Pretty much everyone voted against Bush. I actually liked some of Kerry's traits, but if the Republicans had run someone more centrist, I could have been persuaded to vote Republican.

I agree that it would be difficult to trick someone into re-enlisting, but I can't see it as completely impossible.

Theoretically, the government is not allowed to refuse to allow permits to be handed out on political grounds. I have no idea whether this means they never do this or not. Probably doesn't.