text: why reinstate the draft? i think it contradicts "freedom of speech".  this "rangel" guy just wants to do this to prove a political point.  it wouldn't accomplish anything.  back in the 1930's (or around that time) when they did the drafts, people's mentality was different.  but take a brother out of the hood and tell him he has to go to iran today?  he will not cooperate, nor give his best.  they don't stay in as long and they aren't as committed when drafted.  huh, wonder why?  any thoughts? there is only one reason to reintroduce "the draft" in the usofa.  when the number of volunteers joining the military do not make up for the numbers leaving the military for what ever reasons; and the military are not able to fulfill the missions that the president of the usofa gives them, either in his capacity as commander in chief, or to fulfill the obligations required by treaty and law.  sadly even with all the technological advances and advantages that the usofa has over it's enemies, land must be occupied for law and order to prevail on that land, it must be maintained by having people on the ground.  so, if "the draft" must be reintroduced, it must be because there are not enough people in the military to do the work it needs to do. the national guard and the reserves are being heavily relied on to do the work which should be done by active military units.  since george bush sr, the active american military units have been reduced under successive administrations.  a couple years before 911, a report by the pentagon and endorsed by the cia, suggested that there was not enough personnel in the military to do their current tasks, but this was ignored by "w" as many other reports, such as the one that said that iraq and iran do not have wm-d's.  if "the draft" must be reintroduced, it will ultimately be determined by the "will of the people", by who they elect and put into government.  in other words, you get what you ask for.