Ok - I have no business blogging before work, but I have to get news out! Otherwise I'd have to be getting dressed, tending to kids, and facing work, all too much today.
I'm still looking for my tribe every weekend, and my sweaters. It's starting to get cool, which is my favorite favorite time of year. Leaves have been turning and dropping for weeks, (cold snap up here fooled all the trees;). Still, I'm ready for the change of seasons, for football games and long brisk walks.
I'm still riding my road bike but not near as much as I wanted to be. For those of you who know I was going to ride in the MS150 (link) here, know that I couldn't make it happen this year, and I'm ok with that. Just too much going on.
(Aside: P is singing loudly in the bathroom - lovely Jewish songs - I think he's imitating the cantor! Now it's gone from choir-like voice to raspy muppet voice. Hmmm wonder if he realizes he's the entertainment of the house some mornings?)
Later
The draft - big rumours that it will be reinstated if Bush stays in office. My take? We need to reinstate it.
No, I don't like war, and I hate killing. But I do love fairness. The fact is that the poorest, least educated people make up the majority of our armed forces, something Michael Moore pointed out eloquently in Farenheit 9/11. What justice is there in our President and Congress sending hundreds of thousands of kids and young adults in to fight his personal vendetta?
If we reinstated the draft, with absolutely no exemptions for college or social position or Daddy's money, then we'd have a fair chance at staying out of superfluous wars and engagements. Maybe we would be conservative on national security and in throwing our weight around the globe.
So yes, I support the draft. And the first ones to sign up better be Jenna and Barbara Bush.
Maybe then we'd find out who the real Patriots are: obviously not the politicians who lie about how we are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan, who feel they don't have to answer to the public who elected them, and who don't have any children serving in the armed forces. The real patriots are the men and women who serve our country by signing up and showing up.
Look at Israel, if you want further proof that a universal draft is good for defense. What clearer message can we send to the terrorist that we are serious about defending our shores and our allies (such as they are after this reckless Cowboy administration).
Here's more proof, by the way, that the rumours of a draft aren't just rumours, but is a huge hot potato!
Shalom,
v