Waffles ‘72: Volunteer army would exploit poor, minorities
posted at 12:19 pm on November 2, 2006 by Allahpundit
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Mark Levin promised yesterday that quotes would “surface” today. And so they have:
In 1972, as he ran for the House, he was less apologetic in his comments about the merits of a volunteer army. He declared in the questionnaire that he opposed the draft but considered a volunteer army “a greater anathema.”
“I am convinced a volunteer army would be an army of the poor and the black and the brown,” Kerry wrote. “We must not repeat the travesty of the inequities present during Vietnam. I also fear having a professional army that views the perpetuation of war crimes as simply ‘doing its job.’…
AP obtained the document from someone who gathered it from archives during Kerry’s unsuccessful 2004 presidential campaign against President Bush.
None of this proves that Kerry’s little “joke” at the Angelides rally was directed at the military and not Bush, but it does show once again, as Michael Barone said, that “too often he sees American troops not as heroes but as victims or perpetrators.” The question is, was he right? 34 years later, does our volunteer military rely on de facto conscription of the underclass?
Answer: no, of course he’s not right. He’s John Kerry. From the Heritage study:
We found that recruits tend to come from middle-class areas, with disproportionately fewer from low-income areas. Overall, the income distribution of military enlistees is more similar to than different from the income distribution of the general population…
We find that, on average, recruits tend to be much more highly educated than the general public and that this education disparity increased after the war on terrorism began…
We found that whites are one of the most proportionally represented groups—making up 77.4 percent of the population and 75.8 percent of all recruits—whereas other racial categories are often represented in noticeably higher and lower proportions than the general population… [T]he data show that, proportionally, blacks make up 43 percent more of the Army recruits than does the general population, but this is not in place of whites, who make up 1 percent more (not less)…
The demographic data on race reveal that military enlistees are not, in fact, more heavily recruited from black neighborhoods…
Put simply, the current makeup of the all-voluntary military looks like America. Where they are different, the data show that the average soldier is slightly better educated and comes from a slightly wealthier, more rural area. We found that the military (and Army specifically) included a higher proportion of blacks and lower proportions of other minorities but a proportionate number of whites. More important, we found that recruiting was not drawing disproportionately from racially concentrated areas.
Again, neither this nor Kerry’s long, long history of denigrating soldiers proves that he meant to smear the troops at the Angelides rally. And yeah, that’s important to keep in mind; otherwise, as Lileks said this morning, you’re flirting with “fake but accurate.” What it does prove is that Kerry’s an ignoramus — one whom, as it happens, the New York Times will lie shamelessly to its readers to protect.
Elsewhere, the DUers do their best to spin the photo seen ’round the world. And Coalition of the Swilling catches ABC News asking an unfortunate question. In fairness, the link on the article he screencapped goes to a left-wing op-ed, not a news article, and yes, ABC does run right-wing op-eds too. Still, if ABC News’s political director is so worried about being called “very liberal,” he might want to be a little more careful about what ends up on the front page.
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Comment pages: « 1 [2]
Slublog,
Aren’t you in Texas?
Rick on November 2, 2006 at 2:39 PM
Nope. Maine.
I was born in Texas, though.
Slublog on November 2, 2006 at 2:40 PM
I want to read that one, on the wait list at the library. What about the phrase do you not like? Everybody has a label these days.
seejanemom on November 2, 2006 at 2:41 PM
New RSU on the Kerry Debacle.
NOT SAFE FOR WORK!
http://www.travisandjonathan.com/RSUkerry.html
venmax on November 2, 2006 at 2:42 PM
Eh, just the label thing.
Plus, granola just doesn’t do it for me. :-)
Slublog on November 2, 2006 at 2:42 PM
Ah, yes - diversity.
Rick on November 2, 2006 at 2:43 PM
Have a happy day, and I resolve to only link once per post. Consider me spanked….but that’s a whole other thread!.
seejanemom on November 2, 2006 at 2:44 PM
Lol, glad to know it wasn’t just me. I still can’t believe I did it because I’ve been buying Birks for years, and this had never happened to me before. I was pretty torn up about it. Seriously.
RightWinged on November 2, 2006 at 2:49 PM
And to think the idiot American public almost elected that jackass to be president. How sad is that?
Shmo on November 2, 2006 at 3:01 PM
Jonh Kerry is the illegitimate love child of Joseph Kenndy Sr. I checked his DNA. Its all in the FAMILY.
sonnyspats1 on November 2, 2006 at 3:03 PM
Hey sonnyspats,
Did joe have to chase the mama with a stocking cap and tall rubber boots for a stump breaking?
Shmo on November 2, 2006 at 3:05 PM
I love that picture of John-John testifying before Congress.
Ribbons with fatigues - a uniform violation.
Not only that, but he was a reserve naval office at the time and should have been tried for treason.
Corky on November 2, 2006 at 3:27 PM
To:
Niko on November 2, 2006 at 1:53 PM
“Clearly” :)
Love your posts Niko. Where are you originally from? Only if you wish to answer (I’m Romanian, living in S. Diego).
In reference to what will be on the Sunday shows or happening so close to Nov. 7th, 2006 - in addition to more s–t from the NYT & co, we haven’t heard from ObL, AZ & co., the EU and the U.N. yet. They’ve got to weigh in, no? And give both sides a chance to respond. Just like in 2004, me thinks…
Entelechy on November 2, 2006 at 3:38 PM
Probley! LOL
sonnyspats1 on November 2, 2006 at 3:39 PM
shmo. Probley, LOL
sonnyspats1 on November 2, 2006 at 3:41 PM
Hey Entelechy,
we’re visiting San Diego after Christmas. Any suggestions for restaurants?? I love good food.
pullingmyhairout on November 2, 2006 at 3:47 PM
Okay I was browsing through my local tv station news site and in one of the stories I found this link to a glossary of military terms. Go visit and see if you can see a term that doesn’t belong there?
LakeRuins on November 2, 2006 at 4:02 PM
so Kerry opposes the draft,calls volunteer military stupid,wanted the CIA eliminated,our troops to be directed by the UN, and wants to be CinC? and almost half the country voted for him.nightmare.
beens21 on November 2, 2006 at 4:06 PM
pullingmyhairout,
anyting off or close from Harbor Drive, in Seaport Village, Old Tow, the Gaslamp District is great and offerings are eclectic. My favorite Mexican restaurant here is in Old Town, Casa de Pico.
I like unusual experiences in all things and highly recommend the Afghanistan Kheiber Pass - you can click on this link on “restaurants” and find many more in S.D. Also an interesting fusion Asian/Southwest at Kemo Sabe.
Also, e-mail AP and ask for my e-mail (permission herewith granted) and we’ll get together for lunch or dinner. I go to Texas now and then and will return the visit.
Entelechy on November 2, 2006 at 4:10 PM
Corrections:
s/b Old Town and
Khyber Pass
Entelechy on November 2, 2006 at 4:15 PM
Although we’ve covered the topic well here, this fiasco is conspicuously missing from the front pages of many newspapers. An Amber Alert for the story has been issued.
NTWR on November 2, 2006 at 4:30 PM
Kerry you RACIST POS!
What’s wrong with the Black, the Brown and the Poor?
As Carlos Mencia has said, what is a tank but a big drive-by shooting? And it’s not like a Mexican can’t get over a border without being seen! And when was the last time you saw a redneck cracker who couldn’t shoot a rifle?
PLEASE! What a moron!
E L Frederick on November 2, 2006 at 4:30 PM
Carlos Mencia is awesome. You gotta love a guy that isn’t afraid to offend everybody equally.
ReubenJCogburn on November 2, 2006 at 4:38 PM
Now, NTWR, you wouldn’t want the MSM to ruin the Left’s chances? Remember, they are objective progressives.
Entelechy on November 2, 2006 at 4:52 PM
Entelechy,
Got your email address from AP (thanks, AP!) I have family coming in the door as I type. I will email you at some point.
pullingmyhairout on November 2, 2006 at 4:53 PM
@pullingmyhairout -
Bali Hai - A long established San Diego favorite, serving polynesian-styled seafood, chicken and beef entrees. It’s impossible to leave there hungry, and a wonderful view of San Diego harbor.
Sallys’ on the Water - Excellent service, the best cioppino since my grandmother’s, very nice place.
The historic Hotel Del Coronado offers a range of choices, from the upper-crust Crown Room to casual family fare at Sheerwater’s. If you’ve never been to San Diego before, go across the bridge and visit the Hotel Del, you won’t be sorry.
There is also Ruth’s Chris, P.F. Chang’s, Donovan’s Steak and Chop House, The Brigantine, Fat City, dozens of good chinese, thai, sushi, bar-b-que, and mexican places as well.
Freelancer on November 2, 2006 at 5:02 PM
Doesn’t this asshole ever get tired of being wrong or on the wrong side of every issue?
x95b10 on November 2, 2006 at 5:04 PM
Apparently not - and it didn’t take years of practice - it came naturally.
Emmett J. on November 2, 2006 at 5:22 PM
Hello Freelancer, thanks for the tips - just sent them to my home e-address.
Knew you were Calif. but didn’t knw you’re in SD. One of these days we’ll have a HA gathering for all, or for us ‘crazy’ Californians :)
Entelechy on November 2, 2006 at 5:37 PM
That despicable, narcissistic ass needs to get out of our faces and go tell his lies to the ketchup lady.
rplat on November 2, 2006 at 5:58 PM
…no…yuppy poser car….
…sell it…reclaim your soul….
Puritan1648 on November 2, 2006 at 6:07 PM
Inconclusive?
Howzabout Preponderance of Evidence
Stephen M on November 2, 2006 at 6:39 PM
Here’s the deal, plain and simple, after all, we all can’t be as smart and nuanced as J F’ing Kerry. If what he said Monday were the only remark he’d ever made in a derogatory manner towards the military, then perhaps forgiveness would be in order. But even here, F’ing Kerry would have to ask for it and sincerely apologize, in person not via his web-site. This was not an isolated incident, this is how he thinks, it’s what he believes. His past remarks only re-enforce this fact, we have a pattern not a remark in a vacuum. He is not alone, he is a product of his generation. This generation is represented by the likes of Hillary, Durbin, Kennedy and the vast majority of the elected democrat party. I say J F’ing Kerry, be a man, stand behind your remarks. Quit hiding who you are, be yourself. Oh, that’s right, you can’t be yourself when one, you have no soul and two you can’t win elections being an honest, avid socialist……..
ritethinker on November 2, 2006 at 7:09 PM
Entelechy,
Be advised, aside from Bali Hai most of the places I named could be counted in the higher-priced range. I figured that if someone was coming for a visit, and specifically said
I wouldn’t hold back.
AP, you have my permission to provide my email to Entelechy and pullingmyhairout if they ask. Happy to offer visitor advice.
On topic,
Kerry was wrong in ‘72 about the results of ending the draft, he has been wrong about most things he has said publicly since.
In fact, I challenge a Kerry supporter to identify for us one thing that Senator Kerry has accomplished in his political career that improves lives. Shouldn’t be hard, right?
Freelancer on November 2, 2006 at 8:28 PM
Bully’s, in Mission Valley, La Jolla or Del Mar.
Yummy.
Pablo on November 2, 2006 at 8:44 PM
Kerry is an ass, but I thank him for this October surprise. His comments and those of Howard (the scream) Dean could just turn the tide on the libtards gaining either house of congress. I don’t believe in polls — look what happened in 2004! The polls said the dems had sewn it up, especially Zogby! Conservatives — PLEASE turn out and vote unless you want to see Jihad on your doorsteps. A vote for Dems is a shot in the back to our troops.
Neocon Peg on November 2, 2006 at 9:28 PM
Repeated with emphasis ;)
thirteen28 on November 2, 2006 at 10:21 PM
Conan talking to “John Kerry” about controversy right now
RightWinged on November 3, 2006 at 12:45 AM
Pablo,
I work about 250 yards from Bully’s East in Mission Valley, and yup, quite tasty steaks.
I confess that the choices I offered before were based partially on available view, though none slack on quality food.
Freelancer on November 3, 2006 at 1:11 AM
Freelancer,
I used to live just across 8, at River Run. The ex and I were hooked on Bully’s. Great food, great service, but yes…no view. Del Mar has a little, IIRC.
Pablo on November 3, 2006 at 7:16 AM
And the liberals get yet another hero. National Guard Sgt. Heads in Court on Charges He Killed Superior Officer
LakeRuins on November 3, 2006 at 12:08 PM
I hope that bastard gets the death penalty–that’s the only just penalty for killing your own. And they did give it to that P.O.S. Hasan Akbar, so there’s hope. Unfortunately it’ll probably take 20 years to get him executed.
ReubenJCogburn on November 3, 2006 at 12:39 PM
Comment pages: « 1 [2]