RE: [Marxism] I feel a draft coming (was Re: CNN poll...)

["Mark Lause" <MLause@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jose, I wrote that, "Talk of conscription comes from idiot reactionaries
consulting other idiot reactionaries."  You wrote that "There is
increasing buzz in ruling class circles about reinstating the draft."  I
don't think these are contradictory positions.  

I used to think that this might be so.  I couldn't imagine their doing
things so self-destructive that even those of us outside of government
could see it clearly.  Not really any longer.  Especially this
administration tends to formulate policies by only talking to those who
agree with them, which renders them incapable of assessing the serious
ramifications of what they're considering.  (The invasions of
Afghanistan and of Iraq are both cases in point.)

My students are in a remarkably conservative university in a remarkably
conservative area.  However, they are never as naïve about the current
venture as were many who joined the movement around Vietnam (this isn't
seen as a "mistake" but as a naked imperialist grab for oil).  And these
kids did not grow up knowing the draft might be waiting for them.
Reenstating the draft will push many of them into active opposition, and
it likely get many of the Vietnam generation who now have family members
at risk to act as well.  

This should be interesting...

Solidarity!
Mark L





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