TV Ads: Bush-Petraeus 10-Year Plan Means a Draft

Americans have seen some news reports over the last few days suggesting that the White House "might-maybe-could-possibly" bring some troops home from Iraq next year. If this happens, that's great. But don't break out the confetti just yet.

Every other indicator is that these are fairy tales cooked up by the White House PR machine to try to cauterize their bleeding support. Almost like clock-work the White House breaks the glass of their magical PR machine every time they're about to lose it.

The story hasn't changed. This is still an endless war. And, now a military draft is on the table.

As part of Iraq Summer, a project of Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, a new TV ad called "DRAFT" blows the whistle on this double-talk from the Bush administration.

The ad makes three points.

1. The Republicans targeted in the ads continue to rubber-stamp whatever Bush wants in Iraq -- despite what they might be saying to their constituents.

2. Bush's general, Gen. David Petraeus, says the mission he has been given by the president could take 10 years. (Probably why the White House is trying to sideline Petraeus from the PR war.)

3. An endless war means a military draft is on the table. Your kids could be drafted. Bush is running out of troops as it is. That's why they're talking about a draft.

This is so far outside of what the American public would find acceptable that political leaders need to be held accountable. That's why Iraq Summer is running new TV ads.

The ad will be running in the home state of Republican Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY)--who has been obstructing a vote on any exit plan from Iraq. Also, Rep. Phil English (R-PA), Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. Thelma Drake (R-VA) are targets of this specific ad campaign.

We also learned last week that the much-anticipated "Petraeus Report" will actually be written by White House political hacks in their PR and spin operation. (Link)

Check out the ads and show them around.

Let's make it clear that: Bush-Petraeus 10 Year War = Endless War and a Draft.

Comments

[radiclib]

Draft Bush's daughters first.
Give them M-16s and let them patrol Iraq.
I'll send my sons right after he sends his daughters.

[Tom Matzzie - Huffpost Blogger]

And then let's draft Mitt Romney's son the Winnebago chauffeur.

[yellowdogSC]

Half a battalion without ever leaving the Romney home.

[Misanthrope2]

During Vietnam, rich kids got to go to the National Guard. That is not an option since Bush sent the Guard to Iraq.

What will the rich kids do to avoid service?

[loslobo]

The idea of fighting a perpetual war makes me cringe. But the question I never hear asked is who are we are fighting? The Kurds? The Shiite? The Sunni? No we are an illegally occupying force trying to referee so the oil companies can take the oil. What America needs to ask; is driving my SUV, my big screen high-def TV, and my total ineptitude in getting this criminal administration behind bars worth thousands of more lives. How many more have to die? Maybe a draft will wake people up. But I’m afraid if you’re not awake by now, what will; the canceling of the football season or American Idol?

[AwAk3]

We all already know the answer to those questions now don't we.

[fuzzwald]

Resistance has to be broad based and relentless. Otherwise, the bastards will win.

[Tellmethetruth]

We had about 130,000 140,000 troups before the "surge" - and now we have about 170,000 and they want to add another 20,000 to app 190,000 to 200,000 troups. About February or so of next year - after the primaries, then Bush will announce he is withdrawing troups, so he'll bring about 10,000 at a time and claim by election time everyone will think we are withdrawing troups when we have the same number of troups we had when we went in which was about 140,000 troups. Then the Republicans can make it look like we are withdrawing from the war in Iraq rather than the stalemate we are in, and get the Iraq war off American's minds like we were winning or something. This seems like the battle plan to pull one over on the American people once again by election time. This is why "timing" made so much difference to Bush - it's about a build up then a gradual withdrawal of the troup build up and a PR campaign to make it look like we are leaving Iraq about the time of the presidential elections. Another wake up call!

[Tom Matzzie - Huffpost Blogger]

This could be what happens. They're choosing to play politics with the lives of the troops.

[kajc75]

This kind of Bullshit is not what my son signed on for.......­....I don't want his precious life played with any longer by these f*cking asses of men - if we can even call them men!

[OneWoman]

What is the total number of soldiers in Iraq if you count the private contractors (e.g. Blackwater et al)?

My understanding is that the numbers we all hear about (including dead and injured) DO NOT include the private soldiers.

[Misanthrope2]

I have read that there are about equal numbers of troops and private contractors. That would make about 350,000, which compares with troop strength in the Vietnam war which was mostly less until 1966-1969 when it hit 550,000 and then began to decrease.

[Doubtom43]

There's no such thing as a "private soldier". Call them mercenaries because that's what they are!
Calling them soldiers besmirches the name of soldiers and the military in general (if that's possible).
Civilians bearing arms in a foreign nation are illegal! They are unaccountable to anyone except to those who pay them their outlandish salaries. Our government is complicit in this illegal activity by turning a blind eye to these gun-happy goons for hire. Blackwater is such an organization and it must be stopped!

[sierra]

I would like to add that in addition to the "130,000 to 140,000 troops before the surge," that there are more than 100,000 "private contractors" in Iraq...

Read:

Mercenaries.

And they ain't carrying hammers and nails.....

Read Jeremy Scahill's, "Blackwater"

As an aside, impeachment should never have been "taken off the table."

Our Constitution is being trashed...­..

sierra

[Tellmethetruth]

America seems to be run by advertisers - let's disect some of the words

Commercials = commerce or trade, a business term to describe a business transactions - what did we think it meant? What are we being sold in the market place of our homes? A war? A victory to a war? When we turn on TV we enter a market place and we are the buyers purchasing something? Why did we think we were being entertained or informed from watching television?

Programs = set and regitimented routines governing behaviors programmed by someone other than oneself that tell you what to do and you follow = like computer programs or TV programs - what did Americans think it meant? Are we watching programs, or being programmed as if we were computers or machines? Or worse, given programed set responses like yes, no, similiar to a computer program as if we were slaves with no powers of reason. Are we being told what to do, think, and feel?

Slogans - short catchy phrases that trigger an emotional reaction but don't provide information and is used to as a propaganda tool. Isn't this how Bush speaks, in slogans? Are we intentionally being deprived of information and emotionally manipulated when all we are given in slogans? Slogans cause reactions, not responses. Can someone only given slogans respond or can they only react? Can someone who speaks slogans be responsible?

[rmreddicks]

It all had to do with the digital revolution. You're either a 1 (one) or a 0 (cypher). But we cyphers have power equal to the 1's. They thought we were 0's but we're beginning to zero in on them!

[outnow]

It takes a draft to realize that the "killing for oil" is Bush's plan. He was a C- student. Cheney has three drunk drivings convictions and shot his friend in the face while drinking. Bush has at least one drunk driving conviction - and you want your kid to die for this? Vote Republican so your kid is mutilated.

By the way, oil causes global warming.

[JulieSA]

What do DWIs and global warming have to so with this?! You folks need to learn to focus a little bit better.

Anyway, the only legislators in recent years who've proposed a draft have been Dems (Rangel), and I think a lot of people realize that it's the Dems who want a draft- not to strengthen the military, but to mess up the war effort.

[JHD]

I think your children will do a fine job of keeping up the war effort. WWII was fought with the draft, remember? I'm sure you will urge them on with your patriotism. My son recently was sent to San Francisco with 150 other National Guard troops about to get out of the Army. Only 17 people rejoined the Army and almost all of them did it for the enlistment bonus money because they were so desperately poor. NONE of them believe in the Iraq war anymore. My son graduated from boot camp on September 12th 2002. You need to learn the hell my family has been through so you can learn some real empathy for the troops beyond your "support the troops" bumper sticker on your SUV. Charlie Rangel has been right from day one of this war.

[Misanthrope2]

Oil doesn't cause global warming if you leave it in the ground.

[kajc75]

WOW ISN'T IT GREAT TO HAVE SUCH UPSTANDING INDIVIDUALS LEADING US........­.....NOT!

BTW - TO ADD - BUSH'S IQ IS 91!

Freakin Idiots - and to have these people in charge - what the f*ck does that say about us?

I have a son is Iraq presently and WE NEED TO END THIS WAR! Oil and the money a few make from it and money that's been made on FRIVOLOUS rebuilding (not referring to all the rebuilding) but what about the millions spent on new hospitals that don't have medics?
That's a good plan bush cronies - building facilities that don't have occupants! You are all disgusting and I can't wait for your damaging time to be done - by the way - stay out of Maine, you're not welcome here.

[Rosanneofpgh]

Ive said from almost the beginning of this illegal OIL war that a draft would happen. It's taking a few years to prove me right; Im sorry that I will be.

I hope our troops can hold on until a Dem gets elected. I dont foresee a draft or a war with Iran when the Dems have control of the white house AND congress.

[freespeach]

I wish I could agree with you on things changing if the Democrats get elected in 08, Rosanne...

They support the theft of Iraqi oil:

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=12533

And they sure as hell didn't seem too interested in asserting their rights over Bush as it relates to war with Iran:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-arthur-waskow/aipac-iran-presidenti_b_43814.html

Our Democrats also gave Bush the free hand he asked for to spy on Americans.

The only thing Democrats have excelled at lately is preying on the hopes of busy decent Americans and helping them to believe that they are looking out for the little guy....and that they are against the war.
Rhetoric means nothing, legislative activity speaks volumes.

[Sisyphuss]

SOME Democrats. A MINORITY of Democrats. That is all it takes to side with the Republicans and form a majority. I hate seeing all the Democrats condemned because of the few bad apples. It's indeed frustrating, though.

[Misanthrope2]

Please consider that the war was to prevent Iraqi oil production, not to literally steal the oil. If it had been to take the oil, it would be flowing by now. Instead, it is down from about 3 million barrels a day to 2 million barrels a day.

[JoAnnCr]

Joe Biden visited our small town yesterday. In introducing Senator Biden, State Representative John Whitaker announced his son, a Guard Reservist, will leave for Iraq this week.

When Joe took over the conversation, he acknowledged his son Beau would also be going to Iraq, and then paused to control his emotion.

You heard Senator Biden discuss his Iraq exit plan in yesterday's Iowa debate.

What you didn't hear was the detail of the plan he has been presenting to Congress over and over again.

What you didn't hear is the how he voted for the last funding bill to provide the troops in Iraq right now with a V-shaped underbelly for their Humvees. This V-shaped underbelly prevents shrapnel from slicing through the soldiers and prevents them from getting bounced around so badly they're left with traumatic brain injury when they get hit with an IED.

What you didn't hear was the tenacity that this Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee consistently shows in negotiating the end of the Iraq War, in his committee, in Congress, with the Executive Branch, and even with diplomats from the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Counsel.

What you didn't hear was how he has crafted a plan to end the war in a way that the region does not erupt into such catastrophe the children of today's soldiers would still be fighting over there.

Don't tell me the Democrats are not trying unless you go nose to nose with Joe Biden who works tirelessly to bring this war to a smart and safe conclusion.

Instead call your Republican Senators and ask them to work with Biden and the Democrats on his Iraq plan. Tell them Biden doesn't even care if they take the credit. He will give them the plan.

Unless the Republicans take the leadership in ending the Iraq war, political jockeying will trump reason.

Nixon only gave in after Watergate when members of his own party drove to the White House and told Nixon, "Its over."

[ChefAnnie]

The Dems sure fell right in line after we put them in control this past November! Dick Cheney either offered them big money or he threated to take them hunting!

I could not believe my eyes when the Senate voted money for the surge. If the Dems had not been bought off we would be pulling troops out right now--or maybe they lost their nerve. What ever, they scammed us to get into control. Seems like they are loving being back controlling all of the ear marks.

What a horrible scam the Dems played on us!

I am going to assume that most of us on this blog would like to see Iraq behind us--all troops out, not a single one left behind. So how do we make that happen? Clearly what we are doing is not working with our elected reps--you guys are a lot smarter than this old Chef--so come up with some damn ideas that we can unite around. Ideas that we can sell to the 70% that want closure. It's not until we can mobilize the "middle" will there be movement by our ruling class.

Hell, can they throw us in Gitmo if we each send a pot of Pansies to the White House, Senate and House of Reps?

Just kidding but we really do need to figure something out--'cause what we are doing clearly is not making any progress with getting out of Iraq.

[dshwa]

I see a war with Iran if the current administration starts one on the way out. The Right wing spin machine would make it very difficult to stop.

[Halsey]

Rosanne...­from your mouth to God's ear..howev­er..my fear is that a demo..woul­d be so frightened (they frighten easily)..o­f appearing 'soft"..th­at they'd tip the other way..kind of like a cow we used to push over when I was young and in Montana.. HRC...coul­d very well morph into Maggie Thatcher..­oh..not on the "social" issues..bu­t on military issues..yo­u bet..can you say TRUMAN and Korea!..or the departed Scoop Jackson..(­boeing needed those military contracts)­...
And, sadly, we all know, the same bluebloods that avoided Viet Nam (and even WWII)..wou­ld find their deferrment­s..always have..alwa­ys will...
What will the mother's of this country do..when Canada shuts her doors (oh..that pesky illegal immigratio­n..the door swings both ways)..may­be Mexico will take our young people this time..oh wait..that door's shut too..
this is one of the Key reasons Richardson gets some attention from me..he says..cons­istently..­First Act...OUT OF IRAQ...

[avergejoe]

The dems in which country?

[twasbrillignslithy]

Charlie Wrangle (D-NY)& Lieberman have been arguing, for a draft for many years. It is the Democrats who's major candidates All agree that there Should Be Compulsory National Service of some kind. I wish I could say that I agree w/you but a draft looks inevitable w/Democrats in charge.
Look at how easily the Dems gave up the 'fight' to get our troops back home after this last election. They couldn't even pass a 'resolution' much less any bill to begin bringing troops home. They are less likely to resist implementing a draft than the republicans. On the contrary, to show that they are 'fair' to the troops already there, they are More likely to institute a draft If this 'war' continues.­...and it Will.
Have we been paying attention to all the targeting of Iranian Troops as a 'terrorist organizastion' of late; Cheney & Lieberman calling for bombing of Iran; the leading Dem candidates Hillary & Obama trying to out-hawk each other over Pakistan,& Iran? Lieberman represents the majority of moderate Dems.
The major reason most (read moderates)are 'against' this war right now is Not that they've come to see Iraq had nothing to do w/9-11 or al Qaeda, nor that they see the conflict as largely a religious civil war, but that we aren't 'winning'.
So don't believe that the majority populace can't be talked into 'at least' bombing Iran- despite this being an act that would inevitably lead to all-out war w/Iran. Why? Because Iran threatens our likelyhood of maintaining bases in Iraq, and thus, protecting the Private Ownership of 80%+ of the Iraqi Oil Fields. And once won, 'we' would have control over Iran's oil as well.
Only a small portion of Iraqi oil profits are set aside for the Iraqi people under the US 'negotiating' constraints for Iraqi independence. this second, very rarely mentioned US provision for our 'withdrawal' from Iraq is the major reason we will remain there. Neither party is likely to rest until the entire mid-East is under our Complete Control.

[Scarabus]

Lots of people have speculated about why protesters aren't taking to the streets to demand an end to this irrational, immoral war of aggression. Lots of reasons, of course, but one often suggested is that, because we have no draft (and because envisioning the costs of encouraging terrorism, alienating friends and allies, and burdening future generations with economic disaster is too "difficult" for couch potatoes to glom), citizens are willing to leave the dying to others.

An actual draft would probably change that. If we had a draft--a fair draft, where the children of the ruling class faced the same jeopardy as those of the working class--then Iraq would become real indeed. And that might move Americans from merely opposing the war to forcing an end to it. Let's hope the mere threat of a draft will do it. If not...?

If not, then let's bring on the draft. But make it fair! There should be no loopholes for future chickenhawks like Bush and Cheney. None! No "other priorities" or political influence. Equal risk. Equal pain and suffering. The child of the plutocratic mine owner should stand right beside the child of the working class miner he puts at daily risk by ignoring safety to increase profits.

[milo9]

Yea,start the draft and we'll put an end to this imperialistic nonsense.

[Sumocat]

I've been to the protests in DC, both before and after the invasion, and they accomplished nothing. Bush is entirely insulated (despite his wife's claim that he suffers more than anyone) and Congress lacks the courage to take real action. The demands have been issued but no one is listening.

And let's be realistic about a renewed draft. The guys who avoided going to war are in charge. They buck the system repeatedly with signing statements and claims they are immune to executive orders and subpoenas. There will be no equality in a new draft until possibly January 2009, and maybe not even then.

[TurgidCaterwauling]

As with Vietnam, the privileged and connected will avoid being drafted. The burden will fall on the middle class and poor. The others will become tomorrow's policy makers.

[Hollyse]

So well said...I applaud you!

[MichaelBuchanan]

The rich will always be able to get out of a draft. Just like they will always be able to get an abortion for their daughters. Law is for the poor.

[rmreddicks]

Exactly! There is one right that stands above all other rights in this country, even above the "Bill of Rights". That is the right of property. U.S. law is there primarily to protect property. That was one of the main bases of the American revolution and the following constitution.

[ChefAnnie]

I agree that the draft is the only fair way to spread the responsibility of this war. But you all know that if the draft is in place there will be plenty of deferments for the "ruling class".

The reason you have not seen massive protest is there have not been enough body bags shipped home. I remember during Viet Nam, it wasn't until a close family friend's son was killed did this household turn anti-war. Magically, over night, all of the protesters on the Washington Mall became right! No longer did this household refer to them as "dirty drug crazed hippies".

Sorry, but all we can do is sit back and wait for this war to touch many more American families. The pro-war spin machine has discredited all of us who have spoken out. There really is nothing more that we can do. We voted in the last election and that got us no where, signed petitions, worn hats and tee shirts to impeach, etc.

I have given up. And I see no "champion" among any of the candidates of either party...I do see more of the same, no matter who we vote for.

Bottom line--more body bags?

[Doubtom43]

Oh really? Have you listened to either Kucinich or Gravel? If you can't think of these two as "champions" for your cause then I don't know what the hell your cause might be!
You're a victim of the propaganda which holds that no one can win unless he or she is declared a "front-runner" and so the good guys get passed up no matter how worthwhile their message or platform might be. So sit back and enjoy your brainwashing since it presumably happened while you were wide awake.

[kajc75]

ChefAnnie - please don't give up........­.