Today, President Bush argued that the war in Iraq was akin to America's fight against the Nazis in World War II. As such, he is sending a bill to Congress asking the nation impose a draft and has directed his cabinet to make preparations for "the federal government to take over certain industres." The move is expected to transition the US into a "wartime economy" so that the country can defeat the forces of terror.
"For years now I've been saying how dangerous these guys are, the Al-Qaiedas," said Bush, "but I've gone ahead with largest tax cuts in American history and refused to provide additional weapons and armor for the army."
Bush's latest comments shows a reversal in the administration's past policy of highlighting the threat Al-Qaieda posed to national security while underfunding and undermanning American forces and national security. "When fighting a force whose goal is to destroy us and our allies, I as your President must do all I can to insure your safety. To do so means I must fight the terrorists, and if we're to win, we must all sacrifice."
Few political allies and detractors thought Bush would ever take such a stand. "When Bush talked about the need to fight terrorism I expected it would remain talk and just talk," said Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), "but now he actually wants us to help pay for this?" McConnell's sentiments hinted that Republicans would not support the all-out effort that Bush advocated.
When told of McConnell's statement, an undisclosed administration figure replied, "well...I think there's some wiggle room on the tax issue. I don't expect the senate will hesistate much sending poor kids off to fight."