My Half-Baked Idea That Has Little Merit

[Verto]

So I was thinking about Iraq, the military, the decision to send the military to Iraq, and apathy in our society.

We have the people who supported the war gung-ho, the overwhelming majority of whom did not enlist and who have done little to provide material support for the military other than buying some stupid flag or ribbon magnet from Wal-Mart and slapping it on their SUV.

We have the people who protested the war gung-ho, the overwhelming majority of whom have not done anything other than whine about it on their blog, this forum or into their pillow. How many of us against the war have devoted our resources or time to join those protests carried out in D.C, etc?

Anyway, that was what prompted me to think of this half-baked idea that will be promptly shot down as being a half-baked idea.

First of all, it would require that we get rid of the ability to send troops to invade other countries or fight in open war, without having to declare war. I recognize the need to respond quickly, so yes the President would be able to send troops in without Congressional approval, etc. However, after XX amount of days, Congress would be required to vote for or against a declaration of war; if it passes, the troops remain; if it doesn't, the troops come home.

A second part of this would be that if a declaration of war was made, all able-bodied males of the appropriate age would be required to enlist with local military offices for possible deployment, undergoing training and testing similar to the Reserves(or NG, whichever takes place on the weekends every so often) on a staggered basis.

And maybe for good measure, a temporary hike in gas taxes by 25-30c or so for the duration of the war.

[DaShi]

That half-baked idea will never work!

[Lorizael]

It also has little merit.

[DanS]

We have the people who supported the war gung-ho, the overwhelming majority of whom did not enlist and who have done little to provide material support for the military other than buying some stupid flag or ribbon magnet from Wal-Mart and slapping it on their SUV.

AO. OA. I've spent thousands in my federal income tax dollars on the Iraq War. I'm sure the "overwhelming majority" did indeed provide similar material support. Some more than others, as their means dictated.

[Verto]

Originally posted by DanS


AO. OA. I've spent thousands in my federal income tax dollars on the Iraq War. I'm sure the "overwhelming majority" did indeed provide similar material support. Some more than others, as their means dictated.

OK, let me rephrase: above and beyond the amount the government takes from you, the amount you have no choice about. Now, if you contributed beyond that, more power to you.

[Lorizael]

I went to one of the protests in DC but I became disgusted with the majority of the people there. I didn't want to be associated with them. I was against the war, and they were screaming about racism and evolution.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by DanS
AO. OA. I've spent thousands in my federal income tax dollars on the Iraq War. I'm sure the "overwhelming majority" did indeed provide similar material support. Some more than others, as their means dictated.

Being compelled to do that is hardly heroic of you.

We have the people who protested the war gung-ho, the overwhelming majority of whom have not done anything other than whine about it on their blog, this forum or into their pillow. How many of us against the war have devoted our resources or time to join those protests carried out in D.C, etc?

I don't see why protesting in DC. is required, especially since the current CW is that the antiwar protests did little good, and may have even helped the pro-war cause.

[DanS]

Being compelled to do that is hardly heroic of you.

Who was talking about heroism?

Verto's point was that these people don't really provide any support for the war. And my point is that most of them do provide support.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by DanS
Who was talking about heroism?

Verto's point was that these people don't really provide any support for the war. And my point is that most of them do provide support.

No, as Verto explained, his point was that they hadn't gone to any special lengths to support the war. My taxes also supported the war, and I didn't. There's no choice involved there.

Actually, since the GOP (and you, IRCC) also supported the huge tax cuts, so you actually reduced the effective amount you were contributing. Most of the support for the war is coming from debt, not taxpayers.

That's a great combo--declare a war you don't want to fight, and slash the amount you actually have to pay for it.

[DanS]

I don't get it. Somehow you're trying to minimize the thousands of dollars that I and tens of millions of others have contributed to the war effort.

Screw that!

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by DanS
I don't get it. Somehow you're trying to minimize the thousands of dollars that I and tens of millions of others have contributed to the war effort.

Screw that!

Yeah, because you didn't have a choice in it. Have you been contributing anything above your taxes (which you yourself voted in favor of slashing, ergo actually diminishing your commitment)? Why not support a tax increase to pay for it, instead of foisting payment onto future generations in the form of debt?

Where's the sacrifice in waging a war and refusing to pay for it?

The contribution of the 101st Fighting Keyboardists isn't impressive in the slightest, no.

[Whoha]

Originally posted by Lorizael
It also has little merit.

and lastly, its an idea.

[Imran Siddiqui]

A second part of this would be that if a declaration of war was made, all able-bodied males of the appropriate age would be required to enlist with local military offices for possible deployment, undergoing training and testing similar to the Reserves(or NG, whichever takes place on the weekends every so often) on a staggered basis.

Little merit.

[DanS]

Have you been contributing anything above your taxes

I never knew that traditionally we supported the army in the USA by giving above and beyond taxes. Is there something you're thinking of specifically? Do you propose that we start rationing or growing war gardens?

[Boris Godunov]

How about not voting for huge tax cuts, to start?