The next time we decide to have a war:

[joemurphy]

1. We should automatically have a draft; and

2. We should automatically impose taxes to pay for it.

We might not go to war so readily under such circumstances.

[Inland]

1. "Who is this "we", kemo sabe?", as the punch line goes.

Fact is, it's Bush's war.

I understand the point: for the most part, we let Bush go to war because he was able to put th entire burden on the volunteer forces and future generations of taxpayers. But first, there has to be a requirement that a president need more to go to war than a determination to go to war.

[annabanana]

2. thenk yew!. . . . . . .n/t

[joemurphy]

8. I'd enjoy a referendum on the issue -

Maybe within 60 days of the commencement of any hostilities.

[YDogg]

11. My thought exactlty ...

... I didn't want the US to go to war against Iraq. But I also agree with others; there ought to be something more to it than what happened this time.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

3. can I maybe add some clarification to those points?

1. We should automatically have a draft of those who voted into power the war mongers; and

2. We should automatically impose taxes on the Military-Industrial Complex and other Corporations to pay for it.

[joemurphy]

6. I like your additions.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

13. thanks!

:hi:

[KerryOn]

4. I agree and Disagree....

Lets suppose that the draft would have been reinstated a few months after 9/11. We had the whole world on our side, and the American people were united together. I would have supported a draft at that time.

So Bush still would have went to Iraq, and he would probably be in Iran and North Korea to. And this would not be good.

[joemurphy]

5. Maybe people would have paid more attention.

My point is that it's a little tougher politically to start, and continue, a war when the sacrifice affects everyone.

We have a professional military made up of volunteers. We're also fighting a war at a time when everyone (supposedly anyway -- mine wasn't much) has been given a tax break. So no one has an iron in the fire and no one is sacrificing much.

[KerryOn]

14. You have made some excellent points Joe...

I think you are correct. If there were a draft and taxes everyone would have paid more attention, but I think the out come would still be the same.

I still think the puppet under control Chaney would have been a lose cammon. Think about it... If he had the power of an endless army of our young men and women he would not stop until he ahd spread his so called democracy into every middle eastern country and every communist country of this world.

The voice of the people would be loud with out a doubt. But who could possibly stop the loss cannon from dreaming up excuses to attack these nations? How could we the people possibly stop him?

[joemurphy]

15. I harken back to Vietnam, I guess

The public clamor then eventually stopped it...but I agree with you on this much -- it took a long, long time to happen. Vietnam was a disaster. I think Iraq is too.

[wli]

7. don't forget

3. Actually declaring war instead of just attacking
4. Congressional approval
5. UN approval

[joemurphy]

9. Nice suggestions. I'm adding them to my list.

[tocqueville]

10. how about having a GOOD reason to fight it ?

like repelling an invader ?
like intervening to stop a genocide ?

then draft or taxes don't matter

according to your thinking the war can be decided on whatever reason but the brakes are draft and taxes...

makes no sense to me

[joemurphy]

12. OK I like it. I'm just being pragmatic

What about the Powell Doctrine too:

1. Use overwhelming force

2. Have a defined mission

3. Have a clear exit strategy

[Endangered Specie]

16. I have an idea...

Senators who vote yes for war get to sign up their kids.

[Pepperbelly]

17. I have a better idea ...

issue those same Senators, Congressmen and President rifles and let them lead the charge instead of cowering behind like the fragile cowards they are.