Video: Rangel says men join the army only if they can’t have “a decent career”
posted at 5:07 pm on November 26, 2006 by Allahpundit
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Hence his support for the draft. If even our volunteers are there involuntarily, why shouldn’t everyone be?
I want to make it abundantly clear: if there’s anyone who believes that these youngsters want to fight, as the Pentagon and some generals have said, you can just forget about it. No young, bright individual wants to fight just because of a bonus and just because of educational benefits. And most all of them come from communities of very, very high unemployment. If a young fella has an option of having a decent career or joining the army to fight in Iraq, you can bet your life that he would not be in Iraq.
This won’t get as much attention as what Lurch said (or was understood to have said) a few weeks ago. Rangel’s neither as prominent nor as unlikeable as Kerry, nor do vets bear him a grudge the way they do Waffles for his Winter Soldier testimony. But they’re both talking out of the same ass. In the Kerry/Rangel worldview, American troops aren’t the guy who crawls into a lion’s cage to rescue the kid inside; they’re the guy who’s forced into the cage at gunpoint by the gangster who wants something valuable that’s in there. Both are sympathetic, but only one’s a hero. Since they’ve already decided that Bush is a gangster and the Iraq war a criminal enterprise, they have to find a way to exculpate our all-volunteer military for their role in it; blaming them, however obliquely, is politically unviable, which is why even Cindy Sheehan and Michael Moore insist they support the troops. Solution: deny their autonomy. Pretend that they’re either too stupid or too lazy or too poor to do anything but enlist. Harsh, but better to be called that than a neocon, right?
If Rangel’s serious about addressing economic inequality in the military, there’s an easy way to do it without imposing a draft. Simply repeal all major economic incentives to enlistment. Per RangelLogic, let the morality of every war be judged by the number of patriots willing to volunteer for it. “Bad” wars will attract few enlistees and end quickly in defeat as we run out of troops; “good” wars, just the opposite. He’d never accept that proposal, of course, because it could conceivably require him to admit that certain wars he opposes are “good” and, worse, that the troops who signed up for them are morally culpable in their execution.
Exit question: does being a trader at Goldman Sachs qualify as “a decent career”?
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So why does one become a politician?
SouthernGent on November 26, 2006 at 5:13 PM
I guess we can thank Rangel every time a brave soldier re-enlists to go back to a war zone. You know the only reason they would do that is because Charlie or John F. Kerry gave them career advice.
A national disgrace.
mesablue on November 26, 2006 at 5:14 PM
Laurance O’Donnell is floating the trial balloon of liberals admitting their cowardice, he was on Scarborough and was calling the Republicans chickenhawks and cowards, like himself, for not sending the Bush daughters to war, basically. Charles Rangel was a hero to my father when I was growing up in N.Y. My father lost his cognitive reasoning before the famous “our soldiers are babykillers”, remark by Rangel which lost him a lot of support. I just know that I get a sickly feeling when I look at him, now. I can’t watch or listen to this guy without feeling that there is a cunning evil at work deep inside of him.
Soothsayer on November 26, 2006 at 5:16 PM
You know, I don’t think I can print what I’d like to do to Rangel if I ever met him in a dark alley. He’s the worst type of moonbat. Their pity is not requested nor is it welcome.
I support the war and, as an active duty soldier, do not support the draft. I guess that makes me a hypocrite, Mr, Rangel. But I’m a two-time combat vet. Surely that give me some ‘moral authority.’
JasonG on November 26, 2006 at 5:17 PM
Oh, mesablue, I’m reenlisting on Monday.
JasonG on November 26, 2006 at 5:18 PM
Good post AP. People like rangel, despite having served, think the only reason people join is for the benefits. How wrong and narrow minded these people are. One has to wonder how they see everything distorted.
rightside on November 26, 2006 at 5:18 PM
God bless and stay safe JasonG. I think you know that the majority of Americans support and thank you for your service — even if half of them vote for idiots like Rangel and Kerry.
mesablue on November 26, 2006 at 5:26 PM
Because they have no talents or job skills. “No young, bright individual wants to be a…” politician.
thedecider on November 26, 2006 at 5:27 PM
Since the draft issue is such a complete and total non-starter, I guess the only reason Rangel keeps flogging it is because he’s a giantic media whore.
Sean M. on November 26, 2006 at 5:28 PM
What a loser! It is becoming increasingly more obvious that these liberal idiots have no clue about Duty, Honor, Country. All they think about is “me, me, me.” After spending an entire career in the military, I can personally congressman Deranged that there is a lot more involved in enlisting in the military than education benefits or re-enlistment bonuses. But of course, he will never understand.
So, congressman Deranged, if everyone who supports the war but is against the draft is hypocritical, what does that say about someone who is against the war but for the draft? What a hypocrit.
rmgraha, MSgt, USAF (Ret)
rmgraha on November 26, 2006 at 5:31 PM
AP: Any chance of a spel cheker?
rmgraha on November 26, 2006 at 5:32 PM
Really – he is a freakin disgrace. Rangel needs to get out of NY and DC and visit some far away places in our country like Mississippi, Tenn, California – If he really believes this he is an idiot. If he keeps putting his foot in his mouth and exposing his prejudiced, ignorant perspective the Dems will have to deep six his ars. WHAT A CLOWN.
iam7545 on November 26, 2006 at 5:33 PM
It would be very interesting to see a study comparing the careers and income level of non-college grads who joined the military compared to those who didn’t.
We already know the education levels of enlisted vs. civilians in population.
mesablue on November 26, 2006 at 5:34 PM
This guy just really chaps my ass. As a retired Chief Petty Officer (2003, after 22yrs), I can say that the military is just a microcosim of society. Infact, the majority of soldiers, sailors, and airmen are better qualified and better off that what Rangel tries to acertain. I personally turned down my appointment to the Naval Acadamy to enlist in 1981!! I joined for altuistic reasons ( to give back to this country for what I was given). I am sure that a good portion of the enlisted are the same. If we were all just “losers” then why is the re-enlistment rate so high?
br8veheart on November 26, 2006 at 5:35 PM
It’s kind of a bother but you can open up Word, type your post there (with spell-checker on) then paste it here. Then you still have to use the buttons up top to add links, quotes, or change…hey, wait a minute, yeah AP, where’s the dang spell checker?
thedecider on November 26, 2006 at 5:36 PM
Having not watched this yet… I just have to ask…. “botched”?
RightWinged on November 26, 2006 at 5:38 PM
This coming from a guy whose district includes guys who just want only to fight. GANGS! Why don’t Ol Charlie take care of his own problems?
bloggless on November 26, 2006 at 5:39 PM
Leftist politicos such as Rangel do not believe their arguments. They just want to win the overall battle with their specious logic. Rangel knows we have the best professional military in the history of the world, and he wants to do whatever it takes to ruin that.
stonemeister on November 26, 2006 at 5:39 PM
Why do libs always want to speak for others they have never met? Charlie, read my lips: PATRIOTISM
The very same thing that allows you to flap those ever moving lips of yours.
bloggless on November 26, 2006 at 5:41 PM
Only in terms of his logic, his reasoning, his patriotism and his manhood. However, as for the position of his party affiliation, he’s right on the money.
thedecider on November 26, 2006 at 5:44 PM
Rangel is a piece of human garbage. He’s a grandstander, a slicky-boy and a genuine piece of crap! Pay him no mind.
NEMETI IN SYRACUSE on November 26, 2006 at 5:48 PM
He may not be as prominent, but he’s certainly as unlikeable. I don’t hate, but I borderline hate this POS.
RightWinged on November 26, 2006 at 5:52 PM
Despite his loathesome views on the military and the men and women who serve in it, I’m certain Cong. Rangel will do an admirable job in shaping the country’s tax policies.
billy on November 26, 2006 at 5:54 PM
What was that guy’s name? Uh, Tillman or something?
Rangle has never heard of him, only one guy, yada, yada.
rockhauler on November 26, 2006 at 5:57 PM
You’re being sarcastic, right?
RightWinged on November 26, 2006 at 6:01 PM
I am so dissappointed in Americans that vote for these windbags repeatedly. Extremely depressing.
infidel on November 26, 2006 at 6:05 PM
RWinged,
Where are all those people who wanted the Republicans to lose Congress in order to teach them a lesson.
Rangell isn’t a fringe kook; he’s one of the most powerful men in Washington.
We have to realize that these people aren’t just talking heads on television anymore, they’re in charge of our government.
billy on November 26, 2006 at 6:08 PM
Rangel might just get what he wishes for. Apocolyptic events will require a draft if anyones left. As a direct result of their policies, blood will be on the Dhimmis hands.
infidel on November 26, 2006 at 6:09 PM
It’s amazing how so much stupidity can come from one man
Opinionnation on November 26, 2006 at 6:12 PM
Why is this a shock ? this is what the democratic party believes that only fools and nuts join the army the “Good” people go into government services to work for the good of everyone.
Its elitism in its most raw form. Military = bad Government = Good and because they are the government they are God. And everyone wants to be like them.
William Amos on November 26, 2006 at 6:16 PM
Hillary wants a draft of women and men. If Rangel is still out there flogging it, the Dems plan to make it a reality. The MSM, as the media wing of the Democratic Party, will assist in making this alternate reality seem real to the public, so when the voting starts, the complaints will be muted and easily cast off as “radical right-wing nut jobs.”
Sad commentary on this man, Rangel, who believes there is nothing in life worth fighting for. “Men without chests.”
America produces disciplined, decent warrior men in the mold of Eomer, and the Left rewards the Worm Tongues.
naliaka on November 26, 2006 at 6:19 PM
naliaka,
It’s amazing, and sad, just how prophetic C.S. Lewis turned out to be.
billy on November 26, 2006 at 6:25 PM
I served 24 years, my father did 32 years, my grandfather did 36 years. Rangle is the worst kind of moonbat. In my last unit (11 men) 6 had masters degrees. Mind you, this was a unit of 5 NCOs and 6 Airmen. All of the unit had combat experience but one. Yeah, we are really poor and desperate. KMA Rangle.
For those looking for a spell checker, use this. Simple one button spell check.
Bomb Doctor on November 26, 2006 at 6:26 PM
Rangel is a disgrace.
ahem on November 26, 2006 at 6:43 PM
Keep it up Charlie Rangel and you’ll sink all Democrat’s chances in 2008 by alienating the blue dogs that put you in power.
Then we’ll see if the DEMs can win without the blue dogs or if the REPs can win without the traditional conservatives.
Certainly looking better for a new third party that would represent the majority of Americans.
Buzzy on November 26, 2006 at 6:43 PM
Boy, that blinkin “McCain 2008″ advt is a bit annoying, huh?
At least its better than that bald guy making love to the floor ad you usually see on some of the blogs. Now thats just plain creepy.
sbvft contributor on November 26, 2006 at 6:49 PM
Thank you for your service, Jason G.
I don’t think any of us older vets have developed the sort of hatred for Rangel that we have for the Kerry & Klute crowd, although Mad Jack Murtha could come close if he keeps working at it. Rangel’s still easy to blow off as just another idiot who went into politics because he couldn’t find an honest job.
bdfaith on November 26, 2006 at 6:52 PM
Yes, because Pat Tillman and Prince Harry of Wales SURELY had no other option for their life! How could they have MANAGED without the Army’s benefits!? ZOMG!
Enoxo on November 26, 2006 at 7:02 PM
I am Extremely Disgusted by Americans who allowed these buffoons to regain control of Congress. I support our Heroes, but will the next Congress? Not too likely.
Careymania lives!
DannoJyd on November 26, 2006 at 7:10 PM
Thanks for the spellcheck link, simple and easy.
infidel on November 26, 2006 at 7:12 PM
Unfortunitely for Charlie there must be a certain IQ level at which patriotism is realized and acts as a factor for volunteering to protect and serve your country. Sadly Charlie peaking in the high 40s leaves him quite a ways to go bfore his patriotism could ever take affect. Obviously he is a liberal black Democrat so he is able to say or do anything and continue his free-ride on the public’s dollar. However unjust or prejudice his mouth should be washed out with soap. Or muslim piss. Whichever is handier at the moment.
Griz on November 26, 2006 at 7:22 PM
They never mention patriotism and duty as reasons that people join. And I just love the way he dismisses the Heritage Foundation study as irrelevant.
conservativecaveman on November 26, 2006 at 7:24 PM
We have a winner.
Rangel floated this idea once before and it went nowhere.
Speaking as someone that has served before (only 4 years) the comments by Rangel are insulting. In the great scheme of things he just does not get it.
F15Mech on November 26, 2006 at 7:34 PM
Wow, for once in my life I am actually speechless at this filth this man spews.
Catie96706 on November 26, 2006 at 7:55 PM
This is a very interesting question. Why do one become a politician. There are other exceptional job out there: doctor, engineers, mathematician, e.t.c. Politician are people who believe that they have an answer to the society’s problem. In fact, those problems are the insecurities that they have plagued them in the past as seen in the case of Rangel. Some join because they feel that they have to upgrade their masculinity. Some also join the military to obtain leadership experience–a valuable work skill. Being rich does not mean that such qualities would automatically be installed in your domain. Why did prince Harry of England join the the military? I bet you that poverty is not a factor. Bringing back my original intent, becoming a politician does not necessarily translate to “caring about the people.” Every career choice has questionable intent. We need pragmatic people making policies: economist, chemist,e.t.c. and not an old hack who fought in the Korean war equating himself to extremely qualified members of the society who are handling the problems in their day-to-day work.
Ouabam on November 26, 2006 at 7:57 PM
Is this guy Rangel just stupid beyond belief? Or maybe he has a 2
weekweak memory? How could anyone speak out demeaning US Service almost immediately after Kerry stepped on his , uh, ‘richard’ so recently, saying basically the same thing?I think the ‘me, me, me ‘ comment above is right on target, these dems cannot think past their own selfish self-centered asses to understand honor or the true love of country. They are disgustingly narcissistic and shallow.
To say nothing about the millions of people that work to help others or just for the love of their work, even if it doesn’t pay top dollar.
shooter on November 26, 2006 at 8:13 PM
What does he consider a good occupation? Is a cop or firemen acceptable?
Pam on November 26, 2006 at 8:20 PM
Somewhere, Nancy Pelosi just lost a clump of hair.
I wonder how much of this is Rangel tweaking Pelosi?
Slublog on November 26, 2006 at 8:27 PM
Well Charlie it’s clear that you are mindless buffoon. I joined the Army because I wanted to be a soldier not because I couldn’t find other credible employment. I spent 35 years serving my country and rose to the highest field grade rank before retiring with a postgraduate degree. I would suggest that it’s professional politicians that are among those who lack usable skills and are forced to become flimflam charlatans. What a fool you are.
rplat on November 26, 2006 at 8:28 PM
What’s really interesting is the very end of the clip: “… as I did when I was 18 years old.”
You could then read his statement as “If you think I wanted to fight, you can just forget about it. If I had had an option of having a decent career or joining the army to fight, you can bet your life I wouldn’t have joined the Army.”
dorkafork on November 26, 2006 at 8:53 PM
What a dumb@$$…
Someone needs to write Rangel’s lines for him, he’s too dumb to be out speaking on his own.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on November 26, 2006 at 8:54 PM
Catie, I don’t view it as filth, so much as ignorance. Charlie Rangel is an old, ignorant politician. I don’t think he hates the military necessarily; he’s just using this “draft” nonsense to further his anti-war views.
Once again, Democrats attempt to have it both ways: they claim Rangel has ultimate moral authority because he was a decorated Korean War veteran — drafted, I believe — and want to fly that banner, but they also want to fly the banner of his pacifist ninny views. See “John Kerry/Vietnam” for reference.
Jaibones on November 26, 2006 at 9:00 PM
Shame on Congressman Rangel. He is a disgrace to his district. He should resign.
Zorro on November 26, 2006 at 9:02 PM
I think you misunderstood me billy… here’s our exchange thus far:
When I asked if you were being sarcastic, it was in regards to your statement:
I’m certain Cong. Rangel will do an admirable job in shaping the country’s tax policies.
RightWinged on November 26, 2006 at 9:04 PM
Let’s contrast:
Sydney Carton on November 26, 2006 at 9:05 PM
Oh Pam, don’t be silly.
Who in their right mind would choose to run into burning buildings or intervene in violent crimes for a living unless they were complete losers with no better options in life?
/sarcasm
I think I just threw up a little, in my mouth, just writing that tripe.
Charles Rangel, if you don’t understand selflessness and brotherhood and Service, you do not deserve to represent the People in any capacity.
Piece of shit.
lauraw on November 26, 2006 at 9:08 PM
The more idiots like him keep babbling, the faster the Democrats will be thrown out.
JammieWearingFool on November 26, 2006 at 9:09 PM
NOW he tells me…thanks Chollie…
armylawyer on November 26, 2006 at 9:12 PM
Unless you count a twenty-nine year old, married, white, female, with three children, and a husband making forty five thousand a year as a poor under-educated person. I doubt any one would say that where I live is an area of high unemployment, or was back in 2003 when my wife signed her name on the paperwork and had “Property of Uncle Sam” stamped on her @$$.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on November 26, 2006 at 9:21 PM
I don’t know about Rangel’s early life, and don’t want to stereotype or appear racist, but I wonder where Rangel would be if HE had not been a (apparently unwilling) in the Army ~ fifty five years ago.
Did he use the GI Bill to get a halfway decent education?
Would he be a member of Congress without the boost up in life that the military offers, or would he now be working at a Harlem McDonalds asking ; “You want fries with that?”
Either way, he is an ignorant, unpatriotic scumbag.
LegendHasIt on November 26, 2006 at 9:26 PM
I can’t speak for EVERYone who ever served, but I quit a good construction job to join the Air Force. I joined up in ‘88 to do a 4 year enlistment ’cause I knew that within those next for years we were either gonna do Iran or Libya. Well, it was Iraq, but I was pretty close. Anyway, I wanted to be able to tell my grandkids about it but I never even got to go down there. I was in England at the time, shipping AMMO down to the Gulf.
God bless all those Troops defending Charlie’s right to say something that stupid.
Tony737 on November 26, 2006 at 9:29 PM
I’ve been in uniform since 1972. Nearly four years Active Air Force, the remainder in the Air Force Reserves. Rangel hasn’t a clue about the abilities and capabilities of those in service.
His mind is stuck between his time as a draft inductee and “McNanara’s 100,000″ expansion of the draft during LBJ’s abyssmal handling of Vietnam. Which brought exactly the kind of people (Category 4) into the service he has been ranting about since President Bush has been in office. The kind of people who required dumbed down comic books, instead of Technical Manuals and Job Guides.
While in uniform, I’ve seen dozens of elisted men and women achieve degrees and commissions. The entire NCO and Officers promotion system of the services is based on College Credited education and performance.
The idea that Rangel is actually getting air time for this nonsense is disguting!
Jack.
Jack Deth on November 26, 2006 at 9:34 PM
D’OH!!!
Forgot to turn off the “emphasis”.
Jack.
Jack Deth on November 26, 2006 at 9:35 PM
Having skipped the fifth grade, I graduated from high school at sixteen. When I turned seventeen that summer, I asked my parents if they would sign for me to go into the military. When they gave me a, shall we say, an emphatic ‘no,’I went to college for a bit, waited them out, and joined at age nineteen. Nearly fourteen years in the USAF and eight years in the USAFR (I came home for familial reasons), I’ve never been sorry for *my* decision, which, obviously, wasn’t borne of a dearth of other options.
BTW, I was raised and educated in one of those “communities of very, very high unemployment,” South Central LA. That doesn’t stop one from achieving in school and, thusly, accruing more than one option. I simply wanted to exercise one of many.
Rangel is playing the “poor Americans of color are lesser beings” card. I wonder if he knows that and is merely playing to the cheaper seats in said group and/or white Americans who will admit to believing that falsehood when safely ensconced behind closed doors.
Actually, I don’t wonder.
baldilocks on November 26, 2006 at 9:38 PM
Just wondering — Based on the bolded part of Allah’s quote, does Rangel even know there are women in the military these days? What conservative would escape criticism if he or she failed to mention our “men and women” in the military?
Tom
BizzyBlog.com
Tom Blumer on November 26, 2006 at 9:51 PM
Some people DO join up just for a paycheck, some join for the education benefits, others join up to “see the world”, but imost join because they feel it is their patriotic duty (and that’s only the ones who’ll admit it) to their country.
I learned more in my four years in the service than all of my liberal friends did in four years of college. They don’t know squat, they can’t name their Senators and they can’t even find Iran on a map, however, ask ‘em about Britney Spears or Fiddy Cent and they become experts.
Thank you to all the Hotair posters and readers who served or put up with a military hubby or wife and accepted the military lifestyle.
Tony737 on November 26, 2006 at 10:10 PM
Thank you to all who serve, and to all who served, including the many commenters here, so that we can be free and free to be stupid, including Charlie Rangel, who never ceases to glorify in his righteous naiveness.
Entelechy on November 26, 2006 at 10:40 PM
Thanks to all of you that have served this country including our colonel, rplat, who protected us for 35 years.
shooter on November 26, 2006 at 10:40 PM
The inmates are running the asylum now. It’s going to be a LONG two years.
Hack Ptui on November 26, 2006 at 11:10 PM
I was thinking the same thing. I think Rangel has a moral authority card that Sen. Kerry/I do not have.
http://hotair.com/archives/2006/11/06/hot-air-introducesthe-absolute-moral-authority-card/
F15Mech on November 26, 2006 at 11:22 PM
Rangel is such an idiot.
Does he have any idea what a nut-ball he makes of himself in the eyes/ears of all of us out here in the real world?
Lawrence on November 26, 2006 at 11:25 PM
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