I agree, if president bush wants a draft give it to him, but this time lets not discriminate and send girls as well

[...] draft "has always been on the table." In a letter to Bush, Clinton wrote, "re-establishing a draft is not the [...]

Is Hillery serious. The draft process has been used and is well established. As Commander and Chief that option would be reinstated if it were needed. However, as an educator in the Student Career Futures Center the military is after the same students that the colleges are. Thsi is not 1960 or 1970. The Recruiters Officer informed every Senior, if you were not in college in September you would be in Vietnam by November.
Hillery get with it the military more
selective and a viable profession for many of our brightest students.
Tom
Palisade CO

Let's reverse this. The citizens should draft the next government.

Get the current crop of clowns out of there, admin, Congress, everyone. Find 10 people through a random drawing of driver license or voter registration or even a group of volunteers for each position. Hold debates for ech seat among the candidates for that seat then the people elect the one they feel will do the best job. After the first term, the incumbent can elect to run for one more term and the random selections become 9.

Once some one has 2 terms in a position, they're gone.

Sure would be a change, heck, something might even get done. Special interest money would be forbidden. Anyone found taking illegal dough would be fired and sent to jail for abusing a position of trust.

Ah, only to live in such an idyllic world.

Have a good day,

Chip

Tricia from Canada,

It's always amusing that people from such an innocuous country like yours attempts to chide and weigh-in on US politics.

You said, "He tore into Iraq for no reason whatsoever unless you call his supposition that Sadam had WMD'S (Unproven) a reason to destroy a country. He bombed them to (*&&^%) and left them as homeless and hungry "

PLEASE do your homework before making false statements. You'll want to read unanimously passed UN Resolutions 1441, 660, 661, 678, 686, 687, 688, 707, 715, 986, and 1284. Saddam over 10 years defied compliance, toyed with inspectors, gassed hundreds of thousands of his own people, etc.

But you would rather the US didnt remove Saddam. No, you would happier seeing him in power today.

And I'm sure it pains you little girls NOW can attend school in Afghanistan and Iraq, Al Qaeda was removed, Bin Laden – if alive – lives in a cave or a hole, and the AMERICAN troops are doing a hell of a job killing insurgents and protecting/helping the Iraqi people.

Tricia, you're nothing more than Nancy Pelosi – lite, which insult and undermine the efforts of our troops. No doubt you’re proud of the fact terrorists and OBL couldn't agree with your statements more!

No surprises there, Mrs. Clinton is only echoing the fears of the political and economic elite in America, that reinstating the draft would send their sons and daughters to fight and die in a war that they so willingly sent and continue to send other people's children to fight and die in. Shame on you Mrs. Clinton and all those Washington elitist principles that you speak for in your comments. We have been told that the war in Iraq is part of a larger war on terror to secure the safety of ALL our children and grandchildren, shouldn't the burden and sacrifices be equally spread out across the American society regardless of social standing. Why should Mitt Romney's 5 sons not serve in the military yet hope that Americans will vote for their dad who says he will expand the military and sustain the war in Iraq? Politicians, including Mrs. Clintn made this war out of the ideology that we ought to spread our version of democracy to the Middle East, the president and his Republican party continue to sustain it out of dillusional personal convictions while the sons and daughters of middle class and poor Americans continue to die and be maimed there – their own sons and daughters are home safe and will never serve this country in any way outside of driving SUVs to campaign for their parents' political ambitions. When will America wake up to this reality and support the draft? If not to sustain our badly damaged military, let the draft come back to end this meaningless war.

What better way to end the war in Iraq than to reinstitute the draft? The country would finally be engaged, college students will take to the streets and elected officials with draft-age children will vote against further funding.

I believe that if Mrs. Clinton is elected president, the draft will have to be re-instituted. There simply will not be enough volunteers willing to serve under her command. (Notice I didn't say leadership.) Her husband loathed the military and was totally inept at employing it in combat. It would be a safe bet to presume that he has some influence on her feelings about the military. Also, like her husband, I believe that her decisions regarding use of military force will be "focus group" driven. How will it play in Peoria? The military will go to heck and back for any leader that gives clear objectives and unwavering support. Mrs. Clinton has not demonstrated any of these traits

Hapy N. Texas,in the event that u can pull yourself away from ur moonshine distiller for a sec to do some fact-finding and inform urself on the US economy and how tax cuts have made the US of America's economy the largest in the world. FYI, the top 5% of US taxpayers pay for more than 50% of annual total tax revenues received by the Govt. You mean if someone works harder and smarter to be successful, he/she should be penalised by paying for more than his/her share of taxes because losers, not unlike urselves, can sit on their behinds and collect the welfare cheques till kingdom come. Give us a break, PLEASEeeee! Get a bloody job and leeching off us. And the hoozpah to turn around and whine about how Bush is the cause of all your woes. Next time u wake up in a pool of your own vomit, look carefully and introduce yourself to the mother of all causes for your screwed-up mess of a life, U!!!!Ta Dah!

I'm gettting the impression that few recognize a Genuine, Honest, Intelligent, Political Savy, International Diplomat, For the American People Candidate, if He Got Up and Bit Them in Their Hiny!

Maybe the Bush Looney/Tooney mode of Leadership has been around so long they actually think these qualities are actually what a would be President should posess to lead a Nation!

And on the War, Bush led us into it with no strategic plan or a way out. He jumped in blind and is still blind. He put your country, our country, the rest of the world, your military, and ally military in severe peril on a whim! And is willing to put more military and nations in peril. He knows there is no tactical way out, and all he can do is buy time until he leaves office and can blame the mess on someone else in an effort to save face!

He tore into Iraq for no reason whatsoever unless you call his supposition that Sadam had WMD'S (Unproven) a reason to destroy a country. He bombed them to (*&&^%) and left them as homeless and hungry as his tax payers in New Orleans are today. Not to mention the number of brave military from the US and Nato Forces who lost their lives for a mere Bush Thank You. And not to mention that Iraq had a higher level of peace and stability before Bush than after!

Meanwhile the terrorists are hiding in Pakistan and Bush has thousands of troops in Iraq! And this keeps our shores and borders safe how? Bush can't even secure the borders in Mexico to keep the illegals out!

The Terrorists will attack us on our homeland when they decide to do so. They've proven that already! And what is a better set up for terrorists then to know our troops are all in Iraq and Afghanistan and the homefront is clear from counter attacks! Terrorism is here to stay until we find a way to change Terrorists' perceptions and mindset. No one can annilate Terrorism. It can't be bombed out of existence. Not even by Bush.

Sadly, this administration is the stuff that that good books and fairytales were made from! Only the heroes in books and fairytales didn't really die!

A. Chico-Juarbe, Arecibo, Puerto Rico said, "
Senator Clinton KNOWS that reestablishing the draft would require an Act of Congress, and it would never approve it. So, she should cut her political grandstanding…"

Ever hear of an executive order? In the dozen years from 1948 to 1970, U.S. presidents issued ten different executive orders altering eligibility standards for potential draftees. (Source: U.S. Selective Service System website, http://www.sss.gov/FSeffects.htm.)

It's not that difficult to imagine President Bush issuing an executive order that simply reinstates the draft. Given his track record of abusing executive privilege, issuing signing statements that in effect amount to line-item vetoes of congressional mandates, and the various secret domestic spying programs, I wouldn't find an executive order to be a surprise at all.

And what incentive would the president issue an executive order to reinstate the draft? He no longer has to win any elections, at least five Supreme Court justices would back him up if the order were ever challenged in court, and his daughters will turn 26 in November, so even if such an executive order included women, it could "conveniently" be written to only include those up to 25 years of age.

Yes, this does sound like conspiracy-mongering. But tragically, the Bush administration has given us ample cause for being overly suspicious.

And to everyone on this thread accusing Hillary Clinton of political grandstanding: I trust you were just as outraged with President Bush after "Dead or alive," "Mission Accomplished" and the flight suit, "Bring 'em on," "Heckuva job Brownie," "I'm the decider" . . .

We have seen six and a half years of the Grandstander in Chief.

always been an option on the table

Well, Charles Rangel(D-NY) has certainly always considered it an option.

Nuking the moon was always an option too.

One question, if the draft is reinstated, doesn't that mean more "draft troops" going to fill in for our current deployed troops? If you aren't on of those "kool-aid" drinkers who can't think, then respond to that.

Posted By Lady J : August 14, 2007 12:39 pm

While I respect your question, and applaud your clever edit of my comment, the answer was in my original comment. How do you propose we build troop levels, IF NEEDED, without a draft? We have a volunteer armed force, but what should happen if 80% were killed in a massive attack, god forbid (purely hypothetical)? Where would we get troops? Are we to hope that we could fill the needs soley by volunteers? I would like to think there are enough patriotic individuals such as myself to fill the needs, but I dont really see that happening, and I respect the choice to not join the armed services. But when the need is great, so will be the sacrifice.

I am a USMC vietnam veteran who enlisted. My platoon was the last platoon to go to vietnam. However, i had an aviation guarantee and i went to cryogenics school. USMC mos 6075. I was offered 2400.00 to sell my guarantee but i told them i couldn't kill anybody but i wanted to serve. I wanted to help in some way or the other. I made nixons LOX. I was not a 9th grade graduate at the time but because of an inate ability to understand spatial relationships i scored 100% in that test which gave me a 121 GCT/GTC (I forget that scoring listing). You needed a 120 to be an officer. My recruiter lied and said i was a high school graduate.

If you want to drive a big car / suv then send "your" kid to war to fight for the fuel.

If you really care then stop wasting fuel.

When i got out i opened a recycling center in 76. I started building energy efficient homes and ever since i have driven only when needed. I hate people who go on senic tours while others are dying for them to waste and abuse fuel.

I hate nascar. I hate boat enthusiast. I hate 4 wheelers. I hate all those who waste fuel and don't think about where the fuel comes from.

Today i don't even own a car. I share a hybrid with an elder friend. We only use it to go shopping for food and even then we buy bulk.

Americans are abusers of energy. It would take 3 earths if the rest of the world used and abused fuel like we do.

Either support a draft for those who want to waste fuel (send their kids to war) or support a system that controls how much fuel everyone can use.

This statement below is the only one that i agree makes any sense.

>>>>if you want to stop the war, stop buying so much gas.

The draft should be implemented, a good amount of the EU has compulsory service and so should we, might help with some of the other problems (obesity being a big one).

Complainging that you don't agree with the war, that you oppose the draft because "it's not my war" then driving your 12 mi/gal suv home solo to your air conditioned house is the height of hypocrisy…

as far as what clinton has said, I think it would have been more acceptable if she had requested this information in a more private manner then published a statement/report regarding all information, seems she has kinda put the cart before the horse.

It all ends up being economics, thats how our system runs imo, strictly economical, we are at war over economics, our foreign policy(borders etc) revolve around economics and there will be a draft if it is what is economically correct. I believe it would benefit the United States as a whole if Mrs. Clinton could show what the economic impact etc would be of starting the draft system. Because as cold as it sounds, people dying violently is not something that this country considers a big deal anymore, thousands of killings annually…whatever

Posted By brendan fremont, ca : August 13, 2007 7:02 pm <<<<

I support a draft, but only if there are no deferments, none, nada.
There is a job in the military for everyone just as there is in civilian life.

A couple points:

1) The draft would make the war in Iraq worse. I cite the following evidence: Since the war began, this administration has lost about 30% of the weapons intended for "coalition forces". The man in charge of distributing those weapons? David Petraus. Since he did such a good job, Bush promoted him. If the draft is instituted and more soliers are sent over, theoretically that means more weapons. And we know now that about 30% of those will go to insurgents. Not a good idea.

2.) This thing with Clinton questioning Bush is clearly political grandstanding. Don't you think she could ask him without sending a letter to the media? She just wants political points for asking a question that she already has an answer to. And she did this because about 90% of Americans will only hear about her question and not about Lute's full statement, which is crystal clear.

Too bad there can't be a serious debate on the actual issue of reinstating the draft. Republicans apparently are incapable of serious debate and have to resort to childish name calling against Hillary.

To Kim in Midland MI:

Would you support Hillary if she was a conservative or is your decision to support her based completely on gender?

Keep one more thing in mind. It will be mostly MEN that will fight and die protecting America (and Europe) from islamic fascists that want to oppress western women and put them all in burkas.

Nice wind blown look there Hillary! yikes. what grandstanding by this neo-con globalist (yes, just like Bush, imagine that).

I actually wouldn't mind a draft, as long as both men and women were included. Now that women are a major part of the military, it would be extremely sexist to draft only men. However, because of families and children, I believe that if one half of a married couple is serving in the military (Reserves, National Guard, Enlisted, Draft, etc.) the other half should be immune from the draft.

Kerry must be laughing his head off with "I told you so!" to the Bush electors.

According to the Borgen Project, whose goal is to fight and reduce global poverty, it only takes $19 billion dollars annually to eliminate poverty across the globe.

Posted By Mstessyrue, Seattle, Washington : August 13, 2007 7:21 pm

Are you kidding me? Look at the billions upon billions that this nation spends on its OWN citizens, and we still have 37.0 million living in poverty. You can't get rid of poverty by paying people to not be poor. You offer incentives and opportunities, not food stamps and welfare. $19 billion. lol.

[...] comments as "completely unacceptable," while Edwards has echoed similar remarks: –here– "Now, instead of ending this war and doing what is right for our troops, their [...]

What does she need clarification on this issue? General Lute very clearly said that the option is there, but that the President does NOT think it is necessary. That seems pretty clear to me, but then again I am not the typical kool-aid drinking Democrat/Republican, I have the ability to think for myself. …To close off all options means to close off all chances of bringing home the troops safely.

Posted By KLHA, Kansas City : August 13, 2007 3:16 pm

One question, if the draft is reinstated, doesn't that mean more "draft troops" going to fill in for our current deployed troops? If you aren't on of those "kool-aid" drinkers who can't think, then respond to that.
Futher more, Bush didn't think that we needed more troops at the beginning. …He was wrong. He thought that he had "quota" and that he was going to pass a lot of things. Once again, wrong. The only thing is that this president has going for him is that he can make a lot of wrong choices. He does need to restate the fact that he will not start up the draft or come and say that the military is streached out way to thin and we need more troops. All of the nomimiees need to think about that question and then stick to that same answer.

What this country needs is Hillary.

1. She has strong beliefs (in herself)
2. Strong convictions (that she is smarter than everyone else)
3.Resolve (that she will win at any cost)
4. Faith (that she is going to be the next President)
5. Confidence (that she can fool the public)
6. Pro Military (as long as they are safe "redeployed" back in the USA)

Of course, in context it was just a military guy basically saying "it's always worth considering militarily, but it's ultimately a political question." The only polititians supporting the draft are Democrats in Congress.

Barabas,

I think you just described Hillary's campaign strategy better than anyone, including myself, could ever hope to.

Every time an issue comes up, big or small, she puts together a statement geared 100% towards hitting what she believes to be the most popular slant.

We have also seen the perils associated with this type of strategy, because it often leads to contradictions (nukes, etc.).

I think a psychologist would describe her behavior as pathological.

Apparently this is NOT a big issue, as it's only being covered [and blown out of proportion] on this blog.

As for those saying that Bill Clinton stripped down the military as if that was a bad thing [and then demonizing Hillary for it], you protest too much! First, Cold War was over. Second, we weren't at war. Third, he modernized the military to make it leaner and meaner! And, lest we not forget, he wouldn't have been able to do it without the approval of the then Republican controlled congress!

As the recent comments by administration officials were a large departure from previous statements, I believe Hillary was quite justified in requesting clarification as to whether or not there has been a change in the Administration’s opposition to reinstituting a draft.
I think that she showed initiative, integrity and responsibility by openly following up on the matter.
Obama voiced similar concern, only a day after Hillary Clinton first brought the matter to light.
It has been proven time and time again that the Bush administration operates in a consistently deceptive, 'above the law' manner. Why is it so hard to believe that they would lie again, or that they don’t in fact, already have plans in place to revise the draft policy to meet their needs?
Really, is it that far fetched to believe? Remember Guantomono Bay?
This isn't a game. It is time to end the denial, to quit playing sides, to stop pointing fingers and spinning facts. That is exactly the attitude and behaviour that brought our nation here in the first place.

Sounds like the Clinton’s have a hornets nest from their past behind locked doors. What exactly is in them 2,000,000 pages that will stay uncover until end of 2008? Can America afford to have Clinton fawn with our trust?

It's Charlie Rangel and the Democrats who started up the draft talk. But of course, I don't expect CNN to mention that in their usual pro-Democrat article.

The thoughts inside Clinton's head……"Alright! They made some back-handed mention of possibly thinking about the draft. All those kids who don't want to be drafted will definately vote for me if I make it seem like I am against the draft. More votes, more votes……hmmmm more votes. I think I would sell my soul for more votes. Oh wait, I sold that a long time ago."

I think a military draft would be a good way to end the war. Just not the same draft from Vietnam. There should be no restrictions on service such as family status or school status. After a few GOP (the ones in power) lose their children, the lust to send other's children into harms way might curve. It could end the war.

Why do we put up with this crap? Taxpayer money should go to paying for things we need here in the United States of America. This war and our foreign policy of intervention and spending are absurd. We need to bring every military service person back to this country and quit spending on foreigners. They are in the service to protect us. Not police another nation. The money we pay in taxes should be going to education, technology and growth right her in this great country. Let the iraq's fight there stupid civil war because frankly I don't give a damn about them.

Clinton's first lady records locked up: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton cites her experience as a compelling reason voters should make her president, but nearly 2 million pages of documents covering her White House years are locked up in a building here, obscuring a large swath of her record as first lady. Clinton's calendars, appointment logs and memos are stored at her husband's presidential library, in the custody of federal archivists who do not expect them to be released until after the 2008 presidential election.

What could she be hiding?

Man. When will it ever stop. We are at war. When the war is over then we won't need to add any more soldiers. If the draft is required, although sad, so be it. This goes to show that neither of these candidates will make a strong president.

"Fascinating that the vast majority of Clinton bashers are males! What a shock. Can't handle a strong female guys? SUCK IT UP!"

I imagine, Erika, to someone with such narrow vision as yourself that sees things in male v. female – it might appear this way. Men and women get to choose which candidate they want or do not wish to support (GASP).

You wish to castigate all men who oppose Hillary as though we're afraid of a "strong" woman (Does "strong" mean sticking with an abusive husband?). Perhaps, Erika, the men you see here posting are SMARTER than allowing a candidate win us over just because she has cleavage – as you have done."

I despise all the Clintons–does that make me afraid of females only Erika?
Jon, you took the words right out of my mouth..

So, now that Obama has joined Senator Clinton on this, I'll bet a lot of Obama Operatives wish there was a, "delete message" option on this board…:)

Two posters have stated that other countries have the draft, and one specifically that the EU has it – not true. Most of the EU either DOES NOT (like the UK, France) have the draft (UK got rid of it, in (if memory serves me) 1960), while it is being phased out in those EU countries (except for Poland…for example) where it still exists. In Italy, you can esentially defer forever, etc. etc.

Aside from a) drafting people who do not WANT to be there who'll hate everything and drag their feet, and b) massive public opposition that will arise to it, the US cannot afford it. The nation is in debt above its eyeballs; where in the world would we get the money for it? Learning to kill does not make you a better person or more…"disciplined."

I wouldn't mind the draft if we were fighting for liberty and sanctity of life.

Until someone can provide 100% evidence terrorism is not made up and we are not there for economic gain, then what is there to die for?

Clinton and Obama question Bush on draft; John Edwards, on the other hand, issued a blistering denouncement of the Bush Administration saying "Enough is enough."

This Administration is responsible for over-stretching our military and abandoning our men and women when they return home from war. John Edwards isn't interested in Bush's "clarifications" but in bringing this war to an end, truly honoring our returning soldiers, and restoring America's position in the world.

From a completely objective standpoint, there is alot of precedent for obligatory military service. Most countries of Europe all at some point required all young men to serve, and some, such as Germany and Switzerland, still have this requirement — mandatory 2 yrs military service. Many other countries around the world have similar requirements, and taken on the whole, the U.S. is one of the few countries that is staunchly opposed to a short term of military service for it's country's youths.

From the perspective of someone currently in the U.S. Armed Forces, I personally believe that military service (in most cases) is beneficial for those who serve. It enhances a person's personal pride and dignity, teaches respect, discipline, duty, leadership, and prepares a person to have a positive influence in society, even if he/she only stays in the military for a short period, like 3-4 years.

"Ms. Clinton voiced no such opposition when Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) made such a proposal."

If you even bothered to read anything regarding the proposal made by Rangel, you would have known that while he was semi-serious, it was a known fact that it would not get passed. He wanted those who were in such favor of the war, increase in troops, etc. to realize that this war touches everyone–no matter what your status, sex, or race (even age: 18-26).

"There the politicians go, making noise about issues Americans aren't to concerned with. I'm 17, and aware of what a draft could mean, but if we focus on pulling out of Iraq, then we won't have to worry about a draft."

Joshua Davis–you are six years younger than me and it clearly shows. The American people DO care about this issue (have you ever even asked any?). You obviously don't know what a draft could mean if you aren't worried about it, and pulling out of Iraq is great, but to be naive enough to think that it can happen with the snap of a finger is ridiculous. Even after pulling out we won't be through in Iraq.

I have often wondered if the draft will be reinstated. My biggest fear is that this isn't WWII–not many actually support this war. What will the morale be like? How can you fight in a war you didn't support from the onset? Will Canada become flooded with runners? Will Mexico? This is a serious issue that will be with us for a long time and will effect other countries as well. Clinton was right to ask for clarification.

The draft is certainly not the answer as many Americans have been opposed to the Iraq War since 2003. The only time a draft would be acceptable is if a nation was attacking our soil and we needed to respond or perish. Bush let us all down when he never went after Osama hardcore. He instead jumped on Iraq which was a huge mistake.

To Bubba and All,

I am female who currently has 26 years in the military. My family can trace military service through the Civil War and the Revolution. My father raised us to be patriotic and serve our country – proudly.

Let me give an update on what President Bush has done … if you are not "a fighter" ready to go to Iraq – your job has been closed, no longer exists or is being phased out — all replaced with civilian contractors! So, a two year service committment wouldn't work right now. On stateside USAF bases, the contractors fix the meals, handle the transportation vehicles, the unit vans (GSA contract), cleaning services, civil engineering, services (housekeeping, lodging, base recreation), etc. Many of the secretarial and "vice" commander positions are also civilians.

I realize some guard and reserve units are meeting quotas but overall are not. Yet, with FY07 & 08 President Bush eliminated approximately 15,000 USAF reserve positions, plus many others. Then this week I received a brochure from the USAF reserve asking me to contact them …. "I can still join up to age 48." Is there anyone in charge with a an overall master plan?

As a military member, I honor my oath to support my Commander-in-Chief. I always support the troops! They also are honoring their oaths and performing their duties to the best of their abilities. However, as a citizen and mother of two – 18 and 14 years old, I don't support this war and am updating my children's passports. While I honor my committment, I don't want my children fighting in a war that I don't believe in and where the military members are underpaid, over worked and don't always have the proper equipment. Yet, these men and women continue to make me proud, honoring their committments and fighing to the best of their ablities.

Does President Bush have a clue what he has done to this country and it's military? Once Bush has his people start hinting at a draft he will be sure to make it look like we just have to have it — "his military advisors say so." That way it will appear that it is someone else's idea and it will be implemented. I wonder how soon after the draft would be implemented that the Bush twins would be in full gear and over in Iraq? I tend to think Hell would freeze over first.

At least Hillary is trying to provide adult supervision and raising the question.

Another thing…
What did we protest in the Boston Tea Party? TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

Today, if you consider sales, income, property taxes we are all being taxed nearly 50% of our income. Not only that, but all national polls regarding Congressional and Presidential approcal have NOT been over 50% for a long time. It seems to me that we are yet again being taxed but not being represented. We elected politicians… That is why they aren't doing what needs to be done. They are following their own agendas.

It's getting rediculous, our government needs an overhaul. The amount of taxes imposed on us citizens is unconstitutional.

i feel that instead of the draft give
the ilegall imigrents a chance to inlest and earn there citzenship thru
the military if thay are willing to fight for this country they are ok to
to stay in this country. if you remember our fore fathers fought for this country to be free to live here but if they are not willing to fight
for it in the military then they should have to fight for it another way

Whoever actually wants to vote for either of these two ignorant candidates should be ashamed. They are playing politics and spinning what was actually said. All males are registered for the Selective Service so obviously it is always an option. That doesn't mean they are actually going to do it. In his speech he said that President Bush does not want to reinstate the draft.

I will admit President Bush has not been a great President, but voting in Clinton or Obama would just be more of the same. Just on the other side of the line. Vote for a true American! Vote Ron Paul.

So let me get this straight. A military offical (not Bush) has said that the draft is an option that is on the table so Clinton (married to a no good draft dodger) is asking Bush to clarify the fact that he has always said he doesn't plan on using the draft. ummmm…doesn't sound to me like Bush personally has changed what he is saying so why the heck is she trying to make a big deal out of things?

I think they SHOULD bring back the draft. It would stop some of this unnecessary crime on the streets. When they turn 18 or 20 and do not go to school or have a job, then they need to be in the military, instead of roaming the streets, stealing and shooting. At least the military would furnish them some pants that don't show their nasty underwear.

freak no no draft – let the neocons go and fight their alleged 'holy war'

I think HRC, along with many of you are missing the point. General Lute said that the option should be on the table, but that it was not likely needed. Should the draft be needed, it would take a major policy shift, meaning that it would have to pass through congress, and the President.

Say you had a busted pipe in your house – you can try to fix it yourself with your knowledge and tools, but to say that you will never call a plumber no matter how bad it gets, or how bad you screw it up even more, is insane.

Do I want the draft? NO. Do we need the draft? NO. 10 years in the future could we need the draft? MAYBE. To say no to something forever is not the answer, but to keep all options open is the only solution to making sure that we can fix the problem.

What would she do if the war escalated, say to an Iran, or to an Iran/Israel conflict or to Pakistan? Would she activate more Reservists and National Guardsmen or would she cut and run? We only have 3 options as I see it, 1) the draft, 2) activating our military at home, or 3) to cut and run.

Oh, I left an option out: she could use “nukes,” God forbid, but Obama has already taken that option off the table.

I will vote for a person who will provide us with a militia capable of keeping us safe and secure. That is not Hillary.

Please people wake up!!! Hillary is a LIAR. There is no authencity about her. She think this is a game… All of our future is in stake here. How can she be a leader? She's forever flip flopping…P.S CNN and EVERYONE "LET'S OPEN OUR EYES AND SEE HILLARY FOR WHO SHE REALLY IS". A liar!!

Typical CNN bias. Again. It's always the Democrats that bring up "the draft" (last time it was Rangle who introduced the bill in congress and didn't even vote for it himself) and hammer on The President for something he never brought up. No wonder I don't get my news here.

You want a guaranteed way to make recruitment goals without a draft? Make every GI, past and present, income tax free for life. And those that did not serve will make up the slack by being levied a "war tax" for not stepping up when you were needed.

ADIOS PEDRO! HOLA IRAQ!

I listened to the NPR Program and the statement as CNN and Clinton are quoting is out of context. The statement was made in terms of maintaining numbers has always been available to a US president since 1973 and that it would represent a major policy shift.

No draft, no way. Can you imagine how many more occupations we would have if El Loonie had an inexhaustible supply of victims.

I find it hilarious that some of you on this board think that Slick Willie gutted the military. The cutbacks in the military started with Bush senior after the cold war ended and he was right at the time in doing so because we did not need a massive military without an enemy. I doubt anyone at the time would thought his party boy son, little dubya would have a war going on in two different countries a decade later. I mean really even the biggest warhawks would have thought that was a ridiculous proposition.

I am a vet and I would only go along with the draft if we gave those opposed to military service the option to serve at home and out of harm's way. There is nothing wrong with having kids serve two years in a branch of service like the Peace Corps, Americorps, or some other peaceful institution that has nothing to do with the military if they so choose. There are many places in America our youth could serve that has nothing to do with the military.

Clinton is a politician's politician. Notice how she says that the administration failed to"…properly equip our men and women in uniform." She was against funding our troops. There is only one thing that Queen Hillary wants – power. She will lie (and she has – saying that her husband had no idea that Al Quieda had intentions of attacking the WTC even after they tried to demolish one of the towers by detonating explosives in the underground parking structure). She will victimize our troops by not funding them, then call them unfortunate victims. Beware of crooks, beware of Clinton.

Several responses have talked about the decreasing number of troops over the last several administrations. People don't want to go to war. It's as simple as that. Not for a stupid and fabricated reason like our current one. With the state of America's youth today, I don't think military service could even give them discipline and morals. They'd spend more time trying to find a way out than learning the proper fighting techniques, etc… which puts the rest of the servicemen in danger. Reinstating the draft would be a PR nightmare for anyone who does it.

Nick of Eagle Mountain, UT says: "Let's … trust that only that which is necessary will be done, shall we?"

Tragically, the blind trust too many Americans had in the Bush/Cheney/Rove administration is what has allowed us to sink into the treacherous fiasco we are in today.

Many Americans trusted the administration when it claimed Saddam had WMD's, that Iraq was involved in 9/11 and that an invasion of Iraq was vital to protecting us from the threat of terror.

Many Members of Congress trusted the administration when it asked for the Patriot Act, when it sought authorization for war against Iraq, or when it insisted secret wiretapping and other methods were of little or no concern to the rest of us.

Nearly five years later, a few Americans unfortunately still cling to the notion that Bush is a great president and that the administration has brought honor and integrity to the White House as promised. These few believers are the ones who trust we have turned the corner, the surge is a success and that things are going well in Iraq.

These few are the ones who trust the administration when it hints action against Iran might be necessary and looming.

Even today, there are still some Americans, both in and outside of Washington, who trust that the CIA identity leak, the federal prosecutor firings, and the mantra of "executive privilege" are just business as normal and nothing for us commoners to be concerned about.

The Framers of the Constitution created a system of checks and balances specifically because they knew that individuals and groups could not be trusted to take only as much power as is necessary. They envisioned that the other branches of the government — and the people — would keep the president from becoming the kind of monarch they had only recently rid themselves of. Even impeachment was seen as an appropriate and essential method of limiting the power of the president and the courts. (How important was the concept of impeachment in the minds of the Framers? The word "impeachment" appears six times in the Constitution. In comparison, the concept of the people's right to vote was not included at all in the original document and wouldn't become part of the Constitution until the 14th and 15th Amendments were added more than eight decades later.)

The Framers of the Constitution feared an overzealous president who would overreach for power — but who would be kept in check by Congress and the Courts.

They were accurate in their prediction on the Presidency; sadly they had too much trust that Congress and the Courts would fulfill their constitutional obligations.

"The option of a draft has always been on the table". True, up to a point.
The framework and legal basis for a draft has, and continues, to exist. It would only take a reactivation order to get it moving again. In the sense that it is a current option under consideration, I doubt it. I'm surprised that US Senator Hi-Larry Clinton is not more familiar with the draft and its current status. Just more double speak from her on something she apparently knows precious little about.

I think the draft should be reinstated, so that every American family would have some skin in the game. I'm too old for the draft but, I have children and grandchildren who would be eligible.

Wow I cant believe some of you people. "But Bush said it wasnt an option". You actually still believe the traitor that wipes his butt with constitution at every opportunity? You are whats wrong with America today, Wake up and smell the BS you've been eating for years now. Realize he is a traitor and a coward, nothing more and so are those that choose to listen to his excuses and lies without demanding to see the proof. And no im certainly not a Clinton supporter. Shes just another side of the same corrupt coin. Vote none of the above!!!!!!

You are so readily to criticize this administration, what would you have done if you were President during 9/11? Surrender to Islam? That's OK. They didn't mean it. I know they are sorry. Tell that to those families who are left after 9/11. Most of you running off at the mouth did not have a loved one in the Twin Towers. Surely, they will understand your point of view (you).

Is she serious? Do I really want to believe this ia a presidential candidate?
How clear can the General be?
All options are always on the table since we don't really know what's coming next in this crazy world!

Of course there will be no draft. Hillary's daughter might have to serve and thousands of children of the rich and mighty. Let the poor fight and die. If we had the draft, the war would have been over after one month when the first body bags of politician's kids would have arrived in Dover.

As someone who was part of the U.S. draft in 1965 I have long felt that removing the draft has had an adverse impact on the way that young people feel about their country. Without having to take part in your country's defense, without necessarilly standing on the front lines if your moral conscience precludes this, or supporting those who chose to do so, people become detached from what being a good citizen actually means. Americans in particular seem to believe that the individual is above all else and have lost a valuable connection to the rest of society. Reinstituting the draft may seem like political suicide, and indeed in might be, but I firmly believe that doing so would make the U.S. a better place and make it much more unlikely that we would have another Iraq war, started by someone who hid from combat and supported by people who do not know what it means to watch friends and innocent people die.

The draft again! I am a retired soldier from the Army and I was drafted during the Vietnam War and what happened, we lost and this is what we will do with this war with the same end results as Nam. More young Americans will die. If we had left Vietnam when the French decided to leave we would have saved thousands of lives. We did'nt and now go to the Vietnam Memorial and see some of the 50,000 plus names. I have, many of my friends are listed there. Well, they will one day down the road have a Irag War memorial and I wonder how many names will be listed there. Our president is useless and wasting our human resources on a useless war. If we want America protected then keep it home and bring the Armed Forces back.

I do not know if a draft would help in Iraq at this point or not. Seems to me that at some point the Iraqis have to decide for themselves to quit killing each other. Our military can not do that for them.

I cried for three days after my son joined the Army this year. He had his future all planned out and the military wasn't in those plans. He joined because he couldn't sit back and ask the same guys to keep going back to Iraq over and over again while he was at home going to school with no real worries. He can finish school when he gets out. While very proud, of course I'm worried.

That all said, I'm not so sure national service at between 18 and 20 isn't such a bad idea. We have three generations now that do not seem to understand that the protection of this country is the only thing that allows for them to have their video games, ipods and all of the other nicities of being a young American. Right now the Army and Marines are stretched so thinly and are so exhausted from repeat deployments that if a real military power got an idea…we wouldn't be able to respond. That is not a position that I like to see our country in any more than I like this war.

I think the draft should be reinstated in order to reinforce to Americans why we live in the land of the free. There are too many people who ignore the war because it doesn't affect their families. There are too many people who don't care about the troops but instead. We take our freedoms for granted and say we love America without understanding how we reached our current state–through sacrifice, through blood, through sweat and tears. After Vietnam, America can't stand the sight of blood…we lost 58,000 people in Vietnam, we've lost 3,000 during the current conflict. The United States of America is in a conflict on a large scale every 20 years or so…this wont' change any time soon. If we want to protect our country, our way of life–our ability to vote or not vote–then we need to re-instill a passion for the ideals America was based on–ideals we have fought and died for for over 200 years. Military service through a draft, or even compulsory service for a year like the Israelis have, would help do this.

Pentagon responded on Drudge Report

If a draft were ever reinstated we need to add women to the list of those available for the draft. It's the one area where you never hear women clamoring for equality and it's high time we offer it to them. There is no reason why women cannot be expected to serve their country in the same manner as their male counterparts. None.

In fact, why don't we have the ladies start signing up for selective service as soon as possible. Men, between the ages of 18 and 25 are required by law to sign up for selective service and I believe it is sexist discrimination, pure and simple, that prohibits women from serving their country in this manner and that's wrong.

Put an end to discrimination. Make women sign up for selective service.

To Brad From Canada:

We have been, and will continue to be, a free and Democratic country others will try to emulate. Feeding the big business military complex agenda of this administration? What 'agenda' are you speaking of? It is so easy to to find fault and blame this country for your shortcomings. Take care of your problems at home (which you have many) before you critique this Country.

IF we had the draft again,it would improve the situation;why?Everyone's kids would be in the war,including political,rich,middle-and-upper class,instead of just the poor & working-class who join the army.Past histories say that when there IS a draft,the govt.and the nation do NOT go to war as often.All the politicians do not want their kids to get drafted,nor do the other leaders and upper-class.Great idea,huh?When EVERYONE'S kids get drafted,rather than just the poor and working-class?Good motivation,I'd say.Also,right now,the army reserve is getting very abused in the war,which is not democratic.The war is riding on their backs.

I don't really care what Hillary says….I don't care what Lute says….I don't care what Bush says. A military draft is WRONG. You can't say 'we are fighting for freedom' while taking away a persons right to choose. That is an oxymoron. I was opposed in the 60's, an unlike a lot of hypocrites who are no longer opposed because they are too old to have to worry….I will still support a person's right to choose. If you can't get enough people to agree it is worth fighting for…..it probably isn't!

Senator Clinton KNOWS that reestablishing the draft would require an Act of Congress, and it would never approve it. So, she should cut her political grandstanding and answer HOW she would end the war in Irak if elected President. Everybody is eager to criticize when you do not make the decisions. It's not easy being the clown, when you have to run the circus.

George Bush must keep his word. There is absolutely no precedent for an outgoing president to go back on his word concerning a matter so sensitive as the draft. The Republicans started this war, now it is up to them to allow the people of these United States to decide whether this war should be continued or not. The next president, whoever it may be, will have the option, and the mandate of the people concerning the ultimate course of our involvement in these wars. As it should be.

To Michele in Portland, I don't know Johan or Hapy, but I'm a moderate and proud of it. I don't know what you mean by "walk the walk and talk the talk," because my walking and talking involves not supporting any war. And I don't hate the troops. I love our troops. But there's a big difference between supporting what they DO and supporting what they're DOING, and I don't think you realize that. If every troop in harm's way came home right now, I would thank God. But I don't think anyone left of center is supposed to believe in God. After graduating college, I plan on going into counseling, to help people with problems, such as PTSD, often suffered by soldiers returning home. That has nothing to do with not supporting a war, but I'd say I'll be doing my part. You didn't mention your own service, though. Where did you do your part at?

so this is next – being forced to fight a war based on lies, a war that is in no way connected to 9/11. when will this madness stop?

Hillary voted FOR the war and recently said the troop drawdown would take time. Wake up people! She doesn't care about the troops.

We need to support someone who will get us the hell out of Iraq, someone with principles, such as Ron Paul or Mike Gravel. Forget these other flip-floppers.

This is the first that made me take note. Thank you, Hillary. You just got a second chance for my vote.

all you have to do is say you are gay and you are automatically excused from serving in the military.

If any of you believes that Rove leaving the White House means anything at all, I feel sorry for you. This is just a ploy to continue to try to get out of testifying before Congress. The fsx will still be there. The e-mail will still be there. The telephone will still be there and Rove will use these to continue to do his job. Better keep a close eye on his earnings for the next two years or so. Make sure you know who pays him.
The very first thing the next president needs to do is de-classify each and every scrap of paper that's been classified over the last 6 years. And make it an act of treason to destroy those kinds of records forever in the future. Then prosecute all of the Bushies at the same time.

Oh Hilly, please fix the health care system and the draft. Ask Bill about the draft honey. And, as I recall, you really fixed it like you said you would when you and Bill were in office! Or do you not remember that failure??

The draft is the only way Americans are going to wake up. When all American children's lives are on the line, then we'll see who supports the war.

More grandstanding by the smug senator "from" New York. Good timing that the letter arrived at CNN's door the same time as the Whitehouse.

Once again, we see that she has no compunction to do anything to get elected. A letter to the executive branch…yeah right. They don't even answer to Congress-issued subpoenas. You think they'd waste time engaging HER?!

Why don't the American people write her a letter requesting clarification about Vince Foster or Whitewater? Or about voraciously supporting the war until the winds shifted?

I'm a dem-leaning independant, and the prospect of a two-faced Clinton presidency scares me almost as much as the current republican candidates.

Time for a change of the guard. Forget the Bushies, forget the Clintons…Go Obama and/or Edwards (at least he had the guts to call his vote a "mistake").

I believe that most people on here are missing the point. If the draft was "always an option" when it has been stated that it was never an option it gets back to the fact that is "president" has double talked, mislead and lied on so many issues that this seems to be just one more to add to the list.

oh, and by the way, our military has no use for draftees. Our modern military is too high tech and well trained. Inexperienced and lightly trained ground pounders and cannon fodder would just get in the way. Just more smoke and mirrors from the illusion masters of bill and hillary

"Mrs. Clinton has more sense than Bush, Cheney, and half the crew in the White House. I don't doubt one thing Bush will try to keep bringing the middle class down."————more evidence of a liberal weakness, counting. The economic policies brought about by this administration have created the greatest boon to spendable income for the middle class (those households making less that $125,000 per year) while reducing those below the poverty line by almost 50% AND raising the standard of living for virtually all those below the poverty line. Imagine what they could of done if the democrats hadn't had a consistant policy of obstruction rather than a policy of good government. Why not look at the Clinton co-presidency that institued the greatest tax rip off of the middle class as well as the rest of the working public while taking the air out of the econimic growth begun by Regan-Bush policies of 1980-1992, policies that worked so well that it took seven years to take the momentum out of it and let George W inherit an ecomomy that had been loosing steam for over a year and Hillary is not nearly as pragmatic as Bill, she'll tax us into an economic colapse unprecidented in history.

Nice try Hillary, you are only fooling those who would vote for you. The "draft" requires legislation passed in both the House and senate before the President can signed it, per the Constitution.

Nice thry Hillary, you are only fooling those who would vote for you. The "fraft" requires legislation passed in both the House and senate befoe the President can signed it. per the Constitiution.

DId she forget that Charlie Rangel ( D NW) was the one who suggested we institute a new draft? My how this woman is selective in her so-called visions.

Dear Nancy from NH.,
It can't always be someone else's kid. If you think that this is not your war, you may want to look up what our enemies think would be great. "Death to America" is the usual idea. NH is in America, so your kids are already involved.

REM from Detroit, sleep easy, rough men stand ready to do violence on your behalf. As a Marine, I can't say I appreciate being called a murderer.

Mrs. Bill is at it again, making an issue where there isn’t one. She hasn’t done anything of substance and is only trying to deflect our attention away from her own poor performance in the Senate. I am not fooled! If elected president she would have the same stance saying “the military draft is always an option on the table.”

To Hapy N. Texas who said “I believe this time we should draft the richest first since they receive more from the USA.”

What are you talking about? Did it ever occur to you that some people have made money through their own hard work? As a proud Puerto Rican and proud Republican, I got where I am through my own hard work, thank you!

And to Pat from NY… I am proud Puerto Rican, proud Republican and proud former Naval Officer! So pull your head out of your @#$. Republicans are serving this country, voluntarily.

To Michelle, Portland Oregon- Who cares what your family does and what you support? You keep walking your walk, okay?

To Sandy in Easthampton, MA and Nancy in Bow, NH:

Sandy, I can't think of anyone other than Colin Powell who proudly served his country. You have me pegged wrong if you think I'm a supporter of Bush – he's no Reagan Republican. Let's face facts though, and I say this as a military vet and the husband of a retired Naval Officer, the military is made up mostly of conservative Republicans. The men and women who served with me that were "liberals" were few and far between.

You know who will enter the military if a draft is reinstated? Those who put the needs of their country before their own. Yeah, I sound like a neocon and another brain washed patriot. So what? I never really cared for what others thought. All that matters is doing what I think is right.

Nancy, you should draw a line in the sand against the draft. It's a bad idea and nothing but political jockeying by the left and the right.

I love the last-ditch rhetoric that it's completely the Clinton administration's fault that forces are now strained. Let me explain something. The Penagon analysts, SAMs planners, and staff chiefs have been lying to presidents for decades that plans exist to fight a war on multiple fronts if necessary. Countless generals have earned their 3rd and 4th stars perpetuating that lie; defense contractors have made billions on skewed promises that, if we paid for their "cutting-edge" systems, we could minimize the number of trained soldiers it would take to fight our nations wars. I've served on both sides – as both an Army Intelligence Officer and as a defense contractor – and can now speak with an informed voice and utter clarity. Neither the Clinton-era reductions, nor the recent, ill-conceived idea to start operation 1003v (Iraq) while Afghanistan was still hot should come as a shock to anyone. The only difference with this administration is that events and poor decisions came to a head that forced the big-wigs to put their money where their mouths were… and they're all now being shown for the liars that they are.

Of course, the complete lack of competency and experience in counter-terrorism and medium-intensity conflict doesn't help either. We have our own public, who voted for Bush (twice), to thank for that.

Clinton issues a press release and CNN dutifully regurgitates said press release. Yawn. By the way, is there a single person from the thinking community who cares what a military hating leftist like Clinton "thinks" about a draft?

Geez, did someone actually suggest the majority of the war is being prosecuted by mercenaries? Wow, problem over!

Draft is a bad idea. Blooding noobs just to spread it around might have political advantages but is lunacy from any military perspective.

Guys whose profession is to hone the technical and management skills to efficiently kill enemy combatants- as directed by their civilian clients- do not need unwilling civilian lottery dopes with a skill set of cannon fodder rotated through the ranks.

That said. You have a very good Army. They are: bright,engaging,professional,committed, brave and result oriented.

Send some love to your soldiers.

Shoe

What a card shark. Other than sound bites, I really have no idea of "HOW" Clinton will DO anything. All of a sudden she has amazing wisdom with her amazing letter writing skills. Most people missed it. You write a letter bashing Bush on "reinstating" the draft (an emotional topic) and get everyone frothing at the mouth by saying "Bush", "draft", "could happen" in any order. Now you look strong. And who would even think about saying anything negative against someone who just stood up for you. Read this from the Politico about her "Bush-like" strategies.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5326.html

""*CREATE A STRAW MAN. Build up an issue in order to tear it down. See the fight Clinton picked with the Pentagon after an undersecretary of defense slammed as “offensive and totally inappropriate” her request for information about plans for redeploying US troops from Iraq, and accused her of echoing enemy propaganda. "I sent a serious letter on a matter of national security to the Secretary of Defense and, in return, received a political response," Clinton complained. Defense Secretary Robert Gates had to step in to defuse the situation.

Remember the Bush campaign’s quickly conjured uproar over the “global test?” Coming out of a fall 2004 debate that even Bush’s own advisers privately agreed was a weak performance for him, they introduced a straw man by pouncing on Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kerry’s comment during the debate that the president’s decision to go to war should pass a “global test” of legitimacy. (It was an exchange that bears some similarity to the recent Clinton-Obama exchange over whether it makes sense for a president to promise to meet with the dictators of U.S. adversaries.) ""

I really can't stand Bush or anyone like him (Hillary). I'm really ready for a woman pres. Just not this one. READ and REMEMBER…

Just remember that Hillary's husband didn't serve at all and there was a draft…he just left the country… If you Bush haters think he had it easy in his military service you should check out Teddy's service…yeah he served…during Nam in Germany at at desk…wonder who arranged that?

I find it interesting that we have a president in office, unfortunatly one that our country did vote into office, that the majority of our country now seems to not agree with, but we as a country seem helpless to do anything about getting him out of office. Even our congress, the house of representaives and senate, has showed its dislike of some of the president's decisions (like our involvement in the war in Iraq), but because of the presidents ability to veto any bill that comes through congress (other people that our country has also voted into office to represent us) that it becomes apparently obvious that our vote as the people does't seem to count as much as we are lead to believe. How dishearting.

Sen. Clinton should remember that only one political party has moved to re-instate the draft. It was Charles Rangel (D-NY) that has proposed a bill. Congressman Rangel is a HUGE Clinton supporter and Democratic leader.

More hot air from Hillary.

An alternative to the draft… since the very well to do have little interest in supporting America on the front line (not to say 100%), I propose a life long credit tax credit for those who have put their lives on the line that our homeland be free. For example, a $2000/year tax credit for as long as that veteran (or the veteran's spouse in the case of the ultimate price being paid) lives. There could be breakouts of the credit… $/yr of service, bonus $/yr in combat… but ultimately, a draft seeks to ensure that an even distribution of Americans support us militarily, not just blue collar or those with a strong military heritage in their families… those who choose not to serve in the armed forces, I argue, can sacrifice a little more financially to make this a reality for those who are investing in this country's future with their own blood. Or, the draft is fair too. One or the other would seem fair, but to let a volunteer force consist of a disproportionate landscape is unfair. My prayers for the families of the fallen. Their loss and yours is forever etched in my heart and my mind. Please take no offense to my feelings, but if a certain class can afford to prevent this pain in their lives, then they can afford to pay a little more towards our end goals.

I fail to see how forcing someone into military service gives them a sense of "responsibility". I feel that the problems with us kids today is that our parents were the kids of yesterday.

To Phil D: Please do tell us all about Hillary`s character and integrity…..can`t wait!!!!

Really Bush and his cohorts don't want to institute a draft because thy realize that it would inflame the whole country, much worse than the draft did during the 60's, because the war in Iraq is TOTALLY UNJUST and most Americans are smart enough to see that.

hillary you voted for this war so i guess now your against the draft !! you make me want to become a independent

Hillary is solely a "trouble maker" parading as a candidate and propped up by an uncritical media with no cognitive skills to expose her "fatal flaws". Come on, general election, turn the voters loose to outflank the media. Hillary will not quite make it, even with all the "gimme's" factored in.

It seems the issue here is not whether Clinton is questioning the justification of reinstating the draft, but more so of where is this administration taking us? Historically, every intention Bush has stated to the public has been the opposite of what he winds up doing. We are dealing with a highly dishonest administration therefore it is absolutely necessary for all citizens to question this administration's policies and intentions. I believe the General's comments were well timed and well intended as a "trial balloon" and should serve as a red flag that there is a great deal more to these comments. My personal concern about a draft is that presently we cannot recruit enough men/women to fight the Bush wars only to be treated inadequately while on the front lines as well as upon returning home. I think those who are focusing on Clinton's willingness to question the administration's position on this are completely missing what is really going on. This administration is comprised of some of the greatest illusionists we have ever seen.

Loretta from NC write: "Another thing why are all comments bad about Mrs. Clinton?"

Well, Loretta, not ALL of the comments are bad, but a majority of them are. My feeling for this is the following, most of those posting in this blog are more informed than the average citizen and see beyond the 30 second sound bite and politically correct canned answers that most candidates offer. The majority here are looking for a candidate that can think for themselves and process information that they receive. Simply being able to quote the party line chapter and verse will not cut it now or at any time in the future. Simply whining about the current administration does not constitute having the ability to lead. Making excuses that things can't be done because of the vast right-wing conspiracy shows weakness, not strength.

I know that you could probably go to a middle school anywhere in the country and find several 13 year-olds that could parrot the mantras of health-care, war for oil, global warming bad, amnesty for 'guest workers good, ad nauseum.

Folks that post here (generally) have had enough of politics as usual. As one poster said earlier, "the men you see here posting are SMARTER than allowing a candidate win us over just because she has cleavage ". If that were the case, Nancy Pelosi would have already wrapped up the nomination.

Have a good day,

Chip

I'm reading comments made on this story, and I can't help but notice: a lot of panty-waist males are writing comments, nearing "hatred", against Hillary Clinton, and personally attacking her, calling her names like "Shillary". Exactly what are you males (and some females, even) scared of and threatened by when it comes to Hillary Clinton? Are you scared other females will start pushing you around and telling you what to do? Get used to a draft idea—–Bush is the president who WOULD institute it—–he's threatening Iran with "consequences" if they don't stop meddling in Iraq. He IS the 1st president in history to START a war without provocation—-in an instant he would start a war with Iran if he could, and we would need troops there, too. So a draft would be needed.

C.R., Peoria, IL

A military draft is nonsense even to consider. First, it would expose privileged kids to warfare. Second, we can maintain and even expand the current economic draft by outsourcing more jobs and importing workers for the jobs that remain. Where’s the problem?

The biggest problem faced by the USA, and the root of a great many of its problems, is that its citizenry has an average IQ of 85.

"Another thing why are all comments bad about Mrs. Clinton?"

– - – - – - – - -

Ummm – I don't know why so many people don't like Hillary???

Perhaps a few of us don't generally approve of a woman who defends a philandering abusive husband so she can gain political mileage. Defects to NY for a senate seat, votes FOR the Iraq war, votes FOR funding – and then when voters disapprove acts as though she were against the War all along.

Or maybe it was her dealings in the Rose Law Firm.

Or maybe her involvement in White water?

Or just maybe how she casually found the FBI files of political rivals in her private office?

Or maybe her firing of the White House travel staff so she could hire her cronies.

Or maybe the way her and Bill rented out the Lincoln Bedroom for political contributions.

I'm not quite sure WHY some people just can't get over all those things!

Where was Hillary when Congressman Rangle of New York was going to introduce legislation to re-install the draft a few months back? We didn't hear one peep out of her then. I guess she is against it when a Republican mentions it and for it qwhen a Democrat brings it up.

Clinton's just grandstanding.

If Bill Clinton had not cut the defense budget when he was President, we would not be considering the draft today. I guess Hillary has short term memory loss..

Sen. Clinton says: "Re-establishing a draft is not the answer. The seeds of many of the problems that continue to plague our mission in Iraq were planted in the failure to adequately plan for the conflict and properly equip our men and women in uniform." — Once again, she has only critique and negativity, with no attempt to propose what "the answer" actually IS.

I'm quite sure we could find Chelsea a job – as well as every child belonging to a political family. I wonder how fast the OPTEMPO would be then. Hmmmm…

A Draft,how inane & stupid can you be. The only ones who would go would be patriotic flyoverland people & some coastal kids who are idealistic. We Americans are too fat,dumb & happy, spoiled,lazy, self indulgent to go & serve our country. Anyone who would go into the military is looked on as doofuses NOW…by many Americans who are the antithesis of WW2 Americans, who volunteered to go into the military in droves after Pearl Harbor. When our next Pearl Harbor or 911 takes place, we'll just go about our business,& be outraged until the next Britney or Paris story comes up & distracts us. Thats all the majority of the youth are good for, T & A, drugs, sex & rock & roll. America is a sad shadow of its former self.

How about the photo of Hillary accompanying this story?

Doesn't she look just like Nurse Ratched from ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEXT?

SCARY!!!

I don't care that Mrs. Clinton asked the question. The fact that the media reported it on the same day as it was sent smacks of politics. I think that as has been pointed out, it is an option just like conventional or nuclear, using Air Force or Navy, etc., for any Administration, left or right. I have a 22 year old son and a 21 year old daughter. As an honorably discharged Air Force veteran, I'm not interested in watching them get drafted with the possibility of getting killed but I would expect them to go if called. But then, I would expect the sons and daughters of the Red and Blue Beltway Insiders to serve when they are called. The only deferment should be to allow a college student to complete the current year of study at their college of choice.

Posted By pat "the problem is that a draft will not send republicans off to fight – they'll just take their cue from Bush and dodge the draft, or pay off the republicans in power to keep them from being drafted." HELLLLLLOOOOO… OVER 80% OF OUR FIGHTING FORCE IS REPUBLICAN AND THEY VOLUNTEERED…..BUSH DIDN'T DODGE/HE SERVED IN NATIONAL GUARD / CLINTON WENT TO CANADA / TYPICAL LIBERAL RANT WITH DISTORTED FACTS…

Posted By Jon, Sacramento: "Fascinating that the vast majority of Clinton bashers are males! What a shock. Can't handle a strong female guys? PUT YOUR DRESS BACK ON JON AND STAY IN THE CLOSET….

Georgia Veteran

A military draft is nonsense even to consider. First, it would expose privileged kids to warfare. Second, we can maintain and even expand the current economic draft by outsourcing more jobs and importing workers for the jobs that remain. Where’s the problem?

How does a draft make the United States of America a free and Democratic country that others can try and emulate? All young people have to stand up and fight using their minds instead of doing what this current government wants…which is to support and feed the (Big Business) military complex agenda.

Mrs. Clinton has more sense than Bush, Cheney, and half the crew in the White House. I don't doubt one thing Bush will try to keep bringing the middle class down. Wake up America, can't you see its The Bush Way or no way. Another thing why are all comments bad about Mrs. Clinton?

The problem is not the Iraqi conflict in particular but rather it is due to the drastic drawdown of troop strength over the past couple of administrations. I have heard from many family members, who are also career military folks, that you can't fight any conflict (popular or not), especially on multiple fronts, using the current troop levels. That being said, I would oppose using a draft to increase them but wouldn't mind seeing increased defense spending and pay our current forces better.

Maybe she needs to look at her husband's administration, those two gutted the armed services, I know, I lived it.

Posted By Bob, Rock Hill,SC : August 13, 2007 6:06 pm

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I support in Candidate Clinton’s stand on the war in Iraq and believe in her capabilities for restoring America’s stand in the world. I think America needs to prove itself and to the world that we are better than investing $340 billion dollars into a fruitless war. According to the Borgen Project, whose goal is to fight and reduce global poverty, it only takes $19 billion dollars annually to eliminate poverty across the globe. However, our government is spending an average of $2 billion dollars a week in Iraq creating more poverty and hunger. As Americans, we definitely need to support organizations such as the Borgen Project as well as candidates that recognize the importance of the issue of global poverty.

Hillary Clinton is irrelevant. Who really gives a flying hoot what she says to Bush?

I think reinstating the draft would be the best thing this country has done for itself in years. It would instill better discipline into our youth as well as give them future opportunities because of the skills they would learn (not to mention giving them a sense of worth.) In addition, it would hold a bigger fire under the current administration to produce results. Isn't that what we all want, lefty or righty?

Wait, did president Hillary just take something off the table? I thought only the naive did that. More hypocrisy, more grandstanding, more snake oil. I had Clinton fatigue 7 years ago…it's back and nobody has even elected her (though don't ask her that — she wears that Karl Rove cologne, "aura of inevitablity").

If Democrats nominate her, all her baggage will come to the surface in the general election. The election of George W Bush was a reaction to Bill Clinton's willingness to put politics ahead of principle. Just think how bad Hillary backlash would be four years from now.

if you want to stop the war, stop buying so much gas.

The draft should be implemented, a good amount of the EU has compulsory service and so should we, might help with some of the other problems (obesity being a big one).

Complainging that you don't agree with the war, that you oppose the draft because "it's not my war" then driving your 12 mi/gal suv home solo to your air conditioned house is the height of hypocrisy…

as far as what clinton has said, I think it would have been more acceptable if she had requested this information in a more private manner then published a statement/report regarding all information, seems she has kinda put the cart before the horse.

It all ends up being economics, thats how our system runs imo, strictly economical, we are at war over economics, our foreign policy(borders etc) revolve around economics and there will be a draft if it is what is economically correct. I believe it would benefit the United States as a whole if Mrs. Clinton could show what the economic impact etc would be of starting the draft system. Because as cold as it sounds, people dying violently is not something that this country considers a big deal anymore, thousands of killings annually…whatever

I served in a combat unit in Vietnam. I am neither a fan of Mr. Bush or this mess in Iraq. My only concern are for the GIs.

But I also know that the draft is just another strategic defense tool for any administration to use–not unlike diplomatic negotiations, conventional warfare or nuclear weapons. So it seems interesting that today Ms. Clinton is lecturing the administration for clarification on this defense tool while only a week ago was equally quick to reprimand Barack Obama for publicly suggesting how he might deal with Pakistan.

But face it there will never be a fair and square draft. Because if there were, we would be less likely to get into jams like Vietnam and Iraq where every kid would be "at risk" to serve–including all the kids of the “inside the Beltway Red and Blue elitists" and the children of the Bush and Clinton Corporate chums.

It seems that Barack Obama is the only candidate willing to be candid and sincere about creating a dialog with the American people about sensitive issues —while Mr. Bush or Mrs. Clinton continue to feel that they, with all their insider experience, know what’s best for us. I am not convinced.

Bush is employing a passive-aggressive tactic to ensure that his successor is forced to seriously consider a draft: deplete volunteer troops as fast as possible in a no-win situation (Iraq). If the next president fights a draft, and we have any terrorist incidents, republicans can claim that president is weak. They will do their political best to make sure that in 2012 another neocon is elected back to the oval office.

And people will accept it.

i believe a huge surge in iraq with a draft will be overwhelming to the opposition forces.

"Fascinating that the vast majority of Clinton bashers are males! What a shock. Can't handle a strong female guys? SUCK IT UP!"

I imagine, Erika, to someone with such narrow vision as yourself that sees things in male v. female – it might appear this way. Men and women get to choose which candidate they want or do not wish to support (GASP).

You wish to castigate all men who oppose Hillary as though we're afraid of a "strong" woman (Does "strong" mean sticking with an abusive husband?). Perhaps, Erika, the men you see here posting are SMARTER than allowing a candidate win us over just because she has cleavage – as you have done.

Anyone taking bets on on how long it takes her to completely contradict this position on the draft?

Oh gag, do people really fall for this dribble? Never has there been a more cheap thrills, "Look at me, look at me!" candidate.

Hillary Clinton is the one Democratic candidate who can make me vote Republican.

I applaud Senator Clinton for bringing this issue to light after General Lute made the comment.

At one point Lute says the draft "has always been an option on the table." At another point he replies, Restoring it, Lute said, would be a "major policy shift."— one that Bush has made clear he doesn't think is necessary.

But we are all use to Bush using front men to achieve his goals. Who can forget the Swift boat idiots, Cheney outing a CIA operative, then using his front man "Scooter" to take the fall, and in the end Bush pardons him. Or throwing Colin Powell in front of the U.N. saying Iraq had W.M.D.'s just so Bush could go to war with Iraq and leave Osama bin laden running around keeping Al Qaeda alive.

So is Lute Bush's front man for re-instating the draft? Well if past history is any indication Lute might well be. I applaud Senator Clinton for finding out. With the Bush administration, clarity is not in there best interest.

While I'm not a Clinton supporter during this primary season, I appreciate her concern on this issue.
As an 18-year-old male, I value the right to choose my own destiny. When considering various options for my future, a career in the military has been a serious consideration of mine. I value the ability to FREELY choose the military or, as I've chosen recently, another path toward public service.

The draft would end the freedom of choice for millions. Our professional, all-volunteer military is the pride and joy of this nation, and it must remain so. Kudos to Clinton, even though I'm an Obama supporter.

Maybe she needs to look at her husband's administration, those two gutted the armed services, I know, I lived it.

Senator Hillary Clinton, great ! and you are very brave. It is great to do so at this critical time, you are standing out fighting for working class and main stream.

What a mess the current situation now ! You did right for us !

If we have a draft, people will start to care about these wars and NO politician wants that. So long as we have a volunteer military, we will have a complacent public. Don't bet on a draft, it's not going to happen no matter who is in office.

Fascinating that the vast majority of Clinton bashers are males! What a shock. Can't handle a strong female guys? SUCK IT UP!

Obama said in the debate last week that Canada had a President! And some of you think he can run a country??

This turns out to be a pretty emotional subject. As a fomer draftee in 1969, I can say that compulsory national service did give me an appreciation of serving this country and a healthy dose of discipline. As a consequence, I think all citizens (with exceptions for people with proven disabilities) should have to serve their country in some way after graduating from high school.

That being said, I would like to agree with Mike in Santa Fe who observed that Charlie Rangel has been calling for reinstituting the draft for a couple of years now and no one uttered a peep. This current debate is a lot of posturing by people who aim to use these comments by Lute for political advantage.

The fact is, our current military is stretched thin and is unable to respond in the event of a multi- faceted set of conflicts. Troop levels are at historic lows and we are have had problems reaching recruiting goals. Would a draft help in the manpower challenge? Yes. Would we have a better military? That would be a question better answered by someone from the military who knows the challenges of dealing with conscripts.

But, like the issue of abortion, there is no right or wrong answer, which many of you presume. We only have our beliefs and the law of the land to go by. So while I think national service would not be a bad thing, it is not the law and I respect that.

I agree that the Bush administration needs to clarify its position regarding a draft. I also think there should never again be a draft. In my view, there has been no justifiable war fought by the U.S. military since World War II. I trust neither the military nor our government at present, and would happily help anyone who comes to me avoid a draft, should it be reinstated.

What we all should be afraid of is if Hillary wins the election next year. She may win the nomination but I pray to God she can't win the Presidency. We're not that disparate draft or no draft.

It isn't nearly as disgusting as the fact that some of the frontrunners on both sides have made some of the stupidest statements ever.

But since when do we actually expect intelligence from our leadership when 75% of them don't see anything wrong with leaking classified information from programs related to the fight against Al'Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan

The draft is always on the table- just weighted down under a lot of more useful solutions. If Lute recommended a draft, Bush would still have to approve the request and CONGRESS would have to approve the re-institution of the draft. Yes – Hillary and co. would have their chance to block any re-institution of the draft.

As usual the media played up a common-sense worst-case-scenario answer from an effectively powerless appointee for headlines. Given that, I suppose Hillary's response was fairly restrained (a letter asking for clarification). It's still a political formality rather than a necessary step to protect us from a draft.

I wonder if the "illustrious" Senator Clinton remembers who stripped our military, closed our bases and basically "ripped" apart the fighting forces of this country apart. She's LONG on words, SHORT on memory.

CNN's coverage of Clinton vs. Obama is simply disgusting.

CNN is willing to highlight and announce every minor policy action Clinton is involved with, while Obama can only get coverage from character questions ("Is Obama Black Enough?").

Can we please get some serious coverage of the presidential candidates?

Draft dodgers shouldn't be allowed to reinstate the draft

It is important that all candidates ask the tough questions the American people want answers to.

The one clarification that I feel needs to be made is that this is not the Iraq War or the War in Iraq. It is the Bush War in Iraq and history and historians need to label it as that.

I hated Hilary before now .Considering the hate filled comments thrown at her for every thing she does or not do,i am very disgusted with the way she is being bashed for EVERY THING SHE SAYS or not say.This is unamerican.To hate is immoral.I repent.I am tired of the Hillary bashing.Be objective in your comments.She has every right to question if the draft will be re introduced or not.

Let me just add that my children, ages 12, 16 and 18 will not, I repeat, will not fight another mans war unless they want to do so by their own fortitude. My Uncle, in his late 50's now was in Vietnam due to the draft. He "had" to go. 3 weeks in and a sniper took out his eye. He came home, alive but blind. The day that they attacked Baghdad, we were all in the same room, watching.
The younger family members were all cheering as the sky lit up. None of them has ever been to war. My Uncle, on the other hand, left the room in tears.
I asked him later why it affected him so much. His reply, as he looked at me with a small patch on his right eye:
"It hurts me beyond words to know that we as a Nation still haven't learned. To see these kids sent into harms way for a political motive is a sad day for this Country." That from a man that "Walked The Walk", as another poster put it.

To Dan in Maryland -

Name me one person in this REPUBLICAN administration who has served during wartime. And don't give me the awol Mr. Bush from his stateside National Guard unit. If a draft is instituted, it's the chickenhawk republicans who will be heading for Canada.

I would love a draft. All these right wingers will now have a real chance to help the war, – Hapy N. Texas,

As of today, the military IS mostly from the right. Mainly because it takes strength and conviction to fulfill a military commitment. Something you armchair leftists do not understand. Preferring to attack our own. To the delight of their constituents and our enemies.

Hey Hapy, I would love a draft too.., love to see all those libs running to Canada..

If Democrats bring up the idea it is well received by the media.

If anyone else brings it up it is a terrible idea.

Personally as military member I would only say it has one possible side effect. That being that more liberals would die since the majority of the military leans to the right.

Hillary seems to be very good at writing letters. Why she gets credit for being a leader for doing so is beyond me. If she really wanted an answer quickly, why didn't she just e-mail the guy or pick up the phone?

Also, I'm afraid the letter may have been incorrectly addressed since it seems to have been received by CNN instead of the President. I hope they can forward it so Hillary isn't left waiting indefinitely for an answer.

A draft would be useless, my friends son who is a Marine is serving his second tour in Iraq and they can't send people out on patrol because of a lack of equipment. This administration is totally unprepared to lead our military why should we send them more kids? As a 63 year old I joined the Army when the rich kids were hiding in collage or the national guard.

I second Johan's comment to David, (who supports the draft). David, my son turns 18 in a few months, and I don't want to see him dead. I don't want him dead at all, let alone for something as useless as a war that means nothing and only exists because of our incredibly, obscenely, insanely stupid president and his idiotic supporters. Anyone who says they support a draft is saying that they support my child being killed for them–and I don't want my son being killed for you or for anyone else. I would give my life for my child, but you want him to go to Iraq to die for YOU? Or worse yet, to die for an ideal? To die for "our country"? For our country's "freedoms"? Guess what–because of the hyperparanoia of this ridiculous administration after 9/11, we have seen our freedoms slowly and steadily slip away, and it's not the fault of the Iraqis. It's the fault of our own leaders, who continually impose more and more restrictions on our freedoms. Our young men and women have more important things to do than go to Iraq and slaughter people in an unjust war. They need to stay home and get THIS country back on track!

And another thing–I raised my son to be a caring, kind person. I've always taught him that violence was wrong. Now there are people who want to turn him into a murderer? That's sick.

sure, bring back the draft! but this time they had better draft women as well. equal rights and all…

It is amazing to hear Mrs. Clinton critize this administration for not preparing the troops. It takes years if not decades to build a military. Perhaps Mrs. Clinton needs to be reminded that many in the military refer to her husband's 8 year term as the "Clinton Procurement Holiday". They clearly made a decision to underfund many things. Compare the 1991 Navy to the Navy in 2001. Lets see how long it takes her to put the draft back in. She who is the inevitable president.

There the politicians go, making noise about issues Americans aren't to concerned with. I'm 17, and aware of what a draft could mean, but if we focus on pulling out of Iraq, then we won't have to worry about a draft. Seems like a smokescreen due to her voting for Iraq.

I have served in OEF 02-03 … I think that Senator Clinton is correct. Please explain the comments of your administration official Mr President or is this answer protected under executive priveledge as well. We would like to know what your Ideas and intentions are for sure. If your guys are just blurting things out, then you should squash the rumors and muzzle the leakers.

. . and before I leave this, one of my friends who fought in Nam and has fairly conservative views thinks it's a mistake to teach military skills to draftees and other short-timers. Discipline, yes; hand-to-hand, no. If you aren't planning a career in the military you should peel spuds and dig ditches. Trained killers who go back home to be mechanics or fry cooks are ticking bombs. Military service is NOT for everyone; Michelle in Portland could probably tell you why.

I am confused, why do we try to give the perception that America is bringing back our troops or that we are cutting down on troop involvement. What is really happening in Iraq is we are replacing active duty soldiers with the nation’s national guards units through out the United States.

AS A 69 YEAR OLD, AND A VETERAN (I WAS IN WHEN WE HAD A DRAFT) I CAN NOT UNDER STAND SOME OF THE PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG. IF YOU PEOPLE ARE STILL SO GUNG HO. FOR THIS PERSON THAT THINKS HE IS A PRESIDENT WHY DON'T YOU GATHER AROUND HIM AN VOLENTEER TO HELP FIGHT HIS WAR.

When the Deputy National Security Advisor says "I think we need to certainly consider the draft" and that directly contradicts what his Commander in Chief has previously stated, it is CERTAINLY correct for a sitting U.S. Senator to ask for clarification on behalf of this nation's citizens. The appropriate question isn't "why did Hillary ask for clarification?" it's "why DIDN'T the other 99 Senators ask for clarification?" Once again Senator Clinton demonstrates that she has the strength and intelligence to take on complex and difficult situations.

Here's how it works, folks: in the old days, a local draft board passed on each person whose number came up. That way, the mayor's son didn't have to fight in VietNam, and those negro boys from the wrong side of town went even if they had polio. Since the Supreme Court did away with draft boards, there's no way to prevent Republican boys from being drafted along with liberals and minorities. When the draft board is reinstated, there will be a draft right away.

To Kevin, Orlando;
Are you dreaming? If so wake up.

Hmm.. this coming from the woman who staunchly supported the war in iraq until it became politcally dangerous to sustain? Hypocrite.

Pure politics in an election year: say it isn't so!

Let's wade through this rhetoric and trust that only that which is necessary will be done, shall we?

Aw, everyone knows Bush will start the draft the week he leaves office.

Personally I say re-instate the draft. Compulsary military service is common around the world (usually 2 years worth)

It would get some kids off the street and teach them values, discipline and other much needed life skills. Our country has gone to hell since the end of the draft… why? Think about it

I suggest that we use the NAtional Guard only in the USA. We should cut the pay of Bush, Cheney, the Senate and Congress and give the money to the men and women fighting this lost war in Iraq. Following the Clinton logic, it depends what you mean by the word "Draft" . She is a real fox in sheep skin. Watch out America!!

To respond to the ridiculous claim that republicans would never send their children to war…2 things.

1) Are you assuming that no soldier is a child of Republicans.

2) Name one solider in the US Navy, Army, Air Force, or National Guard that is not a volunteer. No one send their child off to war…so give that one a rest.

Go Red Sox.

Does that mean that Carl Rove would now be available to be drafted and put in harms way, or would he still claim executive privilege?

Don't worry about the draft being re-born as Bush and company will continue to provide fodder for the slaughter by reducing standards even futher for US military service.

Why don't some of you chicken hawks sign-up?????

FYI-You've probably heard the last from the military spokesman – he'll disappear like the rest of the military leaders who didn't follow the Bush manifesto.

Didnt Bill go to Canada to dodge the draft?

Dan in Maryland wrote: "A military draft would be terrible news for the Democratic party. All of their supporters would leave the United States for Canada."

Dan, I am an independent voter who tends to vote Democrat. At this point, I don't know who I am supporting for president. That said, I'm glad Hillary Clinton has asked for clarification.

I have an 11-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son, both of whom would be eligible for draft in a few short years.

The fact that the "D word" is being floated is, in my opinion, a way for the Bush administration to test the PR waters without taking direct responsibility for doing so. Frankly, it scares me very much, and I don't appreciate your glib approach to a serious issue.

However, lest you think all the Democratic supporters will turn tail and run to Canada, let me assure you. I for one would stand up, organize my community, and draw a mother's line in the sand against the draft.

Iraq: Not my war. Not my kids.

To Johan and Hapy, I'm a Republican and proud of it. And the military has BOTH of my sons. We're a proud ARMY family. We walk the walk and talk the talk. What about you??

The Rove Republican strategy might be to expand the War, increase the danger and threats to our country. Since the Republicans know they are likely to lose the coming election to Democrats, they can Leave the Democrats painted in a corner and thus the Democrats to be forced to impliment the Draft to save the broken military that Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, broke. And Halliburton get wealthier and weathier. The middle class gets poorer and deader.

(Let the lower income families fight the War under the banner of Patriotism but really to protect the wealth held by the Wealthy, Primarily Republican Controlled Corporations.)

the problem is that a draft will not send republicans off to fight – they'll just take their cue from Bush and dodge the draft, or pay off the republicans in power to keep them from being drafted.

Oh boy, there's only one thing more predictable than a Bush Basher, and that's a Clinton Basher at every move that she makes. If she didn't say anything, she'ld be lambasted for it. She says something aboud the "D" word, and she's criticized by you neo-cons. Stop the damned-if-you-do and damned-if-you don't rhetoric. She's raising a legit concern that many are thinking about in the back of their heads as we head into year 7 of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, with Iran obviously in the works and God knows who else Bush wants attack before he leaves.

I would love a draft. All these right wingers will now have a real chance to help the war, send their kids. I believe this time we should draft the richest first since they receive more from the USA

To David, the gentleman who made the comment supporting the draft:

Go fight the war yourself if you support it so much. What are you doing at home, surfing the internet when you should be fighting? Some patriot you are.

I would suggest that we pay these brave men and women in the military more money when they are deployed and make sure that their families are taken care of emotionally and financially. The top military at this point is against the draft because of the cost and time to train recruits that will not make a career out of the military and will leave immediately when their years are over.

Senator Clinton, as well as anyone in the Bush Administration, knows very well that a bulk of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan is done by mercenaries. Clinton knows that no draft is impending because the government is not stupid enough to take such action when they don't need to. This is a political game by Clinton who already knows about the heavy presence of mercenary fighters and has supported this war from day 1 but who is now attempting to shift her stance.

So, let me get this straight. While generally opposed to the draft, Bush would use it if he felt it was necessary. And this needed more clarification from Hillary, presumably attempting to associate the words "draft" and "republican". Sounds good to me.

I support a draft. If we had one, we would be out of Iraq within 20 weeks, which would coincide with the completion of basic training and AIT.

"The United States ended the draft in 1973."

Thanks to a five month filibuster by one man: Mike Gravel.

Want to see the Iraq war end in one gbig hurrt? Just reinstate the draft. When the Govt starts sending the unwilling in harms way to advance God knows what agenda,, the outcry will be deafening. Also, women would now be elligible for the draft. Equality and all that, you know.

Ms. Clinton voiced no such opposition when Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) made such a proposal.

Can you say "politics-driven-double-standard"? I bet you can!

Please note that Senator Clinton addressed the letter on Monday the 13th, while General Lute's clear comments were made on Friday the 10th.

I dont want any arguments to my statement about Senator Clinton not understanding the Generals comments.

If one looks deeper, they find that the General said nothing about the policy changing, only stating the fact that it IS an option, since we've had the Selective Service Registration in place since 1980. Is it worth considering? Tell me, at this juncture what isn't? Because someone states that something can be considered does not constitute that it is the direction you want to head. That's the problem with so many lawyers in government, it all becomes a matter of semantics and needing to find out what the meaning of is is.

If she were truly the intellectual that many here claim her to be, she wouldn't bother requesting clarifications to simply gain political points when further reading would make the clarification for her.

She probably had a staffer write the letter, and then concurred with their draft. This endeavor was a waste or her time, the staffer's time and our tax dollars. Quite frankly, as a tax-payer, I'm not satisfied.

Good day,

Chip

Too little too late Hillary. You staunchly supported Bush's war until very recently. Now you're trying to appear as if you care. Bogus.

Sen. Clinton knows that there will not be a draft. The current President is basically a sitting duck, and no one would allow him to send more troops into harms way, so the idea of having a draft should not even be discussed. In fact, they need to start planning what to do with all the soldiers who come back from Iraq, and make sure they have the tools (medical care, psychiatric therapy, career coaching) they need to re-assimilate into civilian life.

Sen. Clinton is trying to jump into the spotlight once again by asking for explanations. Just like she did a couple of weeks ago when she requested a copy of the Iraq "exit strategy" from the Pentagon. Don't you have enough media coverage??

What does she need clarification on this issue? General Lute very clearly said that the option is there, but that the President does NOT think it is necessary. That seems pretty clear to me, but then again I am not the typical kool-aid drinking Democrat/Republican, I have the ability to think for myself. To say that the option of a draft should "always be on the table" seems logical. Without our volunteer armed forces, a draft would be the only way to fill the ranks needed to defend our great country. General Lute never said that the draft was going to be re-instated, only that is an option that we should keep open. To close off all options means to close off all chances of bringing home the troops safely.

Is this one of the issues/stances that Senator Clinton would deem "naive" if taken by another candidate? As the President of the United States, difficult choices will have to be made. Senator Clinton does not seem willing to make said choices, rather she will take the popular stance. The United States needs a leader with guts.

A military draft would be terrible news for the Democratic party.

All of their supporters would leave the United States for Canada.

"The United States ended the draft in 1973."

Thanks to a five month filibuster by one man: Mike Gravel.

President Bush could not be clearer in his STATED opposition to the draft being re-enacted.

Nice try Shrillary.

The real question is this: If Bush instituted a draft today, and Clinton won the Presidency, would she rescind the draft? I'm not so sure that she would, and I would love to hear her answer that question.

Ms Rodham Clinton's concern and request for clarification on a presidential stance is itself presidential in nature.

More political grand-standing by Hillary Clinton. If anything – she would LOVE President Bush to reinstate the draft and stir up a political hornets nest.

Any time Hillary "writes a letter" and it gets published by the mainstream media – she is using free publicity and creating a stunt to appear as though she is fighting this administration.

Do we REALLY want this type of politics?

I at least respect Obama for being authentic!!

I guess she missed that part about them meeting their recuitment goals this month..