Two things:

1. Reading Clausewitz is a lot like reading the bible. You have to put him in historical context or you are likely to make fundamentally incorrect conclusions. You must always temper the Prussian's thoughts with the fact that he lived in nineteenth century Europe. He is not always relevant to modern society or the contemporary battlefield.

2. Rangel keeps missing the point. Drafting societies "elites" has never stopped policymakers from making the decision to use force; his premise is just wrong.





Quote Originally Posted by selil View Post
Rep Rangel has been pushing this type of legislation since at least 2001. Everytime the republicans want to make the democrats look bad they dredge up his legislation amending and instituting the draft. It's a basic FUD tactic. His original statements make sense in context. As in other discussions the US military is primarily made up of rural youth who are fairly well educated and hopelessly middle class. Senator Rangel wants to force the the service of the elite and urban along with the middle class. Having read some more Clausewitz I have to agree. When the military is an elite class under represented in the populace governance by the populace is impossible and freedom hinges on the doldrums of disinterest. I know the military does not necesarily desire nor wish a draft. Yet the military is foreign policy in action and those who understand it can make learned decisions.