I just called Kerry's office and they said ( please read)

[Mari333]

I spoke with a military affairs person..evidently they take us pretty seriously when we have a loved one in Iraq. So I was put in touch with one of the guys who runs the task force.
Heres what I told him: Basically, is Kerry aware of PNAC, or www.newamericancentury.org and their agenda?
Yes.
Is he aware of Fritz Hollings draft bill that is set to go in 8-10 months if Bush gets back in?
Yes.
Is he aware that the draft will be implemented if Bush gets back in and is he going to use that as a campaign issue at all?
We are aware of that, very aware of it. And he will be giving a number of speeches and press releases on these issues.
Would you make sure Mr Kerry realizes the US public needs to be told about PNAC and their plans, including the draft they will implement, in light of the recent testimony of Richard Clarke and his statements about Iraq being a distraction from real terrorism?
Mr Kerry is aware of that.
Would Mr Kerry use that as information to get out to the US public about the PNAC wars and their agenda, and use that to go after Bush now that Clarkes testimony has gotten out to the public?
Mr Kerry has that and many other issues on the table to raise.
Are you just letting Bush hang himself with his own gaffes right now?
Hes doing a pretty good job of it.
I also made them aware of my own problems with speaking out against the war and etc. as a military parent.
Keep pushing the Kerry campaign to demand they connect the dots to PNAC and the Draft. Tell them we want them to get this never ending war scenario about PNAC to reach US ears every day.
Please.
Kerrys Number
1-202-712 3000 in DC
here are other contacts to Kerry
http://www.johnkerry.com/contact/

[stopthegop]

1. so is Holliings (D) part of PNAC?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

6. Hollings is evil.

Google Hollings CBDTPA

[truthspeaker]

2. "He's doing a pretty good job of it" - pretty funny

Good for you for calling, Mari. I'm glad they seemed to be listening to you.

[Mari333]

7. sometimes, when I call congresspeople

I usually get some kid on the phone, who is about 12 and I keep waiting for them to say
"you want fries with that comment?"
It is a blessing if I get someone over 30 to speak with.

[Fridays Child]

3. Good job!

I'll call, too.

[Az]

4. Did they have any comments

about your situation.

[Mari333]

8. I made them aware of it.

I also made them aware of www.mfso.org and to contact them concerning all of the military families who are suffering from the same thing.
I hope they do.

[Caution]

5. Oh boy do I hope he starts talking about the potential draft!

I mentioned this to some wingnut relative and he got very pissed at me saying there was no chance that him or his brother would get drafted (they are both under 30). Basically thought the very idea was preposterous.

[Mari333]

9. There will be a draft if Bush gets back in no doubt about it

someone post the Hollings bill on here...anyone? Im going to go look for it. BUSH=PNAC=DRAFT 2004

[tandot]

14. link to Universal National Service Act of 2003

These are two links I find regarding the bill


http://hollings.senate.gov/~hollings/press/2003108C06.html


http://www.theorator.com/bills108/hr163.html

[Mari333]

thanks. and connecting this to PNAC is imperative, so contact Kerry

and let them know they need to get this out to the public. My one voice doesnt mean squat to them.
PS..email from stepson..things heating up with anger in Iraq towards troops. he is feeling it.
bad juju feeling i get in that email.
so contact Kerry. please.

[Mari333]

11. The thing is, they need pressure from us, the public

to do it...just my call or emails wont work. Many more people have to contact them besides me.
please call or email them and tell them to use this as a campaign issue. Remember, they are inside the Beltway, so they might as well be on the moon.
Wake them up.

[BabsSong]

10. that's some of the best news I've had over the last few days

dear heaven I do hope they are going to do what they say because (and I just posted my anxiety about two seconds before seeing this post)I was getting real concerned that we were going to just blather about jobs, etc. and not take on the stuff that will blow Bush out of the water. They have to go at him with this. They have to make people scared the draft is ready to go---plant the seed---let's see how many moms and pops (repuke type) who have kids this age are going to take the chance. That right there could be the end of Bush. Thank you for calling.

[Mari333]

12. YOU call..just my phone call doesnt mean squat, or email

Im serious...just because they answered some things doesnt mean they will do them. They need to hear this from literally TONS of people TONS of us need to speak out about this PNAC=Draft issue..and expose PNAC to the public.
email them, call them.
save the country.
save your kids.
save my kid.

[leftyandproud]

13. PNAC is THREE GUYS sitting in a room...

no shit...That's all it is...but they have devastating amounts of influence.

[Mari333]

16. shit. I should have mentioned Lt Col Karen Kwiatowski and

her testimonies about the Office of Special Plans.
dammit..if any of you call, tell them about her, please.
Thanks. or email them about her.
Isnt it AMAZING WE HAVE TO DO THE WORK THE ACTUAL JOURNALISTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING????
get a hold of Kerrys office..make waves , I beg you.

[Stephanie]

18. Not true. The paid staff may be three guys, if you believe David Brooks

but look at the signatories to the documents. They include Dick Cheney, D. Rumsfeld, P. Wolfowitz, Jeb Bush, etc. This admin and PNAC are one and the same.

[Vadem]

41. Also John Lehman, a Pub 9/11 Commissioner, signed that

letter; Bill Schneider, the "objective" political analyst of CNN is a signatory to it, as well.

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. Good going, Mari :)

[Mari333]

17. YOU contact them please!! everyone contact them

Im only one voice...we need more then one voice.
Mari333
please.

[AP]

19. Connecting PNAC to the draft is important.

The draft, in and of itself, I think is a good thing. I think it's right that all Americans feel they have a stake in American foreign policy. I think we elect horrid leaders when we think its just a bunch of volunteers doing the fighting for us.

But what I think really sucks is having compulsory service in the name of a cause you have no say in -- ie, when there's no real democracy.

If I believed my leaders had the same values I had, I wouldn't mind being drafted to defend those values. But they don't have the same values. They want to concentrate a lot of wealth in the hands of a very few, they're willing to achieve that through the deaths of poor and working class Americans, and the deaths of poor citizens of governments all over the globe.

The draft isn't the issue. Getting drafted to further American fascism is the real problem. That's why it's important to frame the draft in the way you have -- connecting it to fascism.

[Stephanie]

26. Yes, you're so right

A draft to service their planned 50 year aggressive war in pursuit of American hegemony and seizure of world resources is outrageously un-American.

[Stephanie]

20. Here is the PNAC library if anyone needs info

PNAC Links Archive

In the Bush/Conservatives folder here at DU.

[nickinSTL]

23. Draft for women

Has anyone noticed that this bill would also amend the draft to include women?

SEC. 10. REGISTRATION OF FEMALES UNDER THE MILITARY SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT.

(a) REGISTRATION REQUIRED- Section 3(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 453(a)) is amended--

(1) by striking `male' both places it appears;

(2) by inserting `or herself' after `himself'; and

(3) by striking `he' and inserting `the person'.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 16(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 466(a)) is amended by striking `men' and inserting `persons'.

[Terran]

21. Kerry must put Bush on the spot about the draft

They're trying to sneak it in under the radar. If the public had any idea that was happening, Bush's popularity will plummet even further.

[Mari333]

22. call or email Kerrys office please and put the bug in their ear

it needs to get out there.
thanks.

[Blasphemer]

24. Debate issue...

I think he should bring it up during the Presidential debate (and I am sure there will only be one). He should promise that there will be no draft if he is elected and press Bush to guarantee the same. * will stumble and bumble and then he'll be toast.

[grannylib]

25. Good job, Mari...the PNAC being exposed is so critical...

will get right on it!

[never cry wolf]

27. Done, here's my letter

Thanks for posting Mari, I pray for you and Michael!

To whom it may concern,

First, let me offer you my sincere encouragement, this is by far the most important election in my 49 years on this planet, GO GET EM!!

Second, I am sure that you people are well aware of the PNAC, their policy paper on rebuilding America's defense and the Office of Special Plans, the marketing arm used to provide spin for the war. I just want to encourage John and his campaign to bring these, amongst the scads of other issues to the fore. I try to tell people of these organizations and they think I am a crazy conspiracy theorist.

Just imagine if the general public's knowledge of the PNAC plan were heightened to include their plans for empire/pax americana, how they bemoaned that the build up of the military would doubtlessly take a long time "save for a pearl harbor type event." Well, they got their goddamned pearl harbor and have exploited it shamelessly. Let the public know, tell the public about the possibilities for an upcoming draft shoud bush get elected (can't say re-elected), let them know the draft will likely include women and that deferments will be next to non-existant and Canada is out of the question.

I have an 18 year old son and a 14 year old daughter. I DO NOT want "total war" or ANY war for that matter. Please let the sheeple in this country know that Iraq was in the PNAC gun sights since before the last election. Open some eyes, let the truth be told.

Thanks for your time in reading this and best of luck!

[Raenelle]

28. Mari333, I understand your urgency, but here's why I'm not calling

There's a difference between goals and strategy. I trust Kerry on his values, his goals, where he wants to take the country, his vision, his character, his competence, his courage, and his fighting spirit.

The rest is strategy--how do you get the arrogant flatulent pussbag regime out of office? The Kerry people seem to do be doing a pretty good job so far. (I actually read somewhere about a month ago that Kerry had former Bush officials who were going to be coming out periodically blasting Bush--we just saw the first). I don't want Kerry worrying about his left flank, spending his time dealing with people trying to push him to be ideologically correct at the expense of politically smart. His campaign says he knows about PNAC--I say let the pros (decidedly not me) decide when it is strategically appropriate to raise that.

What I like about Kerry is that I believe him when he says he still knows how to fight for his country. I really, really trust this guy. And I know I don't have nearly as much at stake as you do, I know that it's easier for me to give my trust away like this, but . . . well, I just don't have the smarts about strategy that others do, so I have to trust them, and for once in my life, for absolute sure, 100%, I would rather win this election than win the debate; rather be in power than be right. Job #1--get rid of the pussbag and his ilk.

[DennisReveni]

34. Mari333

"I trust Kerry on his values, his goals, where he wants to take the country, his vision, his character, his competence, his courage, and his fighting spirit."

After reading the articles I posted, do you still feel that way?
This is not the time for political blindness. The actions of our politicians affect us all.
So far Kerry has NOT proven himself an honest broker on IWR. He either voted for the war so he could stand by Bush, making an act of political convenience. Or as he said he was lied to. making him stupid and not worthy of the office he holds.
In light of the fact that the majority of Democrats voted AGAINST IWR. That puts Kerry at odds with his own party.
His actions also seem unconstitutional. And for a Senator that is really telling.

[Raenelle]

36. I didn't say he's perfect, but the alternative is?

Well, we know the answer. He could be a flatulent pussbag himself, but that's still better than an ignorant flatulent pussbug, no?

Here's my point--I do not want Kerry to have to deal with sniper fire from his left flank. I want ALL his energies concentrated on the worst foe of my lifetime, aWol McDrinksalot.

And what I trust most about Kerry is his ability to stand up and fight under enemy fire--already demonstrated and officially recognized.

[donsu]

29. kick

nt

[DennisReveni]

30. Clearing up misconceptions about Kerry

http://antiwar.com/orig/pilger.php?articleid=2089
" 2004: Choose Your Favorite Pro-War Candidate
by John Pilger

A myth equal to the fable of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction is gaining strength on both sides of the Atlantic. It is that John Kerry offers a world-view different from that of George W Bush. Watch this big lie grow as Kerry is crowned the Democratic candidate and the "anyone but Bush" movement becomes a liberal cause celebre.

While the rise to power of the Bush gang, the neoconservatives, belatedly preoccupied the American media, the message of their equivalents in the Democratic Party has been of little interest. Yet the similarities are compelling. Shortly before Bush's "election" in 2000, the Project for the New American Century, the neoconservative pressure group, published an ideological blueprint for "maintaining global US preeminence, precluding the rise of a great power rival, and shaping the international security order in line with American principles and interests." Every one of its recommendations for aggression and conquest was adopted by the administration.

One year later, the Progressive Policy Institute, an arm of the Democratic Leadership Council, published a 19-page manifesto for the "New Democrats," who include all the principal Democratic Party candidates, and especially John Kerry. This called for "the bold exercise of American power" at the heart of "a new Democratic strategy, grounded in the party's tradition of muscular internationalism." Such a strategy would "keep Americans safer than the Republicans' go-it-alone policy, which has alienated our natural allies and overstretched our resources. We aim to rebuild the moral foundation of US global leadership . . ."

What is the difference from the vainglorious claptrap of Bush? Apart from euphemisms, there is none. All the leading Democratic presidential candidates supported the invasion of Iraq, bar one: Howard Dean. Kerry not only voted for the invasion, but expressed his disappointment that it had not gone according to plan. He told Rolling Stone magazine: "Did I expect George Bush to f*** it up as badly as he did? I don't think anybody did." Neither Kerry nor any of the other candidates has called for an end to the bloody and illegal occupation; on the contrary, all of them have demanded more troops for Iraq. Kerry has called for another "40,000 active service troops." He has supported Bush's continuing bloody assault on Afghanistan, and the administration's plans to "return Latin America to American leadership" by subverting democracy in Venezuela.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

[RandomKoolzip]

31. When you quote an article, use four paragraphs or less

as per the rules.

[DennisReveni]

32. Will you then read it?

RandomKoolzip

Gee thanks. But if people are not going to go to the article and read the whole thing, then what is the point?
By the way what was your opinion on the articles themselves?
Or maybe you just want to nit pick about a post, instead about the significant points brought up by REAL liberal writers?
This is why Democrats have been on the losing side of every issue since 2000. You refuse to face the reality of your politicians.
And it winds up hurting everyone.
So please at least have the courtesy and common sense to comment on the MESSAGES of the articles, while notifying someone about the rules.
Otherwise that is merely anal avoidance. Or Democratic hiding ones head in the sand.

[RandomKoolzip]

33. I don't need to step in dogshit to know it's dogshit.

And frankly, what this has to do with Mari's story is beyond me.

[Name removed]

35. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RandomKoolzip]

38. I've been reading pilger and tompaine since spring of last year.

I always try to keep an open mind about this stuff. But since Kerry won the primaries, I've had to hear so many whines about how Kerry and Bush are "the same" and that ABBers want to "force everyone to march in lockstep" that I'm quite tired of it.

Yes, I'm holding my nose and voting for Kerry. He's not the perfect candidate. He's Chomsky's "slightly better" guy, and for that I will vote. I mean, what would this article convince me of? That I should vote for Bush instead cuz you shouldn't cahnge horses in mid-stream? That I should waste my vote on some third party huckster?

I just don't need to see another "Kerry is the anti-Christ" post, that's all. And from the opening paragraph on, that's what that article was about.

[Moderator]

39. DennisReveni

"Per DU copyright rules
please post only four
paragraphs from the news
source.

Thank you
DU Moderator"

[DennisReveni]

37. Check these out.

http://www.rense.com/general50/blls.htm
Two Bills Now Pending To
Bring Back The Draft
3-26-4


H. R. 163

To provide for the common defense by requiring that all young persons in the United States, including women, perform a period of military service or a period of civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, and for other purposes.

Search Bill Number 'HR163' at
http://thomas.loc.gov


S. 89

To provide for the common defense by requiring that all young persons in the United States, including women, perform a period of military service or a period of civilian service in furtherance of the national defense and homeland security, and for other purposes.

Search Bill Number 'S89' at
http://thomas.loc.gov

[Raenelle]

40. Dennis, one of the things I learned during the 60s

was to beware of people too far to the left. Not that that position was not the best, or the most appropriate, or the most logical, or the right answer. BUT, one of the things they did to us back then was to infiltrate our groups, take way-left leaning positions--to push us so far that we would sound nuts and discredit ourselves to those in the mainstream. We have to distinguish between getting hung up on calculating exactly just how many angels really do dance on pinheads and the practical, the guy that the liberal half of the country can live with. As Clinton used to say, we can't let the best become the enemy of the good, especially, and this is always the case with politics, when the best is impossible.

I know your intentions are honorable, so please just consider this and please don't think I'm referring to you here--just giving you something to consider. If I were a right-wing agent, I would not come on this board spouting right-wing arguments; I would come on as a friend and try to create dissension, try to get us fighting each other. The reason Dems have a better chance this year than they've had in a long time is that we are united, is that Kerry doesn't need to take all these extreme positions just in order to shore up his base before he can even begin to refute Bush. We have to stick together, and while Kerry may not be perfect, Kerry-bashing (especially now that he is our candidate) just weakens us.