I suppose President Obama is just cleaning up what's left of President Bush's war. But in order to make sure we bring our troops home right away and ensure that this sort of thing never happens again, I propose that we reinstate the draft.

This time, let's draft the rich, all three million or so citizens (ages 18 to 26) in the very top bracket of our nation's economic ladder. Do you really think we would ever go to war again if the rich kids had to die? No, because the rich like their way of life. Life is good.

The sons and daughters of CEOs would never have to go to war because Daddy would make sure of it. If Bush had sent his daughters to the front line, it would've sent a clear message that this is something actually worth fighting for. And, of course, their vehicles would be armored.

When they came home, they'd be put in the very best hospital suites (no queues outside for them) with the cutest nurses. Right now, our poor and disposable are fighting our wars for us and we collectively don't care if they ever come home (despite our magnetic yellow ribbons). If we want to end war altogether, draft the rich.

Kenny Armstrong
Woodland