Suprise suprise

Young republi-can support the war. Young republi-cant be involved in fighting it. Oh to be young and selfish again. Here is the future of republican patriotude. Thanks to SteveM for the heads up.

Young Republicans support Iraq war, but not all are willing to join the fight

By Adam Smeltz

Knight Ridder Newspapers

NEW YORK - Young Republicans gathered here for their party's national convention are united in applauding the war in Iraq, supporting the U.S. troops there and calling the U.S. mission a noble cause.

But there's no such unanimity when they're asked a more personal question: Would you be willing to put on the uniform and go to fight in Iraq?

In more than a dozen interviews, Republicans in their teens and 20s offered a range of answers. Some have friends in the military in Iraq and are considering enlisting; others said they can better support the war by working politically in the United States; and still others said they think the military doesn't need them because the U.S. presence in Iraq is sufficient.

"Frankly, I want to be a politician. I'd like to survive to see that," said Vivian Lee, 17, a war supporter visiting the convention from Los Angeles,

Lee said she supports the war but would volunteer only if the United States faced a dire troop shortage or "if there's another Sept. 11."

Watch out what you wish for Viv. But it is nice that you realize that a combat zone is not so safe, and even better that because of the proud example set by dear leader and the mighty band of chickenhawks, that military service has become irrelevant to the furtherance of a political career. Now Viv, I am sure that you are well connected and will convenienlty be issued a high draft number when the draft is reinstated by executive order the minute your man takes office. Allright, do we have any budding Tom Delays in the group?

"As long as there's a steady stream of volunteers, I don't see why I necessarily should volunteer," said Lee, who has a cousin deployed in the Middle East.

Yes our friend Viv is happy that all those patriotic poor and minorities keep streaming into the military, so really there's no point. Ding ding Delay...

"If there was a need presented, I would go," said Chris Cusmano, a 21-year-old member of the College Republicans organization from Rocky Point, N.Y. But he said he hasn't really considered volunteering.

Credit Chris with "at least on paper" showing up if called. No fancy flights to Canada for this patriot. Lets look at some of the other reasons presented by the junior chickenhawk brigade.

"I physically probably couldn't do a whole lot" in Iraq, said Tiffanee Hokel, 18, of Webster City, Iowa, who called the war a moral imperative. She knows people posted in Iraq, but she didn't flinch when asked why she wouldn't go.

"I think I could do more here," Hokel said, adding that she's focusing on political action that supports the war and the troops.

"We don't have to be there physically to fight it," she said.

Similarly, 20-year-old Jeff Shafer, a University of Pennsylvania student, said vital work needs to be done in the United States. There are Republican policies to maintain and protect and an economy to sustain, Shafer said.

Party first, Country second. Support the war first, the troops second. could someone get a call out to the priority police. This is patriotism at its finest hour. The pride that these young Cowards Patriots have for their Country Party is nothing short of inspirational. There are republican policies to maintain and protect afterall, why should young and talented kids get dirty fighting terrorists in Freedoms great Flypaper
zone, when they can work to support the party. One people, One party, One Leader.