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Military Draft: A Sleeping Giant Stirs
Center on Conscience & War - Washington, DC
February 10, 2004

Questions have come up: Is the administration preparing for the return of the draft? What is the word from Congress?

Bush continues to promote his doctrine of preemptive strike on any "rogue" nation and the Cheney/Wolfowitz list of countries to overthrow. Currently troop morale is very low. Many service members are saying that they will not reenlist. The military is already stretched thin across the globe. If the administration is to mount any additional military campaigns, the numbers simply aren't there to carry out the job.

The official word on Capitol Hill is that there is no way a draft would be approved. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) is working behind scenes with Republican members to push his draft bill, which he claims would make the Armed Services more equitable. Other sources have informed us of a rumor that the administration is talking with Republican members of Congress on the possibility of a draft. This is a sign that the draft may be reinstated.

If not now, the draft may be real in a little more than a year.

We must work to oppose the draft.

The Center is holding a lobby day on May 14th, 2004 in conjunction with the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, Veterans for Peace, and Mennonite Central Committee-Washington Office. We will continue in our effort to educate Congress and their staff about conscientious objectors. Most young congressional staffers are not knowledgeable about conscientious objectors since there has not been a draft in their lifetime. This will give us an opening to talk about how a draft is always a bad idea and how the draft can never bring equity to the Armed Services (Look at past Talking Points http://www.nisbco.org/talking_points.htm).

Mark the 14th of May on your calendar. It is important that members of Congress hear from their constituents to know that a draft is never a viable option.

Come to Washington to lobby Congress in an effort to stop the draft.

Even if it is not possible for you to be in Washington in May, please meet with the local office of your Representative. Contact us if you need help in setting up an appointment or for more information.

Let's sing the giant back to sleep

For information contact us at 1-800-379-2679 or tsitther@nisbco.org
www.nisbco.org