What part of volunteer doesn’t he understand?
(Floor Action) — Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) on Wednesday morning renewed his call for a mandatory military draft to ensure that the demands of the U.S. armed forces are not met only by lower-income Americans who are more likely to join the military to earn a paycheck.
Rangel spoke on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and after Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) lauded the actions of U.S. troops in Afghanistan who are working to protect Afghans from terrorist elements within that country. Rangel said he was moved by Kinzinger’s remarks, but said the burden that the U.S. military bears must be borne by all.
“If America is going to take this position, all Americans should be prepared to make the sacrifices as the gentleman before me has,” Rangel said after Kinzinger spoke. “It’s abundantly clear that everybody does not assume the same sacrifices, whether we’re talking about taxes or loss of life.
“I submit that we have to have a draft. . . not a plea for those people who for economic reasons have to protect themselves,” Rangel added.