Rep. Charles Rangel, D.-N.Y., like many of his left-wing colleagues, is at it again: playing the race card to initiate hatred among ethnic groups and disdain for the current administration.

Rangel has introduced a bill, which will not pass, to reinstate the military draft. The reason? In all likelihood, he believes that he can help his party win back precious minority votes lost to the Republican Party last November.

He argues that minorities make up a "disproportionate number" of troops in the military ("A slim possibility: Draft reinstitution could draw Penn Staters to war," Jan. 14 article) and reinstating the draft would help spread and share the sacrifice of military duty.

So what is wrong with Rangel's argument? The problem with the congressman, as is the problem with many left-wing proponents of the draft and opponents of a possible war against Iraq, is that he pities the men and women who are serving in the U.S. military when he should instead honor and cherish the sacrifices they are making to keep this nation free.

I have a great amount of respect and admiration for any man or woman, regardless of racial background, who has or is currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military.

It is a greater respect than I could bestow upon any veteran of Capitol Hill, greater than I could give any Fortune 500 company CEO, and greater than any other profession one can name.

It is time that we -- as Americans determined to bring freedom to the oppressed peoples of this world -- stand up against Rangel and the like and begin honoring our troops, black or white, man or woman, rich or poor.