Reply #53: So this is not many countries?

[tabasco]

Austria
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Latvia
Lithuania
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland



Let's talk about modern democracies, shall we? You know, governments in which the people have some say in the actions of governments? Comparing "conscription" under historical monarchies to modern era practices is not very relevant. In historical monarchies, the people had no control over the war policies of the government. In addition, the rich or "noble" were not conscripted in those systems. We are talking about strict conscription in modern democracies in which the people do have nominal control over war or peace.

Can you tell me a modern democracy with conscription in place that waged a war of aggression? Keep in mind that the Vietnam lotteries didn't start until 1969, when the war was already started.

I would not consider the Vietnam lotteries a strict conscription because of the deferments. Look at all the chickenhawks like Cheney who avoided service. In many of these European countries, there are no college deferments like this. My fiance is from a somewhat wealthy family in Germany and both of her brothers had to serve. I would favor strict conscription in which the rich kids could not avoid service. I would support a civil service option for true conscientious objectors.

I would like to have a discussion rather than calling people lunatics in an attempt at debate. If you are able.