I was listening to Christopher Lydon on Open Source and he was interviewing two Marine Captains. Both were ivy league grads and have great careers ahead. And both are soon going back to Iraq for the nth deployment.

They expressed the weight of the heavy burden they carry, being responsible for 40 Marines. And they also feel that the burden is not very well distributed across society ... the same people are going back over and over and getting the same result. In effect, we are driving America's finest insane.

I think that we should share the burden more evenly and I propose that we institute a draft.

But this draft should have special rules.

Rule 1 - Anyone between the ages of 18-29 must register.

Rule 2 - Children of the administration and congress would automatically be drafted if they are fit for service. As a sign of goodwill to the American People that their interests are being served well. No exceptions or exemptions on this rule.

Rule 3 - No exemptions, everyone must serve regardless of religion or heritage.

Rule 4 - Native Americans are exempt.

Draft number 1 and 2 would go to the Bush twins, and so forth through the administration and down to the newest member of congress. So if Dick Cheney's daughter was young enough she would get draft number 3.

It sounds like such a perfect arrangement and it would undoubtedly bring about some swift changes.

But then I thought ... what would happen if we gave George Bush another 200,000 strong to force his vision on the rest of the world. Not acceptable.

So my heart goes out to the Marine Captains and I hope they are able to bring most of their men and themselves back home.

But what I wouldn't give to see Bush's daughters in these guys shoes.