Let’s ensure that all Americans, including politicians and their families, have “skin in the game” before committing combat troops to defending Ukraine. Here’s how:
1. Enforce the War Powers Act, so the military commitment decision includes Congress, not just President Biden. Authorization must include measurable criteria for success and for termination, as well as a “sunset provision” requiring frequent reauthorization and funding by Congress.
2. Require that every member of Congress and senior executive branch leader under age 50 be immediately conscripted, sent to boot camp and placed in a combat role. They’ll remain in combat until their temporary replacements and Biden end military involvement in Ukraine.
3. Restart the military draft for all men and women ages 18 to 30. Children of the politicians described above will be selected first and also be deployed to front-line combat.
4. Require all Americans to pay their share of the cost of the war, which will be collected each year by the IRS. Taxpayers who claim dependents will be assessed for all family members.
Our brave volunteer soldiers shouldn’t shoulder the entire burden of war.
Jay Lynch
Upper St. Clair