the government's website:
Registration is the law. A man who fails to register may face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison term of up to five years.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Men who aren't registered won't qualify for Federal student loans or grant programs: Pell Grants, College Work Study, Guaranteed Student/Plus Loans, and National Direct Student Loans.
CITIZENSHIP
Registration is a condition for U.S. citizenship if the man first arrived in the U.S. before his 26th birthday.
FEDERAL JOB TRAINING
The Workforce Investment Act offers programs to train men (& women) for jobs in auto mechanics and other skills; (but for men,) only open to those who register with Selective Service.
FEDERAL JOBS
A man must be registered to be eligible for jobs in the Executive Branch of the Federal government and the U.S. Postal Service (required only for men born after December 31, 1959).
Some states have added additional penalties for those who fail to register.
We live in a society that demands equality. Why are women not part of the system?We live in a democracy. But women are not directly threatened by the Selective Service or its penalties. Why not? Perhaps because if all voters needed to register for the draft, those involved might adjust the system. Only putting young men at risk is sexist, inequitable, and perhaps illegal.
Many young men detest appearing cowardly. They would serve their nation honorably. Yet allowing others to weasel away (women & Dick Cheney) is wrong. Women could proudly serve if called. This system now places us all closer to war, and closer to a draft.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
America in Iraq: A deceptive "bill of goods"
Many otherwise-clever Americans have been led to believe that the USA should "stay the course" in Iraq, because a U.S. military withdrawal would leave a dangerous and tragic vacuum.
But there are nearly 200 other nations in the world; those concerned can assist if necessary, probably in cooperation with Iraq's nearby neighbors.
Various others people of the world (also) have vested interests in Iraq. Most Americans do not.
Many Iraqi and Kurdish people detest continued American interference. Most Americans would be better served by US federal spending at home, not in far-off Iraq. Persistent violence in Iraq is killing & brutalizing far too many people. The USA never should have taken the unilateral decision to invade; the key reasons given at the time have now been accepted as erroneous.
Let's imagine a North American scenario -- the USA and Mexico are presently arguing about border security: what if a belligerent European, African or Asian nation inserted troops?
No way José.
Bring US troops home from Iraq.
But there are nearly 200 other nations in the world; those concerned can assist if necessary, probably in cooperation with Iraq's nearby neighbors.
Various others people of the world (also) have vested interests in Iraq. Most Americans do not.
Many Iraqi and Kurdish people detest continued American interference. Most Americans would be better served by US federal spending at home, not in far-off Iraq. Persistent violence in Iraq is killing & brutalizing far too many people. The USA never should have taken the unilateral decision to invade; the key reasons given at the time have now been accepted as erroneous.
Let's imagine a North American scenario -- the USA and Mexico are presently arguing about border security: what if a belligerent European, African or Asian nation inserted troops?
No way José.
Bring US troops home from Iraq.