TIME FOR A DRAFT?

At a time when some lawmakers are urging the military to send more troops to Iraq, "I don't see how anyone can support the war and not support the draft," said Rangel. "I think to do so is hypocritical."

Those are the words of Representative Charles Rangel of New York Sunday morning while appearing on Face The Nation. Americans would be required to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 if Rangel, the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has his way.

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War, has said the all-volunteer military disproportionately puts the burden of war on minorities and lower-income families. Rangel said he will propose a measure early next year but admits that there is little apparent support among the public or lawmakers for it. "If we're going to challenge Iran and challenge North Korea and then, as some people have asked, to send more troops to Iraq, we can't do that without a draft." He said having a draft would not necessarily mean everyone called to duty would have to serve. Instead, "young people (would) commit themselves to a couple of years in service to this great republic, whether it's our seaports, our airports, in schools, in hospitals," with a promise of educational benefits at the end of service.

Outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told Congress in June 2005 "there isn't a chance in the world that the draft will be brought back." Yet the prospect of the long global fight against terrorism and the continuing U.S. commitment to stabilizing Iraq have kept the idea in the public's mind.