Congressman Rangel Pushes for Military Draft Vote Ahead of Syria Action

Just in case you were wondering who some members of Congress expect will be fighting the next war alongside Al Qaeda in Syria, we have your answer.

According to Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) he’s ready to send all of America’s children into harm’s way through a forced military draft, much like we had during Vietnam.

“I truly believe we should have a national draft act before the Congress acts,” Rangel said on “Weekends with Alex Witt” on MSNBC.

“We must question why and how we go to war, and who decides to send our men and women into harm’s way,” the 22–term representative and decorated Korean War veteran said earlier this year.

Rangel told Witt that military recruiting currently focuses on the unemployed and low-income Americans .

“There is no question in my mind that time and time again presidents of the United States introduce our young men and women into harm’s way, and members supporting it, knowing that their families, their loved ones would not be placed in this. And if you take a look at the background as to where they are recruiting, they’re not in the Hamptons, they’re not at the wealthy areas, they go where unemployment is high …”

When asked Sunday how he would vote on a strike against Syria if a vote were taken today, Rangel did not mince words. “There’s no question in my mind I would vote ‘no,’ because so far there’s been no evidence that what’s happening in Libya (sic) is a threat to our national security.”

Via All Voices

The Congressman served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.