Is there a draft in here???

The following are the after thoughts from a discussion about the possibility of a military draft in my Political Communication class:

Talk of a draft is not something you hear volleyed seriously in the main stream media or from candidates.

For anyone who thinks a draft isn't a possibility -- this comes directly from the selective service web site.

Is Selective Service issuing draft cards?
No. A card-style proof of registration is being issued, but it has nothing to do with the draft. No one has been drafted since 1973, and it would require an act of Congress to reinstate the draft.

Sounds pretty ominous to me...

With the way the war/occupation in Iraq has been progressing over the past 4+ years, a draft is a viable option (though not the one I would choose).

There is a strong lobby (both within the U.S. and abroad) to take preemptive measures against Iran. If an altercation occurs between either US or a US allies force's and Iran, it could quickly escalate into a major war. Iran is roughly the size of Alaska while Iraq is comparable to Idaho. The number of males aged 15-to-50 in Iran is slightly smaller than the total population of Iraq. A war with Iran would stretch our current military far beyond its breaking points. A draft would be necessary.

I can honestly see most of the Republican candidates instating a draft if the need be. As for the Democrats, it would be cripplingly impolitic now, but who knows, they could pull a Kerry in the clutch and advocate for an escalation that he (or she) does not support...?!?!

It was suggested in class that the Dems grow a backbone and use the '08 election to completely separate themselves from the war -- a la a band aid. Then the GOP will be stuck in a position to defend “their war.”

This sounds nice, but doesn't represent an electable platform "in the post-9/11 world". How would any Democratic candidate justify their previous course of action? Were the past 4+ years of authorization votes and billions in spending bills, not to mention the thousands of lives lost on both sides, just a goof?

I would like to think that the people of our generation would have the intuition to galvanize against such a drastic course of action. Any opposition would most likely come from a grass roots movement, not any measure of Congress (rarely voting while being young and saddled with debt makes college students diminutive actors on the political stage).

Clearly this represents a lot of “what ifs”, but I strongly believe it is something that should be discussed openly "preemptively”.

Blackwater Flushed

Apparently Maliki has banished Blackwater Security USA (whose web site was "out of service" at time of this post) from Iraq, stemming from an incident yesterday when Blackwater employees allegedly shot and killed 8 Iraqi civilians.

This is not the first alleged misdeed by Blackwater employees. There are reports of a video posted by a Blackwater employee that depicts the hired guns hunting Iraqis for fun and sport. There is also government evidence that Blackwater employees were involved in the Abu Ghraid torture scandal.

Blackwater is the government sanctioned (and funded) outlaws of the Iraqi wild west. Committing criminal acts in the name of national security. Does their disposal mark a watershed moment in Iraq. Turning over a new leaf and abandoning corruption and cronyism for morals and a commitment to rebuilding Iraq? Not likely

What does all of this mean for US troops serving in Baghdad?

Blackwater's presence was relatively small, and their status as the "private army" of Baghdad plus subsequent media coverage made them exceptionally conspicuous. It is doubtful that their disappearance will have any tactical effect on the war.

The more interesting implications arise from Maliki's assertive stance. Is this a first sign of action from the tragically inept Maliki? If so, horrible timing.

Over the weekend Moqtada al-Sadr announced that he was withdrawing his Shiite bloc from the Iraqi parliament. This move could easily lead to the disintegration of the Maliki's entire government, with al-Sadr and his armed followers in a position to challenge Maliki for power.

Not a good time for Maliki to ruffle the feathers of Americans with big guns... they may be all he has left.

First post

Hello all... thanks for checking out my new blog.

I've been pondering starting a blog for a while, and I figured now is the time to bite the bullet.

I will use this blog primarily to document my application to the JET Programme.

For those of you unfamiliar with JET, the program sends Americans to Japan to work as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools throughout Japan.

The foundation of the program is to promote internationalization and inter-cultural communication. As you may already know (or will come to find out) these are two of my passions. I am fascinated by other cultures; new places and new faces.

I currently study public relations at Temple University, and have spent a good part of my waning academic career studying intercultural communication theory and practice. In particular, Japanese/American communication.

My ultimate ambition is to work as an international communications consultant -- teaching business people and governments how to analyze and overcome linguistic and cultural barriers that can impede effective communication. For me, JET is a launching pad to this career.

My plan for JET is to request a rural position. This will allow me to focus intensely on language acquisition. I know from my own experience that the only way for me to pick up language is through immersion...and right now I am planning on jumping into the very deep end.

I spent 9 months living and studying in Tokyo. I tell people I lived in Japan -- which is true. But in which Japan did I live? There are approximately 13 million people in Tokyo, yet the sprawling city accounts for only 10% of Japan's total population. I have been to Tokyo, but have I seen Japan?

My time in Tokyo was fruitful, and I feel I gained a lot of insight into Japan. However, I only saw a fraction of the country. I see the situation like this

(Please forgive the SAT style analogy)

Tokyo:Japan ; New York City:USA

If you visit NYC from another country you can say "I have been to America." Truthfully, you have only seen a tiny fraction of America. Sure, NYC is a good metaphor for the nation, a microcosm of cultures and interests jammed into a bustling metropolis -- but by no means is NYC quintessentially America. Try Omaha, Des Moines, Boise...

I want to delve into the heart of the country. Experience the land where traditions are passed down through generations. Where Tokyo's flashing lights, buzzing crowds, and thousands of taxis are seen on TV and in movies, not experienced.

I want to study the art of Japanese cuisine; which straddles the impossibly fine line between elegance and simplicity, refinement and austerity. I want to learn how to utilize seasonal ingredients to transport the palate. How to ensure that the eyes have a feast to match the stomach.

I want to reconnect with nature. Camping, hiking, biking, swimming.... 5 years of urban blight (thank you Philadelphia) have me yearning for departure into nature.

Most of all, I want to better myself.

I heard a quote a few days ago that really struck me. Usually, I am not one for ambiguously attributed, somewhat trite quotations (this one was credited to Ben Franklin, Confucius, a Hopi Indians) but for some reason this struck me.

"If you tell me , I will forget it. If you show me, I may not remember. If you involve me, I will understand."

I invite you to follow me through the long application process. I encourage comments, criticism, praise, etc.