NationStates Jolt Archive

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

I would if I could, but I can't so I don't really have to worry about it.

Depends on the fight, but I'd probably join a non-fighting branch of the service.

Yes, though I imagine it'd be a behind the lines type deal as mentioned above. Though I dunno! The Army wanted me in Field Intelligence or Field Artillery when they were trying to recruit me...

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?


Where would I be serving and fighting?

And do I have another option as there are no bordering nations?

No. I'd be out on the streets rioting if it started. The draft is shit, will be shit, and always has been shit. It's a means for rich old congressmen to send innocent kids who never wanted a part of their fucking wars to go die so that they can have more power, or more money.

Thanks, but I'd rather burn draft cards.

If it was for something I really believed in, like saving my family or stopping invasion or fighting a massive invasion force of Shirley Phelps clones, I would tear my shirt off and kick ass all Arnold Scharzzenegger (fuck spelling) style.

Where would I be serving and fighting?
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of ones principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of ones principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

Well it would depend on whether I accepted the war or not. If I did, I might, otherwise I'd protest with probably 90% of the rest of this countries young people.

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

Well, currently I am of Selective Service (draft) age in the U.S. where I live, by default that makes me at least 18, and knowing that I am registered for the draft, I could well move to a different country, I have voted thus far in two elections, that makes me part of the democratic system, well it also makes me an active American citizen, and I realize that the \draft may well be called within five years, I would absolutely serve, and if I was unwilling to serve, I would leave the country now, not when I don't like the situation, moreover, I would happily give my life for the freedom, or defense of freedom of others

I hope a draft is declared in the United States, but that it only lasts until all the cowards have fled. As soon as they are gone, the draft could end but those who ran away from their country when it needed them would not be allowed to return. Ever.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." (John Stuart Mill)

Well, currently I am of Selective Service (draft) age in the U.S. where I live, by default that makes me at least 18, and knowing that I am registered for the draft, I could well move to a different country, I have voted thus far in two elections, that makes me part of the democratic system, well it also makes me an active American citizen, and I realize that the \draft may well be called within five years, I would absolutely serve, and if I was unwilling to serve, I would leave the country now, not when I don't like the situation, moreover, I would happily give my life for the freedom, or defense of freedom of others

I disagree. I live in this country because I live here, not because I owe you, or some old man looking to make a killing in the next Iraq anything. I live here for my family and my friends. I don't give a shit about your laws, or your "nation", or your "patriotism". I'm an American in the real sense of the word: I am a person who is involved in the community of America and who chooses to remain as a part of that community.

The draft is not part of America, the draft is not what makes one American or not, the draft is not what makes you patriotic or not. The draft is just a bad law created to enslave children who have not yet truly lived to fight wars for the old, so that they can remain happy. I am not an old man's slave. That does not mean I should leave this country.

Part of the social contract is that you can renegotiate it. I seek to do so, and I am justified in doing so.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." (John Stuart Mill)

And what would Mill know about freedom? He was a socialist and a silly utilitarian.

And what would Mill know about freedom? He was a socialist and a silly utilitarian.

He writes well, and the quote was relevant to the discussion at hand.

It really depends on the circumstances.

If my country was invaded, or was in real danger of invasion, I think I would.

If it was a situation such as Iraq, where we have invaded another country, I definitely wouldn't.

I probably would serve for the sole reason that I couldn't live with the fact that if I didn't go, someone else would have to

I would, if my country was being invaded. Also, if it was a war I believed in (like WWII).

I really wouldnt go to a foreign country to fight a war I did not believe in.

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?
Am i allowed to commit war crimes?

I was actually thinking about joining the army until i realised that there was no possible way i would ever pass the medical, so i think that means that in principle i would join up (tho not in front line action, im not sure i could bring myself to shoot someone, i would hopefully get put in the engineers core) but in practice i couldnt join if i wanted to.

Its not that i like the concept of fighting btw tho that made me want to join up, it was just the guarenteed job at the end. I dont like or agree with the concept of fighting other nations.

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

Absolutely. Of course, I would be sent to fight anyway, once I get out of ROTC, so I may be kind of biased. To me, integrity, pride and honour are very much the most important virtues, and they are inextricably intertwined, both with a sense of duty and an obligation to serve.

Absolutely no way.

No fat fuck politician is going to make me do anything I dont really want to do, especially when it involves getting shot at.

Forcing anyone into a military unit against thier will is absolutely unconstitutional, as far as I am concerned, and exactly the opposite of an ideal that seems to be punched in the balls with every opportunity.

Aside from my instant disdain for any branch of the armed services that would have me as a member, I may in fact, volunteer under the right circumstances. However, these would have to be severe circumstances indeed.

However, I would also most certainly not run to Canada.
I am an American citizen goddamit, and I refuse to run from standing up for my ideals.
I would steadfastly refuse to be drafted, and deal with whatever consequences arose.

Depends on the circumstances. The circumstances being that for to join up I the homeland of the country should be threatened, and that I be allowed conscientious objector status be be assigned to be a medic, nurse or something in food logistics.

At 65 they could if I were a General. ( with pension etc...)

However, I would also most certainly not run to Canada.
I am an American citizen goddamit, and I refuse to run from standing up for my ideals.
I would steadfastly refuse to be drafted, and deal with whatever consequences arose.

Conviction, and honour. While I would go off to war, and you probably off to prison, somehow I think that we would both be fighting for ideals and thus serving our country in its own way. It's those that high tail out of the country out of fear of consequence that get my ire. I agree a draft is unconstitutional, but I would not go to prison for it, although your decision may be the stronger statement.

At 65 they could if I were a General. ( with pension etc...)65? Hmm... sounds like you would make good cannon fodder sir. ;)

I can't remember which Roman said this, but...
The generals! They are numerous but not good for much!

Whoops... I got it totally wrong. It was a Greek who said, my favourite Greek playwright no less - Aristophanes. He teh funneh.

*hides in shame*

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

Nope not at all. Fight for what? Against who? I'd fight for my family, but for my country? Hehe not a chance.

Nay.

I've already served my country and community for 15 months.

I got drafted, became a conscientious objector, and served as a paramedic.

I've had my fair share of mutilated and dead people.

No.

If it were a situation where there was the danger of Australia being occupied by a foreign army, should I feel that said army presents a threat to my freedom, I would fight against it. Although it would probably not be in a regular army unit - i'd much rather be a partisan. Otherwise, no.

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?
If a war requires a draft to get people to go fight in it, then we shouldn't be fighting that war.

I live on an island so there is no bordering nation...But I might try to swim to greenland.

No, I'm too gay for the army. Frankly even if they reversed their policy in event of a draft I'd tell 'em to fuck off. I wasn't good enough before and now that you're desperate I'll be happy to tell you off.

If a war requires a draft to get people to go fight in it, then we shouldn't be fighting that war.

Given that most people in the military are not "trigger pullers" (only some 60,000 out of the 1.5 million service members in the US military), drafting would mostly be an attempt to provide "the rest of the staff" - but a very bad method of doing so, because most of those other jobs require extensive training which can last as long as a year.

Even training regular infantry (with no special skills, and no abilities as NCOs) takes a month. And we just don't have the need for that many trigger pullers unless we plan on occupying a foreign country forever.

If a war requires a draft to get people to go fight in it, then we shouldn't be fighting that war.

QFT

If my country goes to war and a draft is declared, well, I would be pissed at the fact that I have been paying all these years a lot of taxes to pay for the Defense budget and the standard armed forces maintenance. I mean, I have been paying all these years money to maintain these guys for doing nothing, and when we finally need them, they FORCE us to do their job? Please!

I would go guerrilla, without doubt. Perhaps I would even help our invaders.

I probably would be like "meh" and enlist anyway, because then I could choose my own branch. Maybe I could get into strategic nuclear command and blow up huge areas of other places, if I'm lucky.

Would I serve?

Depends: if it's a war of defense or a preemptive war with enough evidence to support that it's defensive, of course.

If it's a war for moral reasons like Kosovo or if we were to go into Darfur, of course.

If it's a war of conquest or economics or something like that, no. But I wouldn't flee. I would have to take jail time.

I can't join the military for whatever reason. There would be a possibility that I would have to kill other Muslims, which is unacceptable.

I would defy it and refuse to serve.

I refuse to kill and die for the power interests of the US ruling class.

I already served without being drafted and would do so again. When I was 17 and in my senior year I joined the Navy Reserves. A year later I joined the active duty Air Force, was discharged from the Navy, and spent 26 years on active duty.

I disagree. I live in this country because I live here, not because I owe you, or some old man looking to make a killing in the next Iraq anything. I live here for my family and my friends. I don't give a shit about your laws, or your "nation", or your "patriotism". I'm an American in the real sense of the word: I am a person who is involved in the community of America and who chooses to remain as a part of that community.

The draft is not part of America, the draft is not what makes one American or not, the draft is not what makes you patriotic or not. The draft is just a bad law created to enslave children who have not yet truly lived to fight wars for the old, so that they can remain happy. I am not an old man's slave. That does not mean I should leave this country.

Part of the social contract is that you can renegotiate it. I seek to do so, and I am justified in doing so.



And what would Mill know about freedom? He was a socialist and a silly utilitarian.

Good thing for you the original inhabitants of our country did not see things as you do because back then everyone fought. All people of a certain age were required to serve in the militia, and the militia served along side regular troops when fighting troubles such as attacks from Maurauding natives, or later on in the war for independence, and again in 1812. And if they did not give a shit about the "Nation" or "patriotism" then today you would be a citizen of the British Commonwealth and would live under a different set of rules. So you do not owe me squat....but you owe the people who came before you everything you have today......like being able to call yourself an American , and voicing your opinion about being against what that other person beleives.

The problem with people is they want all the benefits of living in this country but they want none of the responsibilities that go along with those benefits.

And what does being a socialist or a utilitarian have about somebody knowing what freedom is? I can think of many "socialist" who fought and died for their freedoms and for their country ......and before you ask some were from our country and many others did it for their own countries freedoms.

And just what is the real sense of the word "American" ?

QFT

SO are you saying we should not have fought the Second World war?

If a war requires a draft to get people to go fight in it, then we shouldn't be fighting that war.

Actually I should have pointed that remark to you. Are you saying we should not have fought in the Second World War?

Actually I should have pointed that remark to you. Are you saying we should not have fought in the Second World War?
If the American people could not be convinced to believe in the war enough to voluntarily fight it, then no.

Would I, personally, have volunteered to participate in that war effort? Absolutely. Would I have encouraged other people to do so? Absolutely. But would I support a draft to produce soldiers who did not choose to volunteer? Absolutely not.

No. I would not. I can not imagine any scenario where allowing myself to be drafted would be the smartest or most moral choice.

If I think a war needs fighting, I will volunteer, thank you very much.

If I do not, then I would rather live on my feet than die on my knees.

If they bring the fight to Montreal, then it does not matter if I have been conscripted or not, does it?

Running away FTW!

Most times I'd defy it, which is why I picked run away. But there are certain situations where I'm sure I'd fight. But like others have said, those situations probably wouldn't require a draft.

Psh, only if a fascist army was invading and by fascist I mean any group of disagreeable people seeking to impose their values on everyone else, if it was something petty Id stay and defy the reasons to go war within my own country, then flee before the patriotic mobs would come and kill me, and annoy them from the safey of another country. Even in the case of the former Id be hard pressed to serve IF it meant serving on the front line.

Good thing for you the original inhabitants of our country did not see things as you do because back then everyone fought. All people of a certain age were required to serve in the militia, and the militia served along side regular troops when fighting troubles such as attacks from Maurauding natives, or later on in the war for independence, and again in 1812. And if they did not give a shit about the "Nation" or "patriotism" then today you would be a citizen of the British Commonwealth and would live under a different set of rules. So you do not owe me squat....but you owe the people who came before you everything you have today......like being able to call yourself an American , and voicing your opinion about being against what that other person beleives.

The problem with people is they want all the benefits of living in this country but they want none of the responsibilities that go along with those benefits.

And what does being a socialist or a utilitarian have about somebody knowing what freedom is? I can think of many "socialist" who fought and died for their freedoms and for their country ......and before you ask some were from our country and many others did it for their own countries freedoms.

And just what is the real sense of the word "American" ?

Amen

If the American people could not be convinced to believe in the war enough to voluntarily fight it, then no.

Would I, personally, have volunteered to participate in that war effort? Absolutely. Would I have encouraged other people to do so? Absolutely. But would I support a draft to produce soldiers who did not choose to volunteer? Absolutely not.

Actually everyone was convinced to fight the draft ensures that the proper number of people are assigned to the branches of military where they are needed so as not to overload say the navy.

Psh, only if a fascist army was invading and by fascist I mean any group of disagreeable people seeking to impose their values on everyone else, if it was something petty Id stay and defy the reasons to go war within my own country, then flee before the patriotic mobs would come and kill me, and annoy them from the safey of another country. Even in the case of the former Id be hard pressed to serve IF it meant serving on the front line.

That is no where near the definition of Fascist, in fact, it is so wrong that I wonder if you realize what a Fascism is to any extent.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

It depends on what the war was about. I might very well flee if it was just another meaningless war.

I hope a draft is declared in the United States, but that it only lasts until all the cowards have fled. As soon as they are gone, the draft could end but those who ran away from their country when it needed them would not be allowed to return. Ever.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." (John Stuart Mill)

I really, really like that idea, it would weed out all those who think AMerica sucks, and is terrible, but for some reason still think its ok to live here and not try to change anything.

It depends on what the war was about. I might very well flee if it was just another meaningless war.

Define 'meaningless'. even the misconception of the War in Iraq to get oil would make the war by definition not meaningless....

How about this? Mandatory service.

I like the way the Germans set it up - you can serve in the military, or you can serve as a civil servant in some capacity.

That way, everyone has to work for their country in order to have full rights granted, but if you don't agree with the military, you still help your community, and when a war does start that requires large amounts of people, you already have people with training to pull up. Each side would get same benefits, etc., so you couldn't bitch that you joined the military just for the benefits.

I look at it this way - if you buy a kid a toy for christmas, he'll play with it for a week and stick it on the shelf. If a kid works for the money and buys it himself, he's a lot more likely to play with it all the time.

How about this? Mandatory service.

I like the way the Germans set it up - you can serve in the military, or you can serve as a civil servant in some capacity.

That way, everyone has to work for their country in order to have full rights granted, but if you don't agree with the military, you still help your community, and when a war does start that requires large amounts of people, you already have people with training to pull up. Each side would get same benefits, etc., so you couldn't bitch that you joined the military just for the benefits.

I know of, and strongly agree with that policy, although I think the German system is only one(?) year, maybe two, I think that it should be increased to three or four... for charachter building, I am sure it would also help add attachment to said country, which is something America desperately needs.

I really, really like that idea, it would weed out all those who think AMerica sucks, and is terrible, but for some reason still think its ok to live here and not try to change anything.

Not wanting to risk one's life for a country=/=thinking said country sucks and is terrible.

That is no where near the definition of Fascist, in fact, it is so wrong that I wonder if you realize what a Fascism is to any extent.

clearly if youre going to be that stringent with words but I find that meaningless and it constitutes an absolutely unnecessary diversion from the real point of my message which you havent picked up on, to reiterate...

but in any case if some other power/collective were to invade an area I had developed a fondness for and sought to impose their own cultural values on me I could be moved to defy and fight them given that their imposition of values is justified insofar as they are concerned and not with respect to the party they will be subjegating them to, ie their values are not objectively defined and they have no business imposing them on anyone else who doesnt share them BUT with this exception (and again there would be no need to start a war over it)- if the culture of another collective was in some way objectively harmful- involving needless deaths through sacrifice, the deliberate repression of education, willingly living in filth etc for deluded reasons.

In fact I find the fact you have taken such umbrage at the mere use of a word which can be used within a sentence to paradoxically ala poetically (used in the lightest sense) express a deeper more emotive meaning to be needlessly pedantic and small minded. Discuss fascism as the historical entity on another thread if you wish

Most likely I would

Getting married and getting pregnant seems like the best way to avoid a draft.

....although I think the German system is only one(?) year, maybe two....

I think its 18 months for military and 2 years for civil service.

Hmmmm, even better, patriotism ie being brought up indoctrinated with an unquestioning (note unquestioning) love or belief for the superiority of your own country is a disgraceful practice which fosters extremism and a negative attitude towards other countries, often seen as competitors as opposed to co-operators. Countries which go to war with each other over a disputed territory, for economic reasons-it ridiculous, the human cost powerfully attests to this. The human costs of most wars should have rammed it home into the brains of most people that war is just really really stupid and irrational (ok reaping the bounty of invaded countries etc has its benefits but human suffering takes preceedence in these matters, moveover long term we need to co-operate as a species rather than to bleed ourselves with these petty divisions which we set between us)

Good thing for you the original inhabitants of our country did not see things as you do because back then everyone fought. All people of a certain age were required to serve in the militia, and the militia served along side regular troops when fighting troubles such as attacks from Maurauding natives, or later on in the war for independence, and again in 1812. And if they did not give a shit about the "Nation" or "patriotism" then today you would be a citizen of the British Commonwealth and would live under a different set of rules. So you do not owe me squat....but you owe the people who came before you everything you have today......like being able to call yourself an American , and voicing your opinion about being against what that other person beleives.

That's nice. When you ge the nationalistic nonsense out of your system, make another post, and I might pay attention. I don't really give a shit about what has or hasen't been done. If it causes the fall of your petty little countries.. Well, I'm not too bugged anyway. You don't own me, and I won't go to war for you. Sorry. I really couldn't care less about you. :)

I owe no one anything. The only debts I have are the ones I choose to take on. I do not choose their debt.

The problem with people is they want all the benefits of living in this country but they want none of the responsibilities that go along with those benefits.

Meh. I pay taxes. They go to the military. Therefore I receive military defense. I am free because I am free, not because a government tells me I am free. If anyone wishes to take that freedom from me, then, and only then, will I fight.

And what does being a socialist or a utilitarian have about somebody knowing what freedom is? I can think of many "socialist" who fought and died for their freedoms and for their country ......and before you ask some were from our country and many others did it for their own countries freedoms.

That's nice too. Socialism, the subjucation of the individual into society, the robbery of all of the individualistic, DIY ethic by which we must live if we are to be free, is not free. Neither is utilitarianism, which robs the individual of his liberty so that others may be happy. It is Machievellian robbery of freedom in the worst sense.

Don't care about our "countries" freedoms. There's no such thing. There are only my freedoms and your freedoms, and they are unsubjected by government or neighbor, or social contract. Only if we willingly give them away can they be taken, and even then, we may take them back.

And just what is the real sense of the word "American" ?

One who lives in the state of America and chooses to be part of it's culture, even though they do not have to. It has nothing to do with patriotism or other outmoded nationalistic bullshit, it has everything to do with interaction. I pay my dues merely by being here, and so do you or anyone else who is here.

Good thing for you the original inhabitants of our country did not see things as you do because back then everyone fought. All people of a certain age were required to serve in the militia, and the militia served along side regular troops when fighting troubles such as attacks from Maurauding natives, or later on in the war for independence, and again in 1812. And if they did not give a shit about the "Nation" or "patriotism" then today you would be a citizen of the British Commonwealth and would live under a different set of rules. So you do not owe me squat....but you owe the people who came before you everything you have today......like being able to call yourself an American , and voicing your opinion about being against what that other person beleives.

The problem with people is they want all the benefits of living in this country but they want none of the responsibilities that go along with those benefits.

And what does being a socialist or a utilitarian have about somebody knowing what freedom is? I can think of many "socialist" who fought and died for their freedoms and for their country ......and before you ask some were from our country and many others did it for their own countries freedoms.

And just what is the real sense of the word "American" ?

My country never had an army, never had a draft, and didn't fight since the dark ages and we have way more freedom than you guys...
Oh, and the meaning of "American", to me, is "wanker until proven otherwise".

I owe no one anything. The only debts I have are the ones I choose to take on. I do not choose their debt.



One who lives in the state of America and chooses to be part of it's culture, even though they do not have to. It has nothing to do with patriotism or other outmoded nationalistic bullshit, it has everything to do with interaction. I pay my dues merely by being here, and so do you or anyone else who is here.

Do you enjoy the protections afforded by the US Constitution?

You may not choose to be indebted, but by virtue of being and American citizen you are. You have chosen to continue living in America and accept the benefits of being citizen, and assume the reponsibilities of being a citizen, which whether you acknowledge it or not includes a debt at the very least to the document that assures your rights. It is exactly because we do "not have to" live in America that we accept that we are indebted. You don't have to serve; that is your personal choice. But to suggest that you are not indebted is arrogant and ignorant.

No chance in hell. And since there are some quotes being thrown around...

"War’s awfulness is appalling. Thousands of bodies lie rotting. The stench is sickening. We sailed off to death and glory. What fools. God, it is cruel. What humans will stand is astounding. Tonight will be another long vidual, gazing into death. This is truly the valley of the shadow."
- Dead Australian soldier's diary from WWI

If you "choose" to be free...

Since when does somebody choose to be free? Man is born free...

Since when does somebody choose to be free? Man is born free...

Man is only as free as the society, in which he lives, allows. But that is a subject for another debate.

EDIT: I misunderstood his post before, and changed my previous post accordingly.

Man is only as free as the society, in which he lives, allows. But that is a subject for another debate. The poster I was responding to indicated that he chooses to be free, as he chooses his debts, which I did not agre with.

If their society forces them to go to war, they aren't that free.

Don't care about our "countries" freedoms. There's no such thing. There are only my freedoms and your freedoms, and they are unsubjected by government or neighbor, or social contract. Only if we willingly give them away can they be taken, and even then, we may take them back.




Ah, would that we all lived in such an idyllic state where no one can take away our freedoms. Unfortunately, it is the world in which we live where a people, a person, can only be as free as the government allows-yes, the man may make his own choice, but given the reality of the consequences of his actions, he is not merely so free.

If their society forces them to go to war, they aren't that free.

Exactly.

I think its 18 months for military and 2 years for civil service.
It used to be that way. When I served the military was 12 months and the civil service 15.
But they shortened those terms:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/timeline/355c4d7c99d4af33f26bf2c92f4bbb32.png

(Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wehrpflicht )

Going back to the original question, what happens if I choose neither.
Would I join up if there was a draft, no.
Would I run away from my Country because there was a draft, no.
I would stay in my Country and fight against the folly of attempting to introduce such a fool hardy law. People fought in wars previous to guarantee my freedoms to choose what and who I want to be and I would fight to maintain that freedom.
Would I take responsibility for my action and accept their consequences, yes.

No, I wouldn't serve. Whether I fled to another country, or accepted time in jail, I don't know. But I wouldn't fight and kill, either way.

I can't join the military for whatever reason. There would be a possibility that I would have to kill other Muslims, which is unacceptable.
It is equally wrong to kill non-Muslims as to kill Muslims.

It is equally wrong to kill non-Muslims as to kill Muslims.

indeed sir!

I would.

i would face imprisonment, death, even death by torture, from my own nation, before i'd aggree to go half way arround the world to kill innocent civilians for the expedience and convenience of some political faction who'se core values i diametricly oppose and perceive as unmittigated evil.

ok, that's easier to say then do, and harder still to do visibly enough to make the kind of public statement out of it that it would need to be. i doubt if i'd really have the balls to face death by torture voluntarily, but in trueth that IS how i FEEL about it.

so whatever it would take to get out of burning babies, women and children that was availabe to hand and within what i could do, i would. and have.

i came of draft age during the conflict between the u.s. in which i live, and the people of viet nam. i didn't have balls enough to hitch hike to canada. i had never lived anywhere other then with mommy and daddy at the time.

what i did do, was joing a tecnological force, as a maintainence enlisted, as a cooperatve conscounscous objector, something i was advised by the Baha'is, whome i had also not yet joined at that time. that and prayed a lot.

and i was fortunate it worked. i ended up for a time in stateside ecm assignments where i tended to go arround the shop 'singing' alice's restaurant!

then a serious of incidents transpired, and not at my instigation, but at any rate they culminated in my honorable discharge, on precisely the day i'd been in precisely long enough, that i would never be elegable to be drafted again.

it wasn't an ideal solution. i still wish i had become a canadian citizen. but that is all many years ago now. and i AM proud of what i did. of NOT going. of nonconfrontationaly getting out of having to.

and i DIDN'T ever go awol, like a certain hawkish president who represents interests who seem to want everyone ELSE to go and die and kill for them.

=^^=
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That depends solely on the cause, I wouldn't fight because some maniac despot says it's what should be done.

Yes,goddamit.There needs to be a draft in this country as soon as possible,and It would be hypocrital to run away to a different country if they ever called me.

Would you serve and fight if drafted tomorrow or would you run away to safety in a bordering nation?

[Edit]
This is a more general question, not tied to any specific war. It's a question of one's principles.

Simply put, if there were a draft, would you accept it and serve or defy it and flee?

I would report in. after all, being drafted and passing the physical are two different things. ;)

I would go although I am unlikely to be called.

Navy or Air Force. Artillery sucks! You slowly go deaf.

It is equally wrong to kill non-Muslims as to kill Muslims.

No its not. I see no problem in killing non-Muslims in the defense of Islam. I see a big problem with killing Muslims for whatever reason.

If I consider the cause to be just, then yes. I always place morality before patriotism, and nothing could make me compromise that.

No its not. I see no problem in killing non-Muslims in the defense of Islam. I see a big problem with killing Muslims for whatever reason.

yes because muslims have been such an innocent and pure religion compared to others.

Navy or Air Force. Artillery sucks! You slowly go deaf.

I'd be in the Navy. These days, you have a lot lower chance of dying on a ship than you do on the ground or in the air.