- Archives

Draft talk creates political shivers:
The Charles Rangel-John Conyers bill would require everyone between the ages of 18 and 26 to serve in the military or in an alternate civilian post, such as the Coast Guard, for two years. A version of the bill has been introduced in both the House and Senate. It is pending in committee. Under the bill, the White House would determine how to select draftees, but there would be no deferments for those in college or with families. The only deferments would be awarded due to disability or for those completing a high school education. The idea behind the Rangel-Conyers bill has gotten some traction in Washington, especially among African-American members of Congress who feel that the weight of military service falls disproportionately on minority communities. [more]

African Americans make up 28.9 percent of the Army's ranks, while they represent 12.7 percent of the U.S. population, according to Army data. There are fewer Hispanics in the Army (9.7 percent) than in the general population (13.4 percent). [more]