Can economic draft be far behind war budget?
By
David Hoskins
Published Feb 23, 2005 10:24 AM
Bush's proposed 2006 budget has a $2.5-trillion
price tag. The cost of this budget places the country in a record $427-billion
deficit. ("Budget Analysis," AFSCME) A budget of this size could easily provide
for a reorientation of the economy to insure universal womb-to-tomb healthcare
and education along with massive investments in infrastructure and job works
programs.
Instead, the budget proposal has placed 150 domestic federally
funded programs on the chopping block while bolstering spend ing for the
Pentagon and Homeland Security. Most of the targeted programs affect the poor
and working class communities.
One third of all scheduled cuts come from
education programs, for a total reduction of $1.3 billion. These include the
total elimination of the Perkins Loan program, which provides college funding
for low-income students, and the Even Start family literacy program.
The
Bush war budget has already eliminated 300,000 students from Pell Grants and
another 700,000 students from after-school programs. Bush has declared a virtual
war on students at home as he seeks an additional $82-billion supplemental
spending bill to sustain the war of occupation in Iraq.
The White House
has consistently demonstrated that the ruling class's priorities are brutal wars
of conquest and expansion and not providing for people's basic needs. But there
exists another aspect to the Bush budget.
With nine out of 10 Army
divisions currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and the military falling
far short of recruitment goals, the ruling class is forced to find new ways to
sustain its overseas military presence.
The Bush proposed cuts lay the
basis for accelerating the economic draft. High unem ployment rates coupled with
decreased educational opportunities compel young people to look toward the
military as a source of education and training.
This creates a situation
where working class youth and young people of color are forced into the Army and
Reserves out of economic necessity.
In addition, the Bush administration
has engaged in some behind-the-scenes maneuvering that suggests that an actual
draft remains on the table if it becomes neces sary to sustain the occupation of
Iraq.
On March 31, the Selective Service System will report to George W.
Bush that it is able to implement the draft within 75 days of congressional
approval. ("America Readies for Draft," NewsMax, June 25, 2004) The renewal of
military conscription would be an ominous sign that the current government will
not be deterred in its push for foreign conquest, regardless of the
consequences.
Ultimately the only way to stop anti-worker budgets and
military drafts is through a revolution that will thoroughly uproot the
profit-driven capitalist system and replace it with an economic system that
meets the needs of all humanity: socialism. Long-term goals, however, must be
accompanied by shorter term strategies and tactics.
With this in mind, it
is important for youths and students to actively engage themselves in the
antiwar struggle. That is why Fight Imperialism--Stand Together (FIST)
organizers are calling on young people everywhere to come to New York on March
19 and rally in Central Park to demand that Bush bring the troops home now and
stop the wars abroad and at home on workers, youth and
students.
Hoskins is a FIST organizer. Contact FIST at
[email protected].
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