Advice in case of a draft

[justinsb]

This is the case to watch http://www.jeremyhinzman.net / a decision is not expected until December or January, but it will set a precedent for this one, also this is not based on a draft, this is based on an "all volunteer army" so the dynamic may change again if there is a draft.

Of the 6,000 deserters so far, 150 are known to be in Canada
http://www.wesh.com/news/4534806/detail.html

Anyway, my advice overall would be to start planning now.

- Save up some cash, just in case
- Make sure you have a valid passport
- Visit Canada if you can, get to know the landscape a little, make some friends
- Put together a list of contacts, email address, phone numbers etc of Unitarian or Quaker churches, individuals, war resistance and peace organizations, immigration lawyers etc.

If a draft actually starts, don't wait - you can "visit" for up to 6 months, so if you don't wait until you, or your child etc is a fugitive you can basically walk across the border, say hello to the border guard, declare your 200 cigarettes and 2 bottles of booze etc. and be safely in another country.

I do not know, as I stated at the beginning, if the government will officially offer safe haven but you will find people who are willing to help - even help you or yours get to a safe country if necessary. Hell, there are still thousands here who left during Vietnam, I'm sure they will be willing to lend a hand.

Peace!

[AllegroRondo]

1. Ireland is a top pick also

and their economy is doing very well.

[deutsey]

2. Here's a link with some good info

http://www.nisbco.org/

I would recommend you start establishing a record of your philosophical or religious beliefs now so that you can have a "paper trail" to justify applying for CO status.

[sui generis]

3. unfortunately one thing will get you

banking agreements - the U.S. can seize your Canadian bank accounts if you are a U.S. citizen with very little effort; kind of a "shoot first ask questions later thing", designed to 1. take whatever money you're living on and 2. harrass and intimidate you because they can.

Same thing with your revolving credit accounts. They can make life really miserable. Also, they can declare you to be a tax evader, bail jumper or other form of arch criminal, which allows them to essentially overrule political oppression arguments and extradite you if so inclined.

It remains to be seen how much strong arm Canada will put up with if things get that bad. At any rate, income is critical, and if you're earning income in Canada, you're visible to the U.S.

Make sure you know every bit of the current law chapter and verse before you rely upon assumptions.

[justinsb]

6. Yes, cash would truly be your friend.

Cash out your accounts and dump your credit cards. That said, as in any country, there are no ID required, pay in cash jobs here.

[helderheid]

10. is that just Canada?

[waynew706]

4. Begining a list right now...

I think we need to begin a list right now of Canadians who are willing to help those in need..... I am the first to volunteer.... We somehow need to do this so those of harm are not informed

[justinsb]

8. I don't think DU should maintain a list but for anyone for whom this might

be an issue, just jot down the info of the Canadians on the list. My guess is they would fall neatly into two camps

1) Those who can't or won't help - but won't turn you in either (and may even point you to someone who can and will help)

and

2) Those who will help (with this group being the vast majority)

[waynew706]

9. I agree with that....

Would'nt want to run amuck of the law on this blog, and get it shut down..... sorry about that.

[justinsb]

11. lol...I don't think we'd get it shut down

just think it's best if people start running that it's not obvious where (specifially) they are headed.

[bklyncowgirl]

5. Go to Massacheusetts and marry someone of the same sex.

When they sign you up, ask to sign your partner up for family benefits.

You'll be a free man or woman ASAP.

[justinsb]

7. If the current marriage bill passes parliament

same sex partners would fully qualify for immigration.

[waynew706]

12. Suffice it to say...

there are many Canadian's who would be more than willing to help, and seriously doubt that you would find any (maybe a few) that agree with the war in Iraq.

[justinsb]

16. I think it's even safe to say

That while Canadians didn't go to Iraq, or veitnam and won't even seriously consider going to Iran or Syria that Canadians would fight tooth and nail to protect kids who didn't want to go to Iraq.

[tomg]

13. If you are 18

you have to register with Selective Service:
"If you are a male at least 18, but not yet 26, you must register with the Selective Service. All non-citizens who permanently reside in the United States including men with green cards are in this required group" http://www.llnl.gov/llnl/02employment/fn/sss.htm

Do so under protest and if you are a Conscientious Objector, let them know it at the time. At least get it on record. Incidentally, I don't know if it is true or not, but I have heard that many of the local Selective Service boards need people to fill slots.

[Zynx]

14. Just say you're gay. Or flunk physical training badly.

[HEyHEY]

15. Get in touch with me