NationStates Jolt Archive

Well? If there was a draft in the U.S. or *your nation in RL* what would you do?

Personally - I would leave the nation. Its not cause I'm unpatriotic, or afraid, I just don;t believe in forcing people to fight.

I'm too young to be drafted, and my bro won't be drafted because he's already joined the Marines. if it happens when I grow up, I'll probably just go ahead and go into the military on my own free will, because if there's a draft, things definitely aren't going very well.

No worries. Too old for the draft.

If I was of age, I would go. Old military family.

Protest. You'd have a fair bit of trouble forcing the youth in this country into the draft. There'd be mass protest from about 95%.

No worries. Too old for the draft.

If I was of age, I would go. Old military family.Same with mine. My family's been a military family for a long time.

It would depend on the war. If it was a needless war like Vietnam or something, I would avoid the draft by emigrating. If it was a war to defend my country I would stay and fight.

But it's not going to happen because Ireland doesn't do offensive wars. :)

I'd go ahead and fight. However, because I'm way out of shape, have poor eyesight, and take antidepressents, I'd definitely be 4F.

I'd end up going.

It's illegal in Canada, so it's not likely to happen, but if forced I'd probably just join as a doctor or something.

And really, if your country is forcing you into the military, the situation is probably serious enough that if you left and went to another country, it would be wartorn or you'd also be drafted there.

It would depend on the war. If it was a needless war like Vietnam or something, I would avoid the draft by emigrating. If it was a war to defend my country I would stay and fight.

Ditto, I almost got called up for national service by France because my mother's French, only ever been there twice FFS.

It's illegal in Canada, so it's not likely to happen, but if forced I'd probably just join as a doctor or something.

Just wait how long it's gonna be illegal if somebody decided to invade Canada or if there's a real threat of invasion (don't see how its gonna be done, though. The invasion, that is).

It's all those bastard politicians. They keep changing the laws. Hurray for the status quo.

Been there, Done that, No reason to do it again.

I volunteered, though. The draft ended when I was 2 ... I think ... hard to remember ... I was very young at the time.

It's illegal in Canada, so it's not likely to happen, but if forced I'd probably just join as a doctor or something.

Heh .... not being offensive ... I adore Canada ... but are there even enough people there to ever justify any form of draft?
:D

Germany has a draft. But I was never called. And I also was to lazy to volunteer.

Relax there won't be a draft in the U.S. For politicians to reinstate it, would be political suicide. There would be too much backlash in todays world.

Heh .... not being offensive ... I adore Canada ... but are there even enough people there to ever justify any form of draft?

I know that you're joking, but having small amounts of citizens is a good reason for the draft. At least that's what they tell us here in Finland with 5 million people. When everybody knows how to shoot with an assault-rifle and, throw a hand grenade and fire a LAW, then all you have to do is hand them out, and you've got the beginnings of a good insurgency. I'd like being an insurgentist. You could sleep home and stalk your enemies at night. Of course, I could be doing the same thing now, but I lack decent enemies to stalk.

There are really two questions here.

1- What would you do if your country STARTED a draft?

I would protest it.

2- What would you do if YOU were drafted?

I would refuse to go. I would attempt to get conscientious objector status, which I know I wouldn't get, because I'm not a pacifist; merely opposed to fighting in this specific engagement (well, opposed to this specific one but also to forcing anyone to fight against their will).

So I'd go to jail. I don't want to leave my country; I'm proud to be an American and I love my country, family and friends here. But at the same time, I'm not going to be forced to fight, kill or die for a cause I don't believe in.

I refuse to die for a President I don't respect. Period.

I joined the Infantry, fought joined officers school and I am still in the army.. some of the best times in my life!
(I am from Israel btw, not an american)

For those of you that are U.S. citizens, you might want to go on Google and search "S 89" or "HR 163".

All that a US citizen being drafted must do is to say "i'm gay and I really like da p33n" or equivalent statement for females.

I don't think they'll ask you to prove it so what's the harm? :D

I was in the Navy for 5 1/2 years. The whole time I was there I put up with a lotta crap but I stuck it out. I talked to people who were drafted and served and those same people said they knew of folks who'd payed of the draft board to avoid it. Ninety-nine percent of the people in the Armed Forces are mostly poor; some are middle class. I know of a guy in the Army Reserve who doesn't even know he's been called up because Mom keeps throwin' away the notices. Most everyone here says they're patriotic, so they hang out their flags and support the war but they have no idea what goes on because of the propaganda machine or beause they've never served or because they have no intention of ever doing so. The draft will never be reinstated because the rich folks won't allow it. This caused the fall of Rome. In the end they had German mercenaries and they paid...this was the same people they'd been in conflict with for 2,000 years. It's the same with us. I saw people from China and many other aggressor states in our nation's Armed Forces who'd gotten in with a green card and weren't even citizens. Sure there's a screening process but this process is probably born of the same one that let the folks in who bombed the WTC. Actions speak louder than words.

As a yellow anarchist, I believe in no-aggression. So if the draft were reinstated, I would do a Captain Von Trapp and go to Switzerland. In Switzerland They have a policy of non-intervention, so the only time I'd have to worry about fighting would be if someone invaded. If that were the case, I'd be glad to defend my new country from foreign aggressors. :sniper:

I wouldn't want to join the army. They'd cut off my long beautiful locks.

I was in the Navy for 5 1/2 years. The whole time I was there I put up with a lotta crap but I stuck it out. I talked to people who were drafted and served and those same people said they knew of folks who'd payed of the draft board to avoid it. Ninety-nine percent of the people in the Armed Forces are mostly poor; some are middle class. I know of a guy in the Army Reserve who doesn't even know he's been called up because Mom keeps throwin' away the notices. Most everyone here says they're patriotic, so they hang out their flags and support the war but they have no idea what goes on because of the propaganda machine or beause they've never served or because they have no intention of ever doing so. The draft will never be reinstated because the rich folks won't allow it. This caused the fall of Rome. In the end they had German mercenaries and they paid...this was the same people they'd been in conflict with for 2,000 years. It's the same with us. I saw people from China and many other aggressor states in our nation's Armed Forces who'd gotten in with a green card and weren't even citizens. Sure there's a screening process but this process is probably born of the same one that let the folks in who bombed the WTC. Actions speak louder than words.

minor point. Rome had not been fighting the germans for 2000 years (pedantic i know!)

I would do everything i could if my Nation need my help

I'm also too old to be drafted except in the most dire of national emergencies and frankly, if the country is in bad enough shape that they're drafting me, we've got bigger problems to worry about than whether I want to serve or not.

But if the draft a la Vietnam era were ever restored, I'd try to get on to a local draft board and rule on issues of conscientious objectors and draft deferments and the like.

The children of the rich will not called up? Why? Ask George W Bush.

it would depend more on the enemy than anything

but seriously, im only a citizen of my country (Canada) by coincidence. I dont have the choice, so if they go to war and think i should have to, I would probably be more likely to go to war against my government than whatever foreign threat there was.

I wonder how many of the Americans on this board that complain about Bush actually went out the last election and voted?


Anyway, if the draft were ever reinstated, which I seriously doubt will happen, I would enlist in the Marines, of maybe the Air Force before I was drafted.

I wonder how many of the Americans on this board that complain about Bush actually went out the last election and voted?

Really? Because I wonder how many that complain were old enough to vote in the last election. I wasn't. But now I am. Fear the Youth, Bush! We don't like you!

As for the draft issue, I'm out. I'm either making a break for Canada or I'm going straight to Jail. I will not pass Go. I will not collect $200. If the US goes to war for a legitimate reason, and they need me, then they won't have to force me to go. For a cause I believe in, I'll gladly go out and fight and die. But for Iraq, for oil, for whatever, the cops can race me to the border.

Like everyone else has said....it depends on the circumstances
I wouldn't fight. Period. I'm not a pacifist, per se, but I couldn't kill anything...I don't even kill insects if I can help it (unless they attack me first)
So I guess under the circumstances that we were actually being attacked, I'd fight.
If I believed in the war effort, I'd join as a non-combatant.
If military service became mandatory, I'd move my family out of the country- because at that point, it wouldn't be my country anymore

I'd protest and be thrown in jail. If enough of us are thrown in jail, then the draft will stop. It cost too much to jail someone (money, politics, and good will) then it does to just let them go upon their lives.

My main reason is that the US does not always have justifiable wars/military actions always. Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. were not justifiable. Kosova was and that I would help out on.

I would fight for my country. My dad was actually drafted but as luck would have it, he was accepted into a US Military Academy so he didn't have to go. Graduated from the same Academy too.

As for me, I would volunteer before I was drafted. If the draft is reinstated, I would immediately go down and sign up with the USAF.

I would proudly serve in my country's nation, and I think I could quite possibly dodge a draft from the U.S army (since even though I'm a citizen, I'm also a citizen and permanent resident of Canada), I wouldn't though.

If it was more important (i.e if there was a shortage) I might help in a non-combatant role, but most likely I would simply serve in the military as a combatant.

I'd go...

If the country calls for you and needs you...its the right thing to do.

I'm a CO, and it's really against my religion. If the cause was defense or a fight against a truly evil regime, I might go. Or as a non-combatant.
But the US government wouldn't recognize my CO status, as I cannot ALWAYS turn the other cheek. So maybe I'd end up in the slammer.

I'd stay and fight.

There is a bill out that says that when you turn 18 you must serve in the army for at least one year. I personally think its a bunch of bullsh*t. :headbang:

I wonder how many of the Americans on this board that complain about Bush actually went out the last election and voted?


Anyway, if the draft were ever reinstated, which I seriously doubt will happen, I would enlist in the Marines, of maybe the Air Force before I was drafted.


Be prepared. I have a gut feeling the draft will reappear if he is re-elected. To have it now would be a campaign killer.

A buddy told me he read something that a bunch of money was allocated to upgrade the "recruitment" facilities.

Time will tell.....

If there was a draft I'd close the window and/or put on some extra clothing.

i wonder how much trouble a person could get into for saying to the draft board something to the effect of:

i'm an anarchist, which means i view government and hierarchy as my enemy much more than i could ever view the poor people that the other side makes fight its wars for them as my enemy. you, personally, are my enemies much more than anyone you will order me to shoot later. are you sure you want to give me weapons and training on how to use them?

Really? Because I wonder how many that complain were old enough to vote in the last election. I wasn't. But now I am. Fear the Youth, Bush! We don't like you!

As for the draft issue, I'm out. I'm either making a break for Canada or I'm going straight to Jail. I will not pass Go. I will not collect $200. If the US goes to war for a legitimate reason, and they need me, then they won't have to force me to go. For a cause I believe in, I'll gladly go out and fight and die. But for Iraq, for oil, for whatever, the cops can race me to the border.

I'd do the exact same thing. I'd rather do anything than be sent off to suffer a painful, untimely death.

well being in the military a draft really isnt something that worries me.

I'd protest and be thrown in jail. If enough of us are thrown in jail, then the draft will stop. It cost too much to jail someone (money, politics, and good will) then it does to just let them go upon their lives.

My main reason is that the US does not always have justifiable wars/military actions always. Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. were not justifiable. Kosova was and that I would help out on.

How was Kosovo justifiable? It was none of our damn business. After all, we're not the world's globocop (although Presidents from FDR to Bush have tried making us one...).

If I was drafted, I would stay and fight. I'd have to fight. I'd feel useless and wasted otherwise. But that's just me.

I highly doubt that the Draft will ever be reinstated here in the States. This topic came up in a U.S. History class of mine, and my teacher was kind enough to respond. He is part of the Army Spec Ops., and is currently over in Iraq serving a one-year tour. He left a few days before our Christmas vacaction came around.

Anyway. He said, "The only way the Draft would ever be seriously considered to be brought back into practice is if North Korea got the balls to invade the South. And even then, it's highly unlikely."

i wonder how much trouble a person could get into for saying to the draft board something to the effect of:

i'm an anarchist, which means i view government and hierarchy as my enemy much more than i could ever view the poor people that the other side makes fight its wars for them as my enemy. you, personally, are my enemies much more than anyone you will order me to shoot later. are you sure you want to give me weapons and training on how to use them?


they'd make you go anyway



as for myself, I'd go

my forefathers have given their time and sometimes lives for this country, I couldn't do any less

they'd make you go anyway

heh, armed insurrection here we come. and a bit of fragging on the side.

And be the first American executed for treason in a long long time eh Soviets?

whoever has the gut feeling that a draft will be reinstated if bush gets re-appointed - i agree, though i've a bit more than a gut feeling. more like a somewhat thorough analysis of history and an evaluation of what's going to happen to this country if he gets another 4 years (among other things, that it probably won't just be 4, unless somebody manages to assassinate him).

anyway, seeing's how i doubt that they'll accept my explanation for CO status, that i'm a citizen of russia (which drafts in peacetime) and not the US, and sure as hell not prepared to do jail time (especially with the current regime in power), i'd probably flee, though i still don't know how or where to, given my lack of an american passport.

i recall reading/hearing that canada, under the current draft bill, is no longer safe. can anyone confirm or deny this?

whoever has the gut feeling that a draft will be reinstated if bush gets re-appointed - i agree, though i've a bit more than a gut feeling. more like a somewhat thorough analysis of history and an evaluation of what's going to happen to this country if he gets another 4 years (among other things, that it probably won't just be 4, unless somebody manages to assassinate him).

anyway, seeing's how i doubt that they'll accept my explanation for CO status, that i'm a citizen of russia (which drafts in peacetime) and not the US, and sure as hell not prepared to do jail time (especially with the current regime in power), i'd probably flee, though i still don't know how or where to, given my lack of an american passport.

i recall reading/hearing that canada, under the current draft bill, is no longer safe. can anyone confirm or deny this?

Actually, it was a Democrat who sugested the draft - in order to make the service more 'representative' of the population. Bush, being pro-military would oppose it.

The loudest opponents to the draft are the military men and women. They want to know that the person covering their six is there because they chose to be, not because they were conscripted. It is proven that a volunteer force is far more effective than an involuntary one.

The US military is the most deadly opponent in the world, and service in Iraq, though perious, is not as much more perilous as one would expect compared to living in any western industrialized nation when you look at mortality rates (http://youth.ucsf.edu/nahic/img/Mortality.pdf) for men 20-24 years of age.

It is considerably more perilous to be foolish enough to take on the US.

I would be, and was, proud to serve in the American Military. There is no higher honor than to serve your nation selflessly and contribute to protecting America - even including the selfish pussies who would run away before such an honor, while basking in it's benefits.

For those who would leave the country if there were a draft I ask, "Why wait? If you don't love this country well enough to serve for her, then why are you here? What right have you to the freedoms and rights you would not defend? You should go someplace else where you would be not only willing, but eager to serve your nation."

I am opposed to force and forcing someone to fight and to kill is immoral and I stand against it and probably would as I already have now spoke out against it. I would serve preferably as a non combatant or would prefer to sign up and serve of my own free will. All this is only needed if the nation is truly being threatened and ground troops are of actual use

What sucks is the elections are over soon and neither bush nor kerry are very trustworthy on this issue, hell no politician/government is. And I just happen to have 2 years till I turn eighteen so unless they don't have a draft for the next 10 years I will be drafted when they have one.

In my country the draft is actually in place for the male population. However they are exceptions and you can do a civil service.
Or you can be qualified as unfit to do military service. You just need to think about something which may hinder you.
Well, somehow I managed that actually, but don´t ask me how.

It doesn’t matter if there were a draft or not. My ass would section eight within a matter of weeks if not days if I ever joined the military.

If I were drafted, I'd make like Richard Feynman and convince the army doctors that I'm nuts! :headbang: :gundge:

highest honor? oy...nevermind. i don't want a flamefest.

it's one thing to defend freedoms. it's another to fight for a regime which attempts to destroy those freedoms left and right, both at home and in other countries. in short - i would never fight for bush (unless it came down to that or a firing squad, but i digress).

for the record, i agree with the decisions to invade iraq and afghanistan. it's obvious to me that the iraqi invasion had little reason behind it other than oil, but however much i dislike this country's government, i know that i'd be much worse off under saddam.

and i'd probably get section 8ed before they even give me a uniform, but i doubt that that wouldn't simply cause more problems if this country started drafting, especially during peacetime.

just be glad (many of you, anyway) that you weren't born 60 years before you actually were.

where're you from, kybernetia?

I plan to join the army anyway. However, I don't think it's right to force people to do so, so I would protest a draft if it was instated. Hell, most people in the military don't want a draft, because they don't want their lives to depend on someone who didn't want to join anyway.

In my country the draft is a joke, and I don't think we will be fighting any war soon. If we did, it would be because of invasion and frankly I'd rather run for it than die.

War is terrible, and the people who always suffer the most are the invaded. My family security comes first. But if the invading mofo's touch anybody of my family, they just helped their enemies enlist their worst nightmare.

I'd stay and fight. Besides, look at the bright side. Veterans are treated like kings in this country, getting lavished with a nice pension, life-long benefits for free, and a very cool burial.

in short - i would never fight for bush (unless it came down to that or a firing squad, but i digress).


where're you from, kybernetia?


Nice example. Political party first, American second. Good thing conservatives don't feel that way or there would be NO army during liberal administrations.

where're you from, kybernetia?
I´m from Germany.

It would depend on the war. If it was a needless war like Vietnam or something, I would avoid the draft by emigrating. If it was a war to defend my country I would stay and fight.

But it's not going to happen because Ireland doesn't do offensive wars. :)


Right on, bro. I don't believe in killing, so I would avoid any war the US got into fighting another country needlessly...

But if it was to defend the US border from invading forces, I'd be the first one on the front lines!!!

Go. I couldn't live knowing that some other kid would go in my place and die.

Id go. What makes you think you can circumvent the civic duty that millions have responded to before? And good one Bozzy, people are far too attached to their party and not their country.

I'd have to say that serving your country is the highest honor, but not militarily. The military is used as a weapon of conquest, the only time where I see it as an honor is when you do it to protect your own country, not invade someone else's.

I would run personally because in the modern sense, the draft would only be used to provide more people for the armed forces to use for the wars currently in progress. The U.S. military is streatched too thin as it is, if another 'pre-emptive' war breaks out, then the military will need to get more people.

I have to agree that a volunteer army is better than a forced army, people who don't want to be there have a tendancy not to fight.

I would pray that they counted my lack of arch in my foot, and my vision as dissability, but if they did not I would definately go. It would be an insult to the soldiers before me if I did anything else.

Refuse. Not sure if I'd rather get out of it lawfully (like by moving), or stay and cause a scene.

Of course, I'm not old enough yet.

i wonder how much trouble a person could get into for saying to the draft board something to the effect of: i'm an anarchist, which means i view government and hierarchy as my enemy much more than i could ever view the poor people that the other side makes fight its wars for them as my enemy. you, personally, are my enemies much more than anyone you will order me to shoot later. are you sure you want to give me weapons and training on how to use them?

If you really were selected for the draft, then I think you'd just end up cooking porridge or cleaning latrines. Not everyone ends up actually shooting at the enemy. The armed forces thrive on examples and if word got out, then there'd be lots of people claiming the same thing. For example, during WW2 in the summer of 1944 (there was a huge soviet offensive, which broke the Finnish line totally), the Finnish army was shooting deserters left and right, and I doubt anyone cared why they deserted or refused to fight.

I cant be drafted, so I wouldnt worry.

But depending on the reason for why we were at war...I might help in some way.

I cant be drafted, so I wouldnt worry.
Why not?

My thoughts on a draft:

--Right now under King George II: Forget it. I don't give a damn if we're overrun by the fucking Saudis and Chinese at once; Dubya can go fuck off.

--Under another person: Depends on why the draft is in force. If it's another World War, sign me up. I will fight and try not to die, and probably come back with some kind of permanent damage of some sort, even if it's only skin-deep. If it's another Iraq, hell no. The only reason I would go to war in another Iraq is if it kept my brother from going. If I have to go to Abu Ghraib and strap a bomb to my chest to keep my brother from being forced into active duty (he's not in the military, but no way in hell will I let him be drafted) I will do it.

Why not?


Becuase Im the only surviving male in my family.

Im the only one who can "carry on the family name".

Thus, according to the law, I cannot be drafted against my will, although I can volunteer, if I wish.

Becuase Im the only surviving male in my family.

Im the only one who can "carry on the family name".

Thus, according to the law, I cannot be drafted against my will, although I can volunteer, if I wish.
Are you 100% positive that law is still the same? I heard something about that law recently and I can't remember exactly what it was now...

Are you 100% positive that law is still the same? I heard something about that law recently and I can't remember exactly what it was now...


I was up until recently.

I dont believe it has changed, but I wouldnt bhe surprised to find out that it has.

Id go. What makes you think you can circumvent the civic duty that millions have responded to before?

One of the reasons my family came to America was to AVOID being drafted by a government they disagreed with. Since coming here, many of my relatives have served in the Army when drafted.

That was their right. It is similarly my right to refuse the draft- AS LONG as I'm willing to face the consequences. I'm not hiding, I'm not running away, and I'm not trying to get out of anything. I'm not going to pretend I'm gay or try to be medically disqualified- although I have a few things that might, indeed, keep me out of combat.

I'm being totally honest and open about where I'm coming from. It's my choice, and I accept the consequences of that choice. This is not circumvention. It is standing up for one's principles.

Out of curiosity - does anyone know what the jail senatance is for avoiding the draft?

As the only surviving son of your family, is that becuase of military deaths, becuase that is the only thing that will disqualify you for the draft.

You cannot be disqualified for being an only son/child, or having a brother/mother/sister/father in the service (you just can't be posted with them). What does disqualify you is that if you have had a father/mother/sister/brother killed in military service, you are not eligible for the draft. And yes, this law is still in affect.

I would fight for my country, ONLY if we were at a righteous war against a sworn enemy. I would fight for the good of my country, NOT the good of some company's oil profit.

Out of curiosity - does anyone know what the jail senatance is for avoiding the draft?

Someone told me it's however long your service would have been. So I guess it depends on cirumstances.

Incidentally, that law Backwoods mentioned- are you sure you're allowed to enlist if you're the last surviving son? My grandfather tried to enlist after his only brother was killed in WW2- the army refused to take him because he was the last surviving son.

Out of curiosity - does anyone know what the jail senatance is for avoiding the draft?

The Selective Service Act calls for all male residents of the United States to register for possible conscription, or draft, into military service, This can be done at any post office from one month before to one month after their 18th birthdays. The names of those who sign up go into a pool of potential draftees until the age of 26. If there is a draft, those men would be called into the armed service.
The penalties for non-registrants are imprisonment and fine, but the Selective Service System has not prosecuted anyone since 1986 and fines have never been imposed. Enforcement comes with the power of Congress to deny federal student loans and federal employment to nonregistrants. The penalties are known as the Solomon Laws, after Rep. Gerald Solomon (R.- N.Y.), who introduced them. Since then, some states have passed their own little Solomon Laws denying a variety of benefits to nonregistrants, including enrollment in some state colleges. Nonregistrants have to search for alternate funds for their education and narrow their choices for schools and employment
Those who refuse to register will probably not be prosecuted. If they do not need the funds for college and do not need government employment, they may suffer no other penalty. If they change their minds, they may register late and satisfy the requirement of the Solomon Laws for these benefits. But the Selective Service System will not accept late registrations after the age of 26 years. Having waited this long cuts these young men off permanently from benefits unless the Selective Service System is closed down and the legal requirement to register is canceled.

On another note, you cannot register as a Conscientous Objector when you register, if a draft is put into effect, you can then be registered as a CO.

Someone told me it's however long your service would have been. So I guess it depends on cirumstances.

Incidentally, that law Backwoods mentioned- are you sure you're allowed to enlist if you're the last surviving son? My grandfather tried to enlist after his only brother was killed in WW2- the army refused to take him because he was the last surviving son.

As I posted, you cannot be drafted or conscripted (or taken into service, though this one may have changed) if your brother or father has been killed in military service. Mothers and Sisters were recently added to this list, as they are now part of the US Military.

I don't think it's been mentioned in this thread, but, there is a bill in the House and the Senate to re-enact the draft, for both men and women between the ages of 18-26.

The Universal National Service Act of 2003, H.R. 163 & S. 89. It's unfortinate to see the sponsor of H.R. 163 is New York Represenative Charlie Wrangle. The Senate bill is being sponsored by Senator Ernest Holdings of South Carolina.

Although it would be immensly unpopular, a couple of million dollars have been allocated to restoring the local draft boards.

Personally, if there was a draft, I would protest it and probably be a consiounous objector. However, I think the bills (both are in Sub-Comittee right now) still require objectors to enter into a non-combative position.

The above laws I posted only tell you what will happen if you refuse to register. so don't think if your called up in a draft that you will get away clean, maybe with a fine and no federal job. If you are called up and do not show up, the jail sentence is usually 5-8 years.

Although it would be immensly unpopular, a couple of million dollars have been allocated to restoring the local draft boards.

These boards were only recently taken down in 2001, but we have had no draft for over two decades, just becuase the boards exist does not mean a draft is inevitable.

it's one thing to defend freedoms.

It is quite another thing to be told that you must defend those freedoms.

It is incredibly unlikely that the draft would ever be introduced where I live - Northern Ireland - even during WWII when it was introduced throughout the rest of the UK it wasn't extended here, same when National Service was compulsory in the rest of the UK until the fifties. The political situation then as now was just too volatile already without training every able-bodied man (possibly woman) of the appropriate age how to shoot and how to fight. We have quite enough of those people already. Despite the draft not being introduced here during WWII there was massive voluntary enlistment.

Personally speaking: I'm probably too old unless the shit really hits the fan at 32, and I think my history of involvement with alternative culture and community groups would back up any claims I made to be a CO, but whether I made those claims would depend on the nature of the crisis. In some situations I might accept civilian service instead.

I don't think it's been mentioned in this thread, but, there is a bill in the House and the Senate to re-enact the draft, for both men and women between the ages of 18-26.

The Universal National Service Act of 2003, H.R. 163 & S. 89. It's unfortinate to see the sponsor of H.R. 163 is New York Represenative Charlie Wrangle. The Senate bill is being sponsored by Senator Ernest Holdings of South Carolina.

Although it would be immensly unpopular, a couple of million dollars have been allocated to restoring the local draft boards.

Personally, if there was a draft, I would protest it and probably be a consiounous objector. However, I think the bills (both are in Sub-Comittee right now) still require objectors to enter into a non-combative position.

I believe these bills are pigeonholed and will never see an actual vote. They were originally introduced prior to beginning of hostilities in Iraq as a protest to the war momentum. The idea behind them was to so restrict potential loopholes for avoiding service, that congressional children would have to serve, thus hopefully making Congress think twice about sending anyone at all.

These boards were only recently taken down in 2001, but we have had no draft for over two decades, just becuase the boards exist does not mean a draft is inevitable.

True, but the fact that they are being restaffed and made "ready" is disturbing, to say the least. It certainly doesn't mean a draft is likely to happen anytime soon, but it is a step closer to the reinstatement of conscription.

How was Kosovo justifiable? It was none of our damn business. After all, we're not the world's globocop (although Presidents from FDR to Bush have tried making us one...).

In my opinion it was justifiable and I might have taken part. If you didn't think it was, then it would be your right to not take part.

In my opinion it was justifiable since it was a humanatarian aid mission to prevent a genocide from taking place.