Several papers have articles reporting that both Republican and Democratic members of Congress are hearing a bit of unrest among their constituents, re: the Iraq situation. Naturally, the GOP members (for the most part) are spinning it to show that the President is still getting high marks, but that citizens are beginning to desire some actually goal be set in place. Too many of our troops are being killed and injured, and even steadfast military families are beginning to grumble about their loved ones being 'over there' for extended periods of time.

There are also a few folks in Congress once again talking about the re-instatement of a draft. As someone who was part of the last generation to go through that, I have mixed feelings. Personally, I have nothing against the concept that all American citizens should be eligible for a stint serving the federal government in some capacity. Not everyone would be, nor should be, forced into the military, but working in hospitals, schools, or in the rehabilitation of buildings wouldn't be a bad thing. IMHO, of course.

I'd also want both men and women to be equally part of this, with people allowed to opt out of the military, if they successfully completed a mandatory period working in a civilian occupation for a set period.

This probably won't make me very popular, but it wouldn't be the first time. :-)