Draft THIS!

[Mythsaje]

I've regularly had this debate with my wife and best friend, who both happen to think that some sort of mandatory service would be a good idea. Now while I understand their arguments, I have to say that I generally oppose ANY such doctrine because I believe it is fundamentally against the notion of a free society.

Now some may argue that we have responsibilities as well as rights, and I won't argue that point. I believe that is true. But, as things stand right now, the people who volunteer for military service are giving up a certain amount of freedom BY CHOICE. They agree to be put under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) for a set amount of time, which restricts what they may or may not do--including, but not limited to, publically disagreeing with the Commander-In-Chief in a time of "war."

What the draft proposal means, in the end, is that WE, as a society, reserve the right to strip citizens of their inherent rights granted under the Constitution (and, according to the founders, rights given to them by the "Creator") because we believe that it will serve a greater purpose in the end.

The designers of our Constitution believed that having a standing army in the first place was a bad idea. And it was our willful disregard of this concept that led to the power and influence gained by the military-industrial complex, especially over the past several decades.

Suffice to say that while I understand the reasoning of those who argue for some sort of draft or universal service, I must respectfully (or not so respectfully, as the case may be) disagree. There is NOTHING in the Constitution or ideals of this country that could justify this course of action. It's just plain wrong and UnAmerican.

There. I've said it.

Make of it what you will.

[Buzz Clik]

1. It took us years to kill the draft. Let's not bring it back.

[bobbolink]

4. Getting rid of the draft was the biggest mistake my generation made.

We're all in this together, and all have to take as much responsibility as we take the benefits of this nation.

We can't keep expecting an underclass to keep taking all the hits for us, literallly.

[bobbolink]

2. CHOICE???? Fine RW talking point, there.

I'm sure most liberals are aware that a lot of people don't go into the military because that's where they really WANT to be.

They go because it's all the choice they have if they want a job, or any hope of an education, or medical coverage, or even 3 hots and a cot.

Not everyone has your advantages.

[Mythsaje]

3. Which assumption do you want me to address first?

I'm the son of a blue collar construction worker who's had to fight for every goddamn thing I've ever got.

Economic disparity aside, YOU don't get to point a gun at my kid and tell him "YOU BETTER DO THIS. OR ELSE." Because, make no mistake about it, that's what you're talking about here.

[bobbolink]

5. Address just what I said... that many don't have a "CHOICE"

It's military or crime.

Any other "interpretation" is denial.

[Mythsaje]

6. You don't leave much room for debate...

Assuming facts not in evidence and all.