A Return to the Military Draft

I happen to agree with Powell’s column. But, because of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam I was also one of those resisters who protested against the draft at that time. I also knew that some day we would have to revise our thinking and our methods with regard to the draft.

Although I feel that defending ourselves and our nation from attack is in our best interest, I also feel that our individual consciences should determine whether we kill others or not. No one has the right to dictate to me or anyone else to kill another human being. We should have easily learned from the Nuremberg experience that, “My country right or wrong” is not a defensible position any longer.

Even when I argued against the draft in 1970, I was aware of the dilemma that we would always find ourselves in. I argued then, as I would now, that the draft was unconstitutional, based on the 13th Amendment. Previous draft laws have definitely constituted involuntary servitude. And some day our Supreme Court will see it that way.

On the other hand I agree that we should have a defense against whomever the potential enemy might be. But it should not be made up of the poor, the blacks, and other minorities who are the disadvantaged in our society. In other words it’s just so wrong to have the poor fight and die so that the rich may survive and benefit.

So here is my solution to the draft problem:

First, there should be no exemptions from the draft. Male and female, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, young and old will all have a part in defending this wonderful nation of ours.

Secondly, all draftees should have the opportunity to determine whether the cause, for which they are asked to give their lives, is just or not. I believe that if our citizens knew the facts and were convinced that the cause was just, that these good citizens would muster up the necessary courage to fight and die if necessary. Furthermore, I wouldn’t want anyone on my side who is going to fight unwillingly.

Our political leaders should all be put on notice; that we will no longer be treated like sheep. And if we all do decide to fight, we will fight to win. Our leaders took us for granted during the Vietnam War and played games with our lives.

Yes, we should all be trained to defend ourselves and our country, but we should also have the right to refuse when our consciences so dictate. I do believe that the American people will rise to the occasion when the cause is just.

BEN WASSERMAN

La Palma