Representative Chuck Rangel (D-NY), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee — arguably one of the most powerful men in congress — appears to have an on-going proclivity to land in the national spot-light. More often than not though, The Honorable Mr. Rangel finds the word “scandal” in the headlines that bear his name.

You may remember these: tax evasion, misuse of congressional funds, use of an unlicensed vehicle, refusal to pay parking fines for years, taking junkets and trips paid for by parties seeking congressional favors, hiding undeclared income from congress, acceptance of financial favors (including an interest free mortgage) from donors, and violation of New York’s rent-stabilization laws.

Last month, Rangel painted himself an even darker shade of shame by reintroducing a bill to reinstate the military draft of  all Americans aged 18-26. He claims the draft is the only way to ensure that the socio-economic profile of our fighting forces would more closely resemble the demography of our nation (translation: our poor and minorities are getting killed in battle while the rich white folks shirk their patriotic duty).

Never mind that Rangel ran this idea up the flagpole in 2006 (but with an age limit of 42) and suffered a 404-2 defeat in the House. And never mind the truth about the demographic makeup of our military. Riding their great white steed, The Heritage Foundation has run the numbers and published the not-so-startling results:

The Poor are Under-Represented in the Military

The Poor in the Military

Some Minorities are Under-Represented in the Military

The racial mix among military recruits compares relatively closely with the racial mix in the broader US population. Blacks and whites are slightly over represented and Native Americans are significantly over-represented. Americans of Asian and mixed-race descent are notably under-represented.

Minorities in the Military

High School Dropouts are Under-Represented in the Military

When considering basic education among recruits (ignoring college and other higher learning), very few under-educated Americans appear to join the military. Statistically speaking, the number of high school dropouts in the military is significantly below the rate within the broader population. (Note: Exclusion of college statistics results in a total of less than 100% in the table below.)

High School Education in the Military

Given this, does that mean Chuck Rangel has an issue with Asians, mixed-race Americans, and the poor? Or, is he simply fanning the flames of the racial conflict and class warfare (pitting the economic classes against each other)? Either way, if he prevails, more minorities and more of the poor will die in battle. Oh well, at least Rangel sounds like a hero to those who don’t filter the propaganda.

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Score on the International Stage: Putin-1, Obama-0
You won’t read it in the dominant media, but the U.S. military just got the boot from its base in Kyrgyzstan. Seems our former allies preferred the $2 billion Putin offered them to being on the same team with the Great Unifier.