I Don't Cry About The Draft, But I'll Refuse It

Daniel Trickett wrote:

Re: Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers by Sarah Eve Nichols (May 31, 2004)

The person that wrote this is simply a low life loser.  I don't cry about the draft.  I'll refuse it though. 

Any woman that says that they should not be drafted, that says that men should be but women should not be should not be allowed to vote.  If women don't have equal responsability they should not be allowed equal rights. 
 
Dan Trickett
February 7, 2008


Hope We Can Make a Difference

Steve Rundio writes:

Re: No Military Draft? Then abolish draft registration

Hello. I’m the person who wrote the editorial on draft registration. Thank you for acknowledging the editorial and giving it a wider audience. I hope it will convince Democrats to rethink their strategy on the draft.

Freedom Means Not Forcing People to War

Brittany Easter writes:

Regarding the drafting of women, I am completely against it.

At this point in my life, if I got drafted it would ruin all of things I want to accomplish in my life. My freedoms and my whole future would be ruined. I can't fight, I won't fight, it is not in my make up. I am in the midst of getting married, and to have to say goodbye to my fiance and possibly him going as well, is just... terrible.

I don't agree with forcing americans to go to war. I was not the one who decided to invade this country and kill its men, why should I go an die for something I am not responsible for? I am loyal to my country, and I love living here, but the day they start telling me I have to give my life in order to stay "loyal".

I am not going to be made a slave so people will see me as a "loyal American". As far as I'm concerned this country is not what is originally was. Freedom is great, but there are things going on that I believe need to stop. I will not die for a country that is going to force me to. If I feel the desire to go fight, I will sign up.

That's freedom. Not forcing people.

Brittany Easter
March 29, 2007


A Real Simple Issue

Noel Torrey Writes:

Re: Women and The Draft: The Perpetuation of Gender Discrimination

This is a real simple issue, we as a culture don't support women going to war because we think women can not match up to the physical strength and endurance of a man.

But here is what we should focus on, we don't fight wars hand to hand any more, all the strength you need is in your finger to pull the trigger, women can do that. And as for endurance we have these things called vehicles, yep women can ride in vehicles as well.

As for women being emotionally frail so are lots of men, once again this is no excuse for gender discrimination.

The United States should be ashamed of itself for it's politically incorrect actions and so should anyone who supports gender discrimination.

Noel Torrey
March 16, 2007


Draft Women? Yes!

Megan Wimmer writes:

YES! DRAFT WOMEN!

To not draft us is essentially saying, men are better than you, so we
don't want you.

I hate it!

Megan S. Wimmer
February 12, 2007


For the Draft, but with a New Format

Joseph Moravec writes:

Re: "New York Congressman Charles Rangel proposes reinstating the military draft," November 20, 2006.

Joseph Moravec
November 20, 2006


Equality Means a Level Playing Field

Chris Windmill writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers" by Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

While indeed women may be mothers if a country reaches the stage where upon it can no longer support a war (either attacking or defense), then why not call up every able-bodied person who can fight? I am sure of course that it would be of great comfort to the author of this article to be sitting at home, safe in the knowledge that women are mothers, as a modern day Hitler speeds across the USA unopposed since he defeated all of the male inhabitants. I suppose being a mother will keep you safe from opression, torture and hardship?

She notes that it could scar a woman psychologically to fight in a war, to see her comrades torn limb from limb in a spray of gore by a machine gun or shell however I suppose she never considered that perhaps men feel the same. Nothing in life can prepare you for war, nothing in life compares to the experiences of fighting an action like the world wars (look at the slaughter at places like Flander's fields, I assume the men were happily unconcerned about the effects?)...

Women are currently raised to be homemakers, business women and so forth while men are raised to be killers and soldiers, perhaps a gender-equalising thought should be put forward, why are children raised this way? Surely most feminists would love to see women trained to kill, to be put on the front lines knowing that they will likely die, lose a comrade or suffer a severe injury but that they will have protected their country and loved ones.

Drafting a married couple with children, while a tragedy could easily be avoided by noting this, and having a form which allows one parent to "opt out" of the draft for the explicit purpose of raising a family and caring for their children, they could be placed on local duty or involved in administrative work that did not require front line combat.

Of course being a male I could never understand how hard life is for women, being forced to spend extortionate amounts on clothing, make up, etc., while equally cheap mens and womens clothing is available which perhaps lacks style but offers the same choice as men. Of course muggers and such like to avoid me, this might be due to being 6'4" and extremely well built or perhaps it's an exaggeration, most random attacks that I have seen have involved male-on-male violence (often precipitated by alcohol). Now, of course, men are also discriminated against, the lack of educational scholarships, the assumption of higher insurance premiums, the lack of health care (consider the spending on taxes), or even the treatment of parties in a divorce. Equality means just that, a level playing field, if you don't want to get hit by the ball, you don't play the game.

Of course my lack of empathy for women complaining about how life is so bad may seem callous and heartless, but then maybe the author makes a good point, women don't want to be drafted, women want to wear this make-up and want to be mothers rather than soldiers. Without accepting the penalties of being male, you cannot and should not accept the benefits of being male, similarly of course the other way round.

While Men's movements may seem odd, the author brings everything to the spotlight: she wants to avoid a draft which would only be invoked if necessary to sustain a war; however wants the benefits that come with signing up (in certains states things like scholarships, hardship loans, driving licenses and even freedom - i.e., you can be jailed - depending on signing up for the draft).

Chris Windmill
March 27, 2006


Non-Registrant Prosecutions

Brenton writes:

Re: Draft Registration is No Joke
Hi. I'm a college student writing a paper about nonregistration, and I need to find some court opinions for it.

You say that 19 people have been prosecuted since 1980 for failing to register. Can you please give me specifics? Do you have the case titles (e.g. Mager, Andrew v. United States Department fo Justice)? Can you at least tell me the names and where they were prosecuted? Did any appeal?

Thanks much for your help. =)

Brenton
February 25, 2006


Our reply:

Hi Brenton,

We don't have that info at our fingertips but if/when you do find all the details on those court cases, we'd be thrilled to post your paper on the site, it will surely be of interest to our readers and perhaps inspirational to many of those pondering the choice of nonregistration vs. registering under protest.

However, if we do come across the info that you seek, I'll let you know.

Best,

Barry


What If I Turned 18 in 1978?&

D. Patito writes:

Re: Bruce Baechler - 13 months in jail for non-registration in 1975

I have a question regarding registration for selective service. It is my understanding that selective service was suspended from 1975 to 1980.

If I turned 18 years of age in 1978 what then was my status. In other words, was I obligated to register or not?

D. Patito
February 15, 2006


Devil's Advocate: Start the Draft, Stop the War

B. Gordon writes:

As a Vietnam vet who was drafted let me play "devils advocate." Suppose they started the draft and did not allow for any deferments except for serious medical or mental handicaps, unlike the Vietnam era of student deferments.

I would wager that the War in Iraq would stop within 90 days of the first call ups.

Why ? Because, when the grandchildren of Republican campaign contributors get drafted for infantry duty the phone calls to Congress will begin, and the big money contributions will stop. Bush knows this....

This rather cynical view is realistic because no Republican Congressman in his right mind will vote for a draft that will cut off his cash cows. Remember its only a war worth fighting if YOUR kid is serving. Most Americans will quietly go along with the Iraq war as long as there are volunteers. This of course ignores the national debt crisis but Bush is clever in couching all budget requests "for the troops".

Sadly we will not leave Iraq for at least 10-15 years as too much money is being made behind the scenes. Bush cannot expose his plan to the reality of governmental collapse in Iraq if we do leave in the next few years. I have no doubt that another Republican will win the Presidency in 2008 based on a "Save the World" platform which will keep us active militarily until at least 2012.

The net result will be more active recruitment in urban ghetto neighborhoods and Appalachia with special cash incentives to join.


Many of the National Guardsmen still have years left on their contracts and will be forced to continue to serve. Better to sacrifice the Reserves than risk political suicide by starting a draft.

B. Gordon/Florida
December 9, 2005


SSS Issues 10-Day Ultimatum

UNS Cleric writes:

Hey, I've e-mailed you before as I ran a little website against the draft about a year and a half ago.

Well, in March of 2005, I turned 18, didn't sign up, and it's now November. I got my threatening letter yesterday saying that I have 10 days or my name will be sent to the Department of Justice and I will be prosecuted for $250,000 and 5 years in prison.

I just wanted to make sure that this is indeed still a bluff, and how many people do you know aren't signing up this year alone. Thanks.

UNS Cleric
November 22, 2005


Our reply:

Hi - well, it has been two decades since the last prosecution, so the odds of things escalating legally are pretty low.

SSS in recent years has preferred merely to threaten and pressure - using legislation to prevent nonregistrants from receiving federal student loans, or preventing driver's license renewals in coorperating states, or blocking non-registrants from employment in the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government. But that seems to be the worst their bite has been for a long time, and with the President currently so unpopular and sentiment strongly against the war, it is unlikely the DOJ would now start to prosecute non-registration, which has been tacitly accepted by DOJ for a very long time.

In the event they do get serious about enforcing selective service laws - however unlikely that is - there is always the chance to register right up until the first court appearance at which point you can say you registered - and there's no longer a case, well not a nonregistration case, just being late - which is something people don't get jailed for!

The numbers on noncompliance are very hard to assess - SSS reports their figures, but are they accurate? (I'll try to get some current figures for you...) We figure it's anywhere from 5% to 25%, either way it's many thousands of resistors! So if you do ignore the letter, even if your name is sent to the DOJ it will be one of so many the odds of prosecution are pretty low. The DOJ getting a list with your name on it might well be the last official act of a government trying feebly to get kids to sign up. More letters may follow, of course. And someday, some local prosecutor may try to get someone charged - but even then, until the day in court, it's never too late to have a change of heart. (Unless of course you turn 25, then it's too late - I think... so that gives you 7 years to ponder the decision before it's permanent!)

The wheels of justice spin very slowly... and, though they say you have ten days, how will they ever know you got that letter? What if you moved? Hmmm. I would think they'd have to try again, eventually sending something requiring your signature to confirm receipt - before that they can't even prove you got their warning!

Anyway - that's my thinking...

- Barry

His reply to our reply:

Thanks for the response, it confirmed everything I thought, but I just wanted to make sure, since I've waited a year and a half to recieve that letter, which I promptly tore up into hundred peices.

Thanks again, I love the site.


Thank You!

Sara Miranda writes:

I just wanted to thank you for the article, "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers" by Sarah Eve Nichols (May 31, 2004) I agree with everything you say! I also agree with 18-26 being the prime time to have children.

So drafting would interfere with this. Also, if women are captured by the enemy (or even other soldiers on their side) they could be raped and impregnated. Men don't have to worry about impregnation. Especially since the war is in the Middle East now.

Extremists will want to do something harsh to women they capture. I certainly hope that this draft never occurs, and if so, I'm leaving because my country would have betrayed me. People have to start realizing that men and women are built differently and that we cannot ignore that.

How is it equality if we go through periods and men don't? I also think that we can be equal to men without having to act like them or being obliged to do everything they do. I seriously think this is just another form of oppression to women.

So again thank you for this article. It's so refreshing to see that others actually agree with me and don't just go along with false equality because they are taught to do so.

Sincerely,

Sara Miranda
November 4, 2005


Wow!

Lancer517 writes:

What a bunch of cowards you are...

I hope if there is a draft, you people go first...

...and not be given guns!

Lancer517
August 16, 2005


An Apology

A.R. writes:

Back in October 2004, Sarah Eve Nichols wrote an article titled "Women are Mothers, Not Soldiers," and I was a commenter who responded to that article.

That comment I made was beyond vicious, immature, venomous, malignant in nature, and obviously ad hominem to the most vitriolic extreme. It was a very, very, very poor and obnoxious way for me to express my objection and serious disagreement with the main point of her post. I am against the draft for both sexes, but certainly not for the reason Nichols claimed that women should be exempt from it.

But I went about expressing my serious disagreement the wrong - a very wrong way. For that I sincerely apologize to you and Sarah Nichols for my ugly rudeness. It was a shameful embarrassment of how I went about addressing my serious disagreement and it certainly wasn't worth the bandwidth on your website. So please, remove it from the archives and that particular page.Yes I know it seems very well overdue for me to make this apology (almost a year), still it had to be said eventually.

Please, I implore you to erase that hideous comment of mine from your site and the archives. Once again, you have my most sincerest apologies for responding in such a way, and I am very sorry that it took me this long to admit it. Thank you for your time.

A.R.
July 18, 2005


What Can I Do To Protect My Son?

Eduardo writes:

I have an only son and I fear conscription is around the corner. What can I do to protect my son? At one time Canada was a refuge for conscientious objectors. My understanding this isn't so anymore.

Ed
June 21, 2005


Florida Juices Up Draft Boards

Faith C. Carr writes:

Here in Florida there is an article in the Gainesville Sun, regarding the 78 vacancies on the Florida Draft Board, with a slant to filling the seats.

Do you know if any other states are doing the same???

Faith C. Carr
June 6, 2005

Our reply:

Hi - SSS has been working to recruit new members nationwide to its draft boards for about the last year or so; part of their every-two-decade-or-so draft board refresh (because the official line is no draft is imminent, they only revisit their draft board membership once every couple of decades to replace retired/deceased members.)

If they started to do this every year, we'd be more worried!

Do you have a weblink to the article in the Gainesville Sun? We'd like to put the link on our site!
Thanks,

Barry

Faith's reply to our reply:

Thanks for the rapid response. Some of us are keeping a very close watch on this issue. I have 23 year old twin sons. I predict that when the draft does come the word "draft" will go through a doublethink treatment. Compulsory Service???

Here's the link directly to the story:

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050606/LOCAL/50605037/1078/news


Where's The Petition? Where's The Flyer?

JRC writes:

Where is the petition at stopthedraft.com?

Where is the flier at stopthedraft.com?

JRC
26 May 2005

Our reply:

Hi - most of the other antidraft sites are doing petitions and have flyers... so we decided not to duplicate their important efforts.

Please feel free to click on any of the links on the right side of the site, where you'll find several different action items such a petitions, downloadable brochures and the like. There's also a stopthedraft meetup...


Conscription In Turkey

Michael Dickinson writes:

Re: Conscientious Objectors

You might find this article about conscription and conscientious objection in Turkey of interest.

http://www.counterpunch.org/dickinson05142005.html

Best regards

Michael Dickinson
May 13, 2005
mdickinson@kablonet.com.tr


You Misrepresent The Truth About Conscientious Objection

Skadi Beorg writes:

You misrepresent the TRUTH.

You know for a fact that anyone who is a conscientious objector DOES NOT HAVE TO DO ALTERNATE DUTY.

Is there any level you won't stoop to in order to garner support for your regime?

Skadi Beorg
peekthemorpholux@yahoo.com
April 20, 2005


Registering as a C.O.?

Bryan in CA writes:

I just turned 18 and have to register for the selective service. Is it a good idea to write conscientious objector somewhere on the application or will that not do any good or make it worse by raising a red flag? I'd appreciate any help or advice you can give me.

Bryan in CA
April 19, 2005

Our reply:

Hi Bryan,

Thanks for writing!

That's precisely what I did and many others choose to do so... in fact, we've asked for years for SSS to add a field in its online registration, and a box on its hard-copy registration forms, to enable a statement of conscience.

If you do write in a statement of your C.O. beliefs, please be sure to make a copy of the registration form and the comments - a scanned, full-color image is best; but a photocopy is a good alternative. An actual photograph of the registration form, with C.O. statement, would also be useful. You may also register your C.O. beliefs on several anti-war and anti-draft websites - though it is not clear if this will actually help your case down the road, though it can't hurt.

As it turns out, the data-entry from the registration forms is outsourced, so the people who enter the data into the SSS database actually don't care either way - the original form will be microfilmed and placed in storage, so your statement of C.O. status will be preserved forever, even if no one ever looks at it.

It does feel a lot better to add your statement of conscience. It certainly won't cause any harm - and even if you pursue a career in government, you will have fully complied with legal Selective Service requirements.

Some draft resisters don't recommend this approach - since their belief is that draft resistance starts with registration resistance.

But my view is that some wars are just wars while others are not - so, giving our country the benefit of the doubt and recognizing the US has come to the rescue of many of the world's nations as we did during World War I, II and the Korean War, this seems to be an acceptable moral compromise.

Good luck with your decision. And, if you are feeling any doubt at all, Selective Service has never punished anyone for registering late.

Best,

Barry Z., Editor


Women Should Not Be Drafted; Neither Should Men

Sonja Stanton writes:

I agree with the fact that women should not be drafted. However, at the same time I don't think anyone should be drafted unless our own country is being threatened and we need support.

Although I agree with no drafting of women. I think that a woman has just as much ability as many men in the military and some more.

I believe that if a woman, on her own will, chooses to join the military, she should be supported by her sisters rather than given all the "reasons" why she shouldn't.

A woman has just as much chance of being raped at college, at work, on the streets, an even at home.

I think that as long as women sit around giving reasons why we should have it easier, we only make ourselves look weaker.

A race or a sex is only as weak as we allow ourselves to be.

Sonja Stanton
April 11, 2005


Conscientious Objection Could Not Work

Eric Matteson writes:

Dear Stop the Draft - and all U.S. voters:

Even though conscientious objection was popular during the Vietnam War, it is no longer an option.

A terrible thing about the Vietnam War type of individual conscientious objector exemption from the U.S. draft is that every time a man was exempted because of conscientious objection to war in any form, an additional young American man was drafted and hurt and killed to replace him.

Real conscientious objectors do not want additional other young men to be drafted and hurt and killed to replace them so that they can have selfish personal exemptions from the draft.

Real conscientious objectors want the draft to be shut down completely - and replaced by an honestly recruited all volunteer U.S. military.

An additional problem that occurred during the Vietnam War is that when conscientious objection was not based on reliable important RELIGIOUS principles, many conscientious objectors decided that their assigned slave labor alternative service was even worse than U.S. military service, and then chose to submit to military service to cancel the rest of their alternative civilian service slave labor.

Unfortunately, nobody knew during the Vietnam War that conscientious objection was not a useful option.

Now, in the 21st century, experts on the Internet have figured out that Individual conscientious objection to war is not a useful way to get out of the draft.

For instance, click http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2003/11/274324.shtml#TCO587 for new information about conscientious objectors, and how individual CO exemptions to the draft will not work. It is necessary to shut down the entire draft - including registration.

There are also Internet versions of 7th-heaven T.V. shows that discuss the draft:

http://www.usenet.com/newsgroups/talk.politics.libertarian/msg06137.html

http://www.usenet.com/newsgroups/talk.politics.libertarian/msg06134.html

There was a bill offered to abolish selective service but it has been temporarily forgotten. Please try to revive it at the link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.487:

Eric Matteson
April 4, 2005
ericmatteson2001@yahoo.com


I Just Plain Out Don't Want To Go

Joshua Giamalva writes:

Hello, my name is Joshua Giamalva. I am an 18 year-old male out of Texas, and I have been hearing rumors about a draft coming in a couple of months. Can you disprove this, or is it true - and if so, what can I do to escape the draft?

I really need help, because I can bearly handle other subjects like being alone two miles away, and I just plain out don't want to go... Please write back to me, please.

Thank you for your time,

Joshua Giamalva
March 25, 2005

Our reply:

Hi Joshua - thanks for writing. There are indeed some very active and worrisome rumors circulating about the return of the draft - but at this point they (fortunately) seem to be just rumors. It will be some time before a draft can be resumed even if the White House or Congress decides to do so - from passing legislation and authorizing the necessary funds to preparing the public for such a huge social/political transformation.

With the President on record opposing a draft, I think it will take an unprecedented external event such as a large-scale terror attack or another regional war to change his thinking on this - since he is one of the most stubborn Presidents we have had in a long time. So my instinct is a draft is not imminent - though it is good to be thinking and preparing for its eventuality.

It's a great time to write letters to your congressman, Senator, even the President - as well as to the editors of your community newspaper(s) - and tell them of your opposition to a draft.

The more voices united in opposition to the draft's return, the less likely the draft will come back - so long as we live in a democracy!

As well, there is a StoptheDraft meetup (www.meetup.com) to help people organize and many anti-draft organizations seeking members to help organize resistance to the draft - so there are many ways to help "stop the draft before it starts."

Sincerely,

Barry Z., Editor

Joshua's reply to our reply:

Hello once agian, it's me, Joshua Giamalva - and I have started a meetup group. If you know anyone in the 77539 area code that would be interested in joining, it would be great if you could tell them to check it out. Even if you aren't down here, you can join. Any help would be good.

Thank you for your time.

You can contact me at: thedayzed@yahoo.com.

Thanks

Joshua Giamalva
March 26, 2005
thedayzed@yahoo.com

Draft Resistance Posters

Edward Hasbrouck writes:

I've made a first experiment at scanning some of the draft resistance posters from the archives in my basement, so others can use them. If there's interest, I'll try to dig out some more (and re-do these better):

www.resisters.info/posters.html

(I believe that rights to the use of these were donated by the artists at various times to the National Resistance Committee. If the artists or anyone else knows that not to be correct, please let me know.)

Peace,

Edward Hasbrouck
edward@hasbrouck.org
FAQ's About the Military Draft, Draft Registration, and Draft Resistance
http://www.resisters.info


Anti-Draft Coalition Conference Call On March 23rd!

Donna C. writes:

Hello Fellow Anti-Draft Activists!

Several of us on 2 groups (Fight the Draft and Stop the Draft) have expressed a desire to unite with other anti-draft groups from all political sides of the fence in order to discuss collaborating on one or more anti-draft-related projects.

I have scheduled a conference call to begin our discussions for Wednesday evening, March 23 at 9:00 p.m. ET (that is 6:00 PT). The only cost of the call is your own long-distance phone charge.

All of those who are interested in working together on this endeavor are welcome to join the call. Thus far, I have received positive responses for next weeks' conference call from individuals affiliated with: Fight the Draft, Americans Against the Draft, Parents Against A Draft, People Against the Draft, Edward Hasbrouck's group, and one peace group.

If you know of any other anti-draft groups that you think might like to be invited to join us, I would greatly appreciate if you would please share their contact email address.

If you wish to be part of the conference call, please write to me. I will then send out further information about conference call procedures and access info to you in the near future.

Thanks in advance!

Donna C.
Donna2222002@yahoo.com
March 18, 2005


Stop the Draft & We Won't Go!

Mike Zelinski writes:

Since President Bush has declared the entire world a battleground, an all volunteer military will no longer provide sufficient foot-soldiers to man the trenches.

On the current course of policies that the administration has embarked on, it's difficult to imagine circumstances that will not require re-instating the draft. Perhaps it will happen suddenly as the result of a terrorist attack, or some country will be provoked into creating an incident, and the President and Congress will need to call the nation to rally around the flag.

Therefore it's critical to build opposition to the draft before it reaches a bill in Congress. For that reason, the Progressive Student Alliance and Mountain View Voices for Peace is asking all Americans -- both military eligible who refuse to fight, and people ineligible for military service yet who support those who refuse to fight -- to sign a We Won't Go pledge:

www.wewontgo.org

Mike Zelinski
Member, MVVP
March 18, 2005


Of 'Supreme' Importance

Tim Zimanzl writes:

Why hasn't this issue been brought before the Supreme Court?

Tim Zimanzl
March 12, 2005


Keep Up The Good Work

Jonathan writes:

We have a lot of visitors on the willthomas.net site re the draft. We see about 2 million hits a month on the site... but... lately we have had an unusual amount of interest on the Draft topic... with our articles and video!!!

Perhaps some of your readers may wish to peruse our site. You're welcome to add us to your SITES AGAINST THE DRAFT LIST.

If you require any artwork or anything else from us, just let us know. Keep up the good work... hey.

Cheers,

Jonathan
WillThomas.net Support
support@willthomas.net
http://www.willthomas.net
February 22, 2005


Everything Is Falling Apart

John Fraser writes:

I am currently 19, thus everything around me is falling apart because of the Draft. One of my friends has stopped working, and sits around drinking all day because he believes he'll be dead or in jail soon.

Another is planning on sawing off two of his fingers.

As for me, the moment I'm drafted my life as I know it will be over - and I'll simply put a bullet in my head.

To all those who support a Draft let me just say: 'Why do you hate me so much? I didn't ask to be born and it's not my fault I'm 19.'

John Fraser
February 13, 2005

Our reply:

Hi John - thanks for writing to us. We share your concerns about a potential return of the Draft; but fortunately, there is no Draft yet, and there are many vocal opponents at all levels of government and society who are working hard to prevent its return.

So, while it's good to be planning ahead, it may be premature to be considering such a drastic response! We believe that constructive forms of protest such as a letter to the President, your member of Congress, or to the editor of your local newspaper will go a long way toward demonstrating the strength of your convictions, and helping to "stop the draft before it starts."

Barry

John's reply to our reply:

No, I don't believe they could; I've heard of this new stop-loss policy, and besides I don't believe I should have to run for my life for being young - a bullet in the head sounds a lot more painless.

John

The Draft Is Not Lawful

Wayne Blanchard writes:
Re: Selective Service System Draft

Dear Editor:

Many sections of USC Title 50 as it relates to the Military is NOT Positive Law but mere Administrative Law, constituting a usurpation of power/authority under 'color of law' and therefore can be challenged.

From what I observe, the Draft is NOT lawful and MUST be challenged, all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.

Kind Regards,

Wayne Blanchard
February 11, 2005


To Be Equal, Women Have To Be Equal In All Areas

Heather Ixson-Sax writes:

Re: Women are mothers not soldiers

I do not support the draft but I must say that if it came down to drafting women, I don't see a way out of it. Women fight and fight for equal pay, equal opportunity employers and to have the same rights as men (ie. voting). To be equal, we [women] would have to be equal in all areas, including the draft.

As far as how each gender is raised and the toys they play with, that's how its always been. Since Nintendo and other video game systems have come out, women have also been exposed to the violent video games and I, and many other women I know, like them. Many women can stomach violence and blood just as well as men. And as far as men's feelings go, they can be just as sensitive as women. Look at gays, but not all sensitive men are gay either.

"If women serve in the war that did not want to you could be taking away their ability to be mothers..." well no joke. Guess what if men serve in the war that didn't want to go, you could be taking away their ability to be fathers. And many men are as emotionally involved as women. How many women have given up their children? Not all women are sensitive. My father has taken care of me since I was 12 years old, and I would say he is more involved in my emotional well being than my mother ever thought about being. My mother left me for alcohol and money...at least my father cared.

"Third, what about rape in the army? Women are so susceptible to rape because men are stupid and even evil!" Woman, you are downing yourself. You are not giving yourself credit to what you can and cannot do. You're worrying about our women getting raped...what about the innocent civilians that are raped by our American men? Don't tell me that it doesn't happen either. If women are so caring, why aren't you caring about them? [most] Women worry about getting raped and mugged because we don't know how to defend ourselves properly. I bet women would worry less if they took self defense classes.

I will say there are double standards that I dont' agree with, such as, a man can have sex with many women and it is acceptable. But if a woman has sex with many men that is unacceptable and she is considered a whore. That is a load of BS. Equal rights are not. I hope women exercise their right to vote because we haven't always had that privelege. I like that privilege, personally.

Coming from a woman, I don't like the draft and would not like to be drafted. I just think its inevitable for women to not be drafted. Just remember, not all guys are gung-ho about getting drafted either.

Heather Ixson-Sax
November 16, 2004



Music Video Seeks Anti-Draft Video

Gareth Mannion writes:

Hi all,

I am working on a music video for a band out of Canada called Smeer. I am looking for some anti-draft video to put into a video that is very anti-war and anti-draft. Any help would be great.

Gareth Mannion
garethadr@mail.com
October 25, 2004


What A Weak Ad - Here's A Stronger One

Gary writes:

Re: "Military Draft Ad Released By Win Back Respect," October 19, 2004

This ad is so weak, it seems like a typical Democratic ad. Here's something more hard hitting.

[Open on kids 18 to 24 talking in candid interviews - 2 girls/2 guys - quick cut:]

Kid 1: ...I'm just a freshman...
Kid 2: ...I just got hired...
Kid 3: ...My wife's having a baby...
Kid 1: ...I can't go, I just...

[Show clips of bombings, soldiers in the heat of battle, yelling - SHOW JARRING IMAGES]

Kid 4: V.O. ...We never should have gone there. They lied to us. I mean, they lied to us...

[A big explosion and cut to soldiers with amputations - any woman if possible - quick cut]

Soldier 1 (missing arms): I'll never hold my kid again...
Soldier 2 (missing legs): I used to play football...
Soldier 1: You can't imagine the pain. You just - you can't...
Soldier 2 (noting his injury): ...Better than the guys who got their face blown off...
Soldier 3 (in tears): The things I saw. The things I... body parts... the killing...
Soldier 4 (answering question): Will the army stop being an all-volunteer army? You mean is there gonna be a draft? I don't know. You'd have to ask the President.

[Show clip of Bush "I made it very plain we will not have an all-volunteer army." repeat... "we will not have an all-volunteer army."

Stop the Draft - defeat Bush

Kid 1: I don't want to go to Iraq...

Gary
October 23, 2004


I Am Appalled

Jay Turley writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

Dear Editor,

Regarding the article title, "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers", posted here.

I would simply like to say that this is one of the most sexist hate-filled screeds I have ever read in my life. Absolutely disgusting, non-factual, and poorly written. I can't believe that it's posted here. Although I'm against the draft myself, I would vote for it if it meant this woman would be forced to defend the freedom she takes for granted, which has been secured for her by the deaths of Men and Men alone.

I am apalled at this woman's idiocy.

Thank you,

Jay Turley
October 21, 2004

"Just because no one understands you, doesn't mean you're an artist..."


Where's Her Facts?

Marvin Jacob writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

She's nothing but a sexist woman who doesn't have any facts to support her statements.

Marvin Jacob
October 21, 2004


Not Much Empathy For Man's Plight

Craig Cotter writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

Dear Editor,

Not much empathy for the plight of man. All from a man scarred by war. Who's children have been slaughtered by a woman who's choice was more important than all else involved!! Your writings reveal just how selfish women are.

Good thing there's still a few good men out here. I pity the men in your life.

Craig Cotter
October 20, 2004


Childish, Sexist & Misinformative

L. Steven Beene II Writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you out of concern for a childish, sexist, and misinformative article written by Sarah Eve Nichols called "Women are Mothers, Not Soldiers".

I was troubled by so many aspects of Sarah's article that I feel I should specifically list them out to defend my claim that she wrote out of ignorance, was blatantly sexist, and while calling for understanding for women, skirted the issues of responsibility.

I will use quotes:

"First, they could be too emotionally scarred to raise children. A man however, isn't very involved in the emotional well being of his children so it doesn't matter if the war made him crazy - as long as it didn't make him too crazy."

Men who are fathers care about their children. Just because Sarah can't or won't see it doesn't make it so. And she implies that the horrors of war are perfectly suitable for the psyche of men, while women should be spared. But, only if women want to be spared. Men don't get a choice according to Sarah.

"Second, female reproductive organs are much more complicated than men's are therefore effects of chemical war far could be much more consequential for a woman."

Is Sarah a doctor? Has she studied the effects of chemical weapons? Does she hold a degree in biochemistry, bio-toxins, or have one clue about the effects of chemical weapons. Does she even know what a blood agent does, how a non-persistent nerve agent effects the body, or what blister agent can do? Has she seen the pictures of the Kurds in N. Iraq, or talk to even one of them? Ask Sarah what the long term effects of Gb agents are on male reproductive agents. But first ask her what a Gb agent is.

Sarah makes broad statements that seem to imply that women and their bodies are sacred and that men's are disposable. I can extrapolate that because she sees the very real possibility of chemical weapons being used, sees that as horrifying if applied to women, and as a non-issue if men are the victims of it. That's not a feminist advocate, that's a female-supremacist advocate with shades of eugenic theories applying to men.

Third, what about rape in the army? Women are so susceptible to rape because men are stupid and even evil!

This one is blatant misandry. Rape per capita in the military is LOWER than in the civilian world. If Sarah would do some research instead of happily be spoon-fed propaganda she might know that. Also, the bigoted and hateful comments that men, implying ALL men, are stupid and evil, smacks of comments made by KKK'ers or Ethnic Cleansers you might meet.

According to rape advocates that I have heard, men who DO rape, rape repeatedly. Dozens, if not tens of dozens of times. Simple math will then show you that most rapes are committed by a very few sick men, and that by definition those men are not the norm. That means, if Sarah could do some simple math, that very very few men are rapists. Oh, does Sarah concern herself about men who are P.O.W.s (not to mention U.S. prison rape) who are sodomized? Does Sarah even care?

If every man and woman between 18-26 could be drafted what would happen when both of a married couple with children were drafted? You people forget that there are still plenty of young people out there getting married and having children. I bet you are thinking "The grandparents would take in the children." Not everyone has that possibility.

Sarah shows her ignorance of the military, the draft, and a complete lack of research .... again.

The draft, if there is one, is done by lottery. Few are chosen. Therefore her first premise is fallacious. Second, many SINGLE women join the military. They are required to have a "Family Care Plan", and if one cannot be worked out, they are given several options. Jointly married military couples have the same requirements and options. Funny how Sarah never even thought of, nor mentioned single military fathers. They not only exist, but in an organization that is comprised of more then 80% male members there are quite a few single dads in the military. Did Sarah not care about them, dismiss them because she dismisses men as parents, or because her "female first" ideology gave her blinders?

Also, currently the military is ALL VOLUNTEER. How is this relevant? It occurs to one who is interested in equality (and not to Sarah .... ) that women are already given great accommodation as to life choices. But what Sarah, deliberately or due to her female-supremacist blinders, did not explore was this: what about women who have volunteered and who are in now? What about the F-14 pilots, the medics, respiratory therapists, crew chiefs, and the plethora of other women already in? Should they be removed? I mean, is Sarah advocating that men ONLY should be susceptible to the draft, but women should be given a choice? How convenient that would be: the rights w/out the responsibilities. Equality is an ALL TIME/ 24 hours a day state of mind and concept. It is not a concept of convenience nor an entitlement/privilege to be taken when it garners a want, but to be pushed aside when the bill comes due. If women are men's equals, and many women have labored and sacrificed to make it so, then women take the mixed blessing of equality. Either women can be in the military and get the "posh" jobs of flying jets (very physically straining, where was Sarah decrying that if it hurt women?) then they get the grunt jobs of filling sand bags. And if the draft comes, they are to get in line, go to the front line, and serve like the equals they are.

Sarah has a lot of growing up to do and needs to learn before she spouts off about subjects she knows nothing about. Her "feelings" need to be based on actual facts, and not poorly thought out, one sided "I want this when it's good, but don't want it when it costs" wants. Freedom isn't free, and a lot of women already paid for Sarah's freedom. Maybe she should ask military women if they want her to limit their choices. And if she ever gets around to asking men how they feel about being 2nd class citizens in people like Sarah's eyes.

Sarah then goes on to warmly talk about how women are "empathetic" and men are not. Surely she needs to look in the mirror and realize had she replaced men with the words Jew, Negro, or [any-other-class-of-person] she would clearly see her duplicitous sexism and complete lack of empathy. She has a delusional self-image if she thinks her statements reflect empathy while advocating for men to be put into situations where they could be chemically maimed, calls men in general rapists, cares not what war does to men's psyche, and never even thinks of single military men as fathers. Her mask came off, and it wasn't pretty.

L. Steven Beene II
Alaska
October 20, 2004


Step Up To The Plate, Lady - You Owe This Country Much

Chris Munschy writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

When I see endless streams of literature and handouts recruiting people to take part in a walk for breast cancer, and none at all for research into prostate or testicular cancer, I find it hard to buy into her arguement that men have it so much better in the medical research field.

When I see brothers or friends suffering from these conditions and are given either the choice of virtual emasculation or death, I shed still fewer tears. When I look back at some of the Vietnam vets I have known, and all of them were left by their significant others and children because their experiences drove them mad, I am looking into the eyes of a fellow human being, deserted and abandoned to the whims of chance by these very same "nurturers" who have the ability to step into another's shoes and feel their pain.

In every time of war, there exists many situations where children are orphaned and similarly abandoned. If having children are the principal concern, where is the compassion for these innocent victims?

War is not fun-time for men. It isn't a game. It isn't about strength and machismo. It's about fighting for what is right, and defending the lives of all our brothers and sisters...most times, that's what it's about, anyway.

Bottom line: you want freedom to choose? You want to be at liberty to promulgate more life? You want to raise your progeny in a land that will recognize you and them as individuals who make choices for themselves?

Thank a vet. And, be ready and willing to pay for these rights. Step up to the plate, lady...you owe this country much, and it's high time you are not allowed to get someone else to pay the bill for you.

Chris Munschy
October 20, 2004


Some Women Make Good Soldiers

Dave in GA writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

About this article:

Poorly written.

Way too many generalizations about men and women.

Men are stupid? Yea... she says as she lives in a nice neighborhood built by men (primarily) and drives a car built and maintained by men (primarily), etc, etc, etc.

Her premise is very compelling, but some women make good soldiers. A few. A very few.

Equal rights and responsibilities are a must in a society that has that precept at its core.

To give one person special rights means you took basic rights away from someone else.

Who gets to decide these special rights? A bunch of lawyers? Any person that wants to automatically have sole custody of children based on gender (for instance), and all that goes with that it entails ($$$), is not being a good American. They are telling me they are not just different from me, but better than me. Different is OK. Better? In your dreams.

That kind of cra* does not wash to informed and educated people. It only works to those whose "rice bowl" is being tipped. Get over it. Men are going to get their rights back. All of them. One at a time if necessary. Those precepts carved in stone on the Supreme Court Building by our forefathers, Justice, Fairness, Truth, and Equality must be the basis for all of our law. Funny, I did not notice "Special rights for special turds" anywhere on it.

Dave in GA
October 20, 2004


Nobody Should Be Drafted - End Of Story

A.R. writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

Sarah Eve Nichols, you're a stupid princess bimbo bitch who is perpetuating stereotypes that are holding us women back,and this IS coming from a woman. A MATURE woman, where as you sound like a twelve-year old girl still gushing over pretty boys and make-up magazines.

You want empathy? How about empathy for the men who DIE in wars so your pampered bitchy-ass can stay at home?

And NOT every woman is obligated to give birth. NOT every woman has to become a mother. A MATURE woman (something you're NOT little bitch) knows that. You are a mere puppet of a misogynistic Patriarchy if you believe that women are only good for giving birth.

And so what we women experience emotional and biological upheavals and men don't. That does NOT mean that women are any more special or superior, and men are NOT worthless sperm donors at your desposle. Men and Women are EQUAL!!!!!

You want to know why it sucks to be a woman in America? Because of little girls like YOU, who perpetuate the stereotypes that women are frail, helpless, and little baby-making-machines. Women do NOT have equal rights because little girls like YOU won't step up to the plate and PROVE that your equal to a man!

I would gladly go off and die in a war to PROVE to any man that I am his equal.

It's spoiled, pampered, bimbo, immature, uneducated little girls LIKE YOU, who are the reason why we women have not realized true equality. Go back to playing with your dolls, gushing over boy bands, and playing with make-up, and let REAL journalist and MATURE woman handle women's issues.

Nobody should be drafted. End of story. Thank you Sarah, for once again putting your fellow women down, holding us back from true equality, and perpetuating Patriarchal stereotypes of women. You stupid princess-bimbo-bitch.

Sincerely,

A.R.
October 20, 2004


Don't Forget The Libertarians

Craig O'Brien writes:

Re: About "Presidential Candidates Feel a Draft" article

I strongly urge you to visit the Libertarian Party website www.lp.org and the Libertarian presidential candidate Michael Badnarik's website at www.badnarik.org.

The Libertarian platform is VERY strongly opposed to conscription. A simple email to his campaign staff with the questions about the military draft should get you an honest reply.

Craig O'Brien
cmobrien@wire-head.org
October 14, 2004


Bring It On!

Michael P. Laffey writes:

Bring it on. It would do the slacker generation some good.

Michael P. Laffey
Holmdel NJ
September 29, 2004


NBC News Looking To Profile Family On Draft Concern

Joel Seidman writes:

Barry,

NBC Nightly News is looking to find a family who we can profile for a story on the concern that there is a draft in the works?

Please contact me.

Joel Seidman
NBC News
202-885-4407
September 28, 2004


Impact Of Web On Draft Rumors

Wayne Woolley writes:

Re: Interview?

Mr. Zellen:

I'm a reporter at The Star-Ledger newspaper in New Jersey and am working on a story about the possibility of a draft. My story aims to look at the impact Websites such as StopTheDraft.com have played in keeping the issue fresh in people's minds.

I'm also curious if all the recent talk about the draft on the Presidential campaign trail has led to an uptick of hits on your site.

If you've got five minutes to chat, it would help the story a great deal.

My office number is 973-392-1559 and my cell is 732-804-6782. If it's easier for me to call you, that's fine too.

If you're unfamiliar with The Star-Ledger, we're based in scenic Newark and have a daily circulation of 425,000 and a Sunday circulation of 650,000.

I appreciate your time.

Wayne Woolley
The Star-Ledger
Newark, NJ
September 20, 2004


Very Offended!

Alanah Gilman writes:

Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols, May 31, 2004

Hello, my name is Alanah, I am fourteen years old. And I feel very offended by this letter. The first time I read it my jaw dropped. Like I said, I am only fourteen, yet I'm still offended by this article, as many women probably would be.

I was very disturbed by your article. They said some very sexist comments. When I was younger I would have rather played mortal combat (a video game that is extremely violent) instead of going upstairs and playing with barbies. I hated my barbies and would rip off there heads, so does that make me violent? Should I go to war because of it?

A man however, isn't very involved in the emotional well being of his children so it doesn't matter if the war made him crazy& as long as it didn't make him too crazy, this last comment in the paper is very disturbing to me because it is just so incorrect! I can not believe this, my father cares just as much about me as my mother.

Men can also be just as emotional as women, I know many men that would cry over something as much as I would. I think that these comments are degrading to women all around! If you do not want Equal rights, then go back to the seventeenth century because, I personally like voting thank you very much! Women have spent so much time fighting for equal rights and this comes out, I am just in utter shock!

It is so surprising to me that you based this article on assumptions, the part where you say that women have to wear make up, we are not forced to wear make up we chose to! I also was not raised to be a mother, I was raised to be a good person, to be someone respected. My brother, who is eleven, is not being brought up to be a soldier. He is being brought up to be what ever he wants to be.

I'm not saying I want to be drafted, I know a bunch of guys (who are "stupid and even evil!") don't want to be drafted either. But if we are drafted, I know that I will go out there with my head held up high, just like the guys that have "been raised to be soldiers".

Alanah Gilman
September 25, 2004


In This Country

Rosie writes:

It is hard to imagine that in a country in which people are declared free, they are forced to do so many things that they do not wish to, and serving the military against one's will is at the top of that list. If America reinstates the draft, than I will feel more than ever that I am a prisoner of a country that claims I am free, being suffocated ever so slowly by this thing called democracy. In the military, a person basically becomes a tool to the government, wielded harshly and sometimes carelessly. A soldier's death is a debt the government will carry infinitely, because nothing the military has to offer is worth 60 year's of a person's life.

The fact that people make the choice to serve willingly is shocking enough, but the very idea that they may be forced into it is appalling. This would again become a country who wins wars by stealing the lives of its people and forcing them to fight, ripping them away from their friends and family, all for this greater good that's supposed to be the end result.

Obviously, I am against the draft. It is bad enough when someone has chosen the path that leads to their grim demise, but when someone is yanked from their own road and tossed onto a pathway already stained crimson with the lives of their peers, their own fall is too tragic for words.

The only thing the draft has to provide the American public with is nightmares ripened with the blood of their loved ones.

Rosie
September 18, 2004


Chile Contemplates C.O. Status

Talia Leibovitz writes

Hello!

My name is Talia Leibovitz, I'm Chilean and working for an NGO named CODEJU, which means "Youth Rights Corporation."

In our country, until now, we've had a system which makes military service an obligation for every person who have 18 years old (males) for one year.

This year, we're starting a project with the support of Congress which wants to implement conscientious objection for the military services.

For that purpose, I'm working on a comparative study of about six countries that already have this system - and Canada is one our countries.

What I need is to contact a few people who did conscientious objection, and ask them few questions about it. Maybe you can help me with this, because from here (Chile) it is very difficult to contact people.

We need this to learn about the fact of the law and the system to make a good law here.

Thank you very much!

Talia Leibovitz, Sociologist
CODEJU - Corporación de Derechos Juveniles
taliacl@yahoo.com
September 7, 2004

P.S. - I'm really sorry about my English, I try to do my best.


Draft Women!

Joseph Rinella writes:

Draft Women.

They do in Israel.

Joseph Rinella
August 13, 2004


I'm Ready To Do My Part

Jenny Kammer writes:

Comments on "Women are Mothers, Not Soldiers"

Sarah Eve Nichols assumes way too much in her article "Women are Mothers, Not soldiers." I'm offended by much of what she assumes, including that men are unemotional, unsympathetic, evil beings. Men are people too, they just have a different way of expressing their feelings.

"Women should not be drafted because they have babies!!!" Thank you. I love having my life purpose reduced to continuing the Human race. What about all the young men that are drafted" Don't they have families, friends, and careers" Why should they be asked to leave their lives, and women shouldn't because, biologically, we have the ability to carry children.

Her argument about children's toys and how children are raised also assumes too much. I was not raised to be a mother, I was raised to be my own person, with the ability to speak for myself and make up my own mind. Also, none of the boys I know were raised specifically to be soldiers. They were just raised to be good people. In addition, when I was a little girl, I hated dolls and dresses, and would much rather be playing sports, monster trucks, or video games. Ms. Nichols is just using common steryotypes and generalizations to back up her assumptions.

Another assumption Ms. Nichols makes is that men aren't involved emotionally in their children's lives. Who says that" What about the millions of single fathers in this country" What about all the 'Mr. Moms'" Furthermore, I've seen no scientific evidence that a women's reproductive organs are "more complicated" than men's.

As for the scenario of having two parents drafted and leaving a child behind, one or both parents could apply for Classification 3-A, an exemption due to the hardship it would cause on the draftee's family.

Ms. Nichols' generalizations that a woman's work is harder than a man's don't hold up either. She assumes that men don't have the vocabulary neccessary to understand a simple word like empathy, which isn't the case. She also assumes that women are required to wear cosmetics to "keep up" with the men. I don't see how this is true; I lead a perfectly normal life, without makeup, dresses, or Seventeen magazine, and I'm ahead of many of my peers, male and female, both mentally and physically. And when Ms. Nichols says that men don't "got a clue how freakin' unfair America is for woman," she fails to realize how much better off women in this country are, and that that standard of living is worth fighting to defend.

I find it absurd that women aren't allowed to register for the Selective Service, even if they want to. Women spent years fighting for equal rights, and now that we have them, we aren't willing to do our share of the work" We tell our girls that they can do anything the boys can do. So why should we shirk this responsibility" If the men can do it, then why can't the women"

This, of course, coming from a woman who will be eligible for the draft shortly, and is rather peeved that I can't, and that it's assumed I wouldn't want to. I believe I have the obligation to defend my family and my country by standing beside my brothers and my sisters of America in combat, if that is what's required. It's not me I'm worried about. It's the attitudes of those who think women shouldn't be allowed to take equal responsibility for the defense of this country.

So stay home and play with your dolls and your makeup. I'm ready to do my part.

Jenny Kammer
August 13, 2004


Seeking Sanctuary In Canada

'G' writes:

Hello,

I am a 22 year old actor from New York City, USA who was a former petty officer 3rd class in the U.S. Navy.

I got a call about 2 weeks ago stating that I should show up for duty on Sept 15th of 2004. However, since I got out of the Navy about a year ago, I have discovered a life that is beyond imaginable. I have become an actor, and have discovered talents, like writing poetry, that I did not know I had.

However, I am just sick of living in America. Bush is shutting out all the creativity that made America great. And as an actor and budding writer, I have found it to be that I have to work at least 2 maybe three jobs just to keep a roof over my head. The rich are just getting richer, and most of my friends have resorted to drug use just to keep the reality of not being able to pay bills from entering there minds.

I would like to get the fuck out of America by September 1st. I want to be able to live in Canada, a place that does not call me back to the service after I served my country well. As a homosexual that was formerly in the closet in the military, I would have no choice under the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, but to serve any. And if I did not I would face persecution for being who I am.

I am begging you to please help me. All that I ask is for approximately one month to get my affairs in order so that I can leave America with a clean conscience and have some money to start over.

The only way to contact me is via email, as at the present time, I do not have a telephone. But if you get back to me, I will respond.

Sincerely,

'G'
liberation10101@yahoo.com
August 10, 2004


Sanctuary Movement For American C.O.'s

Polina writes:

Hi,

I know the two guys who are currently here [in Toronto] as consciencious objectors are being greatly helped by the Quakers.

I'm not exactly sure how to go about contacting them and figuring out how to proceed, but here's somewhere you might want to start:

http://www.quaker.ca/directory.html

Quakers have always been very helpful when it comes to consciencious objectors.

Polina
August 9, 2004


A Draft Is The Antithesis Of Freedom

Kevin Cahill writes:

A draft is the antithesis of freedom.

And with Bush as president, a draft is even worse than under a normal leader.

Kevin Cahill
Department of Physics & Astronomy
University of New Mexico
August 9, 2004


How Do We Stop The Draft Possibility"

Janis Serfozo writes:

Yes - stop the draft, but how"!!

I have a son who turns 20 in August and is a very promising college student studying biology. This young man is definitely not suited for the military much less to fight in a war.

He is a thinker and more on a book level than a physical level. The idea of him going to war scares the hell out of me.

HOW DO WE STOP the draft possibility"

Janis Serfozo
July 30, 2004

Our reply:

It is scary -

The best way to stop the draft before it re-starts is to write your congressmen, senators, and the two presidential candidates - and share your concerns with them!

Then send a copy of your letter to your local newspaper's op-ed page. (Also send it to us and we will post it!)

If they hear all our voices, they will have to listen!

;-)
Barry Z


Military Platform/Kerry-Edwards

Steven Swann writes:

It looks and sounds good...

...and implementation"

We will probably have to get base pay levels to about $50,000 for enlisted folks, and $85,000 for officers.

THEN, we have to find the people qualified to fill 40,000 slots for regular military service and... a few more folks in Special Forces.

It IS a great plank.

But implementation is extremely unlikely. (At least in one term... hmmmmmm: 2008 = phase two")

Steven Swann
July 29, 2004


Bravo!

Master-Sergeant Mark LaSalle writes:

As an active duty NCO I bitterly oppose conscription as being provably damaging to our superbly effective Volunteer Force.

We need experienced CAREER troops, not a rotating pool of unwilling malcontents who will require constant training.

There is no need for a draft, and should the decision be made to expand our forces there will still be no need for a draft.

The Reagan era Cold War buildup was accomplished without conscription, and the services were vastly larger than they are today.

If we need more troops, from raw recruits to the over-20 year bracket, we can simply choose pay them enough that they don't jump ship.

BTW, for the old folks who are nostalgic for the draft, I respectfully submit that society now is vastly different than it was during WWII and Korea.

I've been in for 23+ years and got to witness first-hand the post-draft era repair job we had to do to win the Cold War.

Don't wreck our work. Reversion to a draft would cost billions of dollars and lose lives on the battlefield.

Opposition to a draft should be a genuine bipartisan issue.

Be ye of Right or Left, peacenik or neocon, conscription is blitheringly idiotic and solves nothing.

Mark LaSalle
Manning, SC
July 22, 2004


What Can I Do To Stop This"

Kari J. writes:

I am concerned about the impending draft in '05 if Bush gets back in. Well, I am against war and violent agression in any form or place. I have brought my kids up this way as well.

Now I feel helpless, and part of a big snowball effect with the US invading other countries and counting on my kids to kill and perpetuate this horrible war cycle.

What can I do to stop this" I had always felt that raising children with good morals and strong family ties would help, but now I can see that I WAS wrong and I need to be a bigger voice.

Please let me know what steps I can take as we all need to get on the ball with this.

My e-mail is zfish@mac.com

Thank you,

Kari J.
Sitka, Alaska
July 20, 2004

Our reply:

Hi Kari,

Thanks for writing! These are scary times - but you're right, there's a lot you can do to have a bigger voice!

We just added a bunch of links to the StopTheDraft site to other groups - many of which are very political and help to organize campaigns to stop the draft... feel free to click on any of them to see if one might appeal to you.

Some of the groups specialize in nonviolence, others counsel military personnel on conscientious objection, some organize protest activities, some write letters to their congressmen about the draft bills being considered, and some offer discussion and chat.

One of the first things to do, perhaps, would be to write a letter to the editor of you local paper in Sitka and maybe even the larger dailies in Juneau and Anchorage about the draft issue, and how you feel about it.

Then, you can send a copy of the letter to your state and federal representatives in the house and senate.

Another way to get active is through the StopTheDraft meetup, maybe there's enough people in Sitka to get a meetup going (it usually needs a minimum of five).

As well, if a draft does start up, draft-age refugees will need places to hide - and there are few better places than in the wilds of Alaska where many people live off the grid. Perhaps you could help people if they need to find a place to escape to. (Some draft refugees who head to Canada cross over from Skagway or Haines, so they might be taking the ferry up that way.)

These are just a couple of ideas, I'm sure there are even more ways to get active!

Best,

Barry Z.
StopTheDraft.com

Insensitive Draft Article

Phil Mayer writes:

I just read an article by Sarah Eve Nichols dated May 31st, 2004. Since it is two months old you have probably already heard a lot of complaints regarding it so I will be brief.

I think that Miss Nichols is very in tune to male privilege, yet incredibly blind to male privilege. She exaggerates the extent to which society encourages violence among young boys. And she actually seems to condone the use of toy guns to teach boys to be extremely violent.

Is she a feminist or not" If she can use female domestic upbringing to justify exclusion from the draft, then why cannot others use it to justify more traditional roles for women"

Nichols claims that men are "evil" and have no "empathy," yet she completely dismisses the psychological effects of war on men, while saying that rape has "ramifications that can be detrimental for the rest of a woman's life."

I do not deny this about rape, but to deny the same about combat is unforgivably insensitive. I truly believe that this person does not posess "the ability to understand someone else's feelings, thoughts, and experiences, basically putting yourself in someone else's shoes."

This person is a disgrace to feminism and I assume completely misses the point of your website. She may think that she is a feminist, but is actually extremely chivalrous.

Philip Mayer
July 20, 2004


Take A Stand, Santa Monica!

Tonia Young writes:

Dear StopTheDraft.org

I wanted to make sure that you folks know about JERRY PEACE ACTIVIST RUBIN. He's asking the Santa Monica City Council to take a stand against the Military Draft legislation: House Bill 163 and Senate Bill 89.

He's looking for people to attend a Santa Monica City Hall meeting on Tuesday, July 27 at 6:45 pm. (High School students are particularly welcome, since the City Council will move the topic to the beginning of the meeting, if students are present.)

Please contact Jerry Rubin, preferably by phone: 310-399-1000

...and/or E-mail: JerryPeaceActivistRubin@earthlink.net

As a quick action, Jerry is asking people to voice their view about the draft by calling: 310-458-8201 (or e-mailing) Santa Monica City Council: Council@Santa-Monica.org

Please circulate this as widely as possible.

Peace and thanks,
Tonia Young
Topanga Peace Alliance
310-455-2688


Answer The Call

James Gilreath writes:

Considering all the goodies the young people derive from this great country, I would think they would like to give a little back, like a year or two of service to their country.

If the young people of past generations has said: "HELL NO, WE WON'T GO"...

...this younger generation might not have a great country to enjoy!

A draftee of years ago,

James Gilreath
July 19, 2004


This War's Not About Our Freedom

Mary Baldwin writes:

I'm sick of hearing about our past wars. The Civil War was a disgrace, but it was at least about freedom, which this one is not about OUR freedom.

So many people assume that if you are against the draft that you are unpatriotic. I gladly and honorably served two years in the Navy, and I am female. Nobody made me go and there wasn't a stupid war going on.

If it was for our freedom, I still would have gone.

Thanks for this place to set things straight.

Mary Baldwin
Tulsa, Oklahoma

PS: I am also a Disabled American Veteran


I Think We Need The Draft

Professor Chant writes:

I'm sorry to say this - as a passivist - but I think we need the draft.

I'm a professor at Rutgers University and to see so many undergraduates support this war - and view it from the comfort of their flat-screen cable television makes me think that if there were a draft the would not be support for these wars.

Chant
July 12, 2004


Glad You're Doing This Work

David Roche writes:

I'm glad you're out there doing this work. Bush says he doesn't see a need for the draft at the same time the Pentagon is scrambling to shuffle troops from place to place and recalling reservists that have already served.

I wouldn't be surprised, if after the election, if Bush should win, that he all at once sees a need for the draft.

I'm not too certain about the prospects of Kerry either.

David Roche
July 11, 2004


Who's An American"

Bob Stein writes:

Re: "Because we eliminated the draft, there has been an explosion in the sissy hawk population. Those who are outraged by unnecessary wars, but who have never served their country in any way, are the most repulsive of hypocrites.

National service is a necessary element of responsible citizenship. Those who refuse this duty are parasites. Because we eliminated compulsory national service of any kind in 1973, we now suffer from the presence of two generations of spoiled brats in this country. "

Anyone who pays taxes serves this country. Anyone who votes serves this country etc. Just because there are citizens who don't serve in the military doesn't make them any less American or patriotic then you. The military serves at the behest of the civilian population. They serve at our discretion. Never forget that. We have a responsibility as citizens to protest their actions and policies at any time when we feel like it. The "spoiled brats" as you call them are the children and grandchildren of the Vietnam era. You've learned nothing from that. National service as you define it is NOT compulsary and it should be kept that way whether it's the military or some other arm of government. We have a right to say NO! And in doing so, that sometimes makes us more responsible than the sheep who say yes.

I praise those in the military who've gone to Iraq and especially the 1,000 Americans who have died there. It's not their fault they've been hoodwinked by Bush and Cheney into spilling their blood. I agree that Aghanistan is the right place to set up the barricades but Iraq was a foolish if not stupid move on the part of this administration. What do we expect however when we have an empty suit president who needs cue cards to go to the bathroom!

To have George Bush in the White House, a man who's an international disgrace, at a time when this nation is in such peril makes one ill. He's an embarrassment. And this is what sends Americans to warÉ"!!!!

Before going to war Bush had his cronies e.g., Cheney and Condoleeza Rice all over the airwaves saying this country was in "imminent danger" of attack from Iraq. Now Bush says Iraq was a "gathering threat". How the hell did he get from imminent attack to gathering threatÉ"!!! No one has asked that in the press and they should.

Bob Stein
July 10, 2004


Draft Who"

Bob Stein writes:

If we're to have a draft then Bush's daughters should be the first ones called up.

In fact, they should have been made to go to Iraq before any American was sent over there to fight this disgusting war.

Bob Stein
July 10, 2004


Grow Up"

Bob Stein writes:

Re: "Re-instating the Draft"

Mary G. wrote: "Apparently you have no idea what freedom costs. If we aren't willing to fight for and even die for our country and the cause of freedom and liberty, then we don't deserve to live in this great country. You wouldn't be here today, if your ancestors hadn't fought in some war somewhere. Grow up!! Accept responsibility. Talk is cheap; assuming responsibility is hard."

Grow up"

First you need to have the chance to grow up, and sending someone to Iraq is more risk than it's worth. The Iraqi war has nothing to do with freedom or fighting for our country. Haven't you heard" Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9/11 and that was one of the main reasons Bush and Cheney used to send us into this quagmire. The UN resolution about using force prior to the war was about WMD, not about regime change. Responsibilty is certainly a factor though, and our responsibility as American citizens is to protest against a war based on lies and deceit.

Over a thousand Americas are dead now. Bush et al have blood on their hands--American blood. I'm very disappointed in Kerry though. Left to both men--Bush and Kerry--we'll be in Iraq for many years to come. There's not going to be a democracy there or anything close to it. Iraq is not a homogeneous nation. It's a mix of tribes and and religious factions that will never get along. They ARE incapable of producing a democracy.

The first free election will be the last free election. Some thug or strongman will come to power and never let go or we'll see one coup after another. Partition the country in 3 parts, arm the Kurds and get out! I don't think we should be in the same position in Iraq that we were in Vietnam--propping up one dictator ater another, and even coup d'etats against a particular dictator we don't like (remember Madame Nu--the Dragon Lady). We've learned nothing from Vietnam. If there's a draft, I'll send my son to Mexico if I have to. There's no way I'll risk his coming home in a box to please that ignoramous in the White House.

Bob Stein
July 10, 2004


Whining

Cpl. Keith Royal writes:

It is amazing to hear such whining from people who use the freedoms that the draft - and the people currently overseas - give to them.

I was in Iraq last year for the war. I am not a big fan of the draft myself. I don't want one of those crybabies hiding behind me whining with a loaded weapon. We would probably be forced to disarm and use them as a land mine detector.

It is unfortunate that people use even this issue as a means to support or insult one of less-than-impressive presidential candidates. The chances of the draft being utilized is slim but possible.

But as I learned in the Corps, if someone is inspired to accomplish something, they normally can accomplish their goal. Protest, leave the country, whatever is necessary but those civilians that understand the importance of going to war will do so.

And those who aren't up to the challenge are welcome to move to Canada, Mexico... The list goes on.


Cpl. Keith Royal
July 8, 2004


Only Congress Can Start The Draft

A retired female soldier writes:

POINT ONE: The President cannot institute the draft - only Congress can, meaning those people YOU elected.

POINT TWO: I hate civilians!

A retired female soldier
July 6, 2003


About the Draft!!

Royal Smith writes:

My reaction is simple: Re-elect Mr Bush and that triggers the return of the draft! The situation is that simple.

Royal Smith
July 5, 2004


Are You Drawing A Line In The Sand"

Tim Whitney writes:

Dear Mr. Zellen,

I would like to write with regards to Eric Walters's editorial on April 28, 2004. I myself am a 25 year old male. I don't believe that there will be a draft reinstated or that I will be of eligible age to attend, but I will not hesitate to pick up arms with my fellow brothers (and now sisters). This boy, (sorry Eric), is a example of pride and honor on which we were founded as a nation. Eric, I support your views and would gladly defend this nation beside you.

I don't understand how we can have such an awful split in opinion. Even a short while ago during Vietnam, the country was torn. Did we learn nothing" Brother against sister, Father against son, everyone blamed the soldiers when they left to fight and scorned them on their return. Men that just got through fighting for their lives!! Will this happen again"

If I am drafted and sent to fight, will I return to social and economical unrest" No soldier of honor, but a robot for the government" Slave to the very country I just protected" To those writing these articles, have you been in the military or served your country" If yes, what has happened" Are you protecting the youth or forgotten that feeling of pride (read Eric's editorial). Those who have not served, you're right to disagree, lie with the men overseas, not in Congress.

Mr. Zellen, I know that this website is used to provoke intellectual discussion throughout the country. It is our God given right to agree or oppose as we see fit, but are you drawing a line in the sand if a time does come and the draft is real" Are we setting ourselves up for another internal catastrophe" I do not agree with someone living free and then barking at the very government that provides it. It will be a sad day when we are all asked to choose a side.

Tim Whitney, RA
N.C.
July 5, 2004


The Draft = Military Slavery

Dorothy Ellen Whitsell writes

Slavery is morally wrong and illegal so let's quit calling it "the draft" and call it what it is, military slavery.

As soon as the dictators of this country think it's safe and expedient to bring back this kind of forced labor, they'll do it by creating necessary emergency situation(s) to induce panic and abject public obedience.

Of course it will be under a different name than "the draft". The military and politicians will speak of public service and will offer the usual enticements of "college education" etc. to those who submit meekly and threaten punishments to those trying to escape. Overwhelming public opinion, as it always does, will force most young people into conformity.

Dorothy Ellen Whitsell
July 5, 2004


Democrats Favor the Draft

DRECPA writes:

From what I am seeing, it is the Democrats who favor the draft. For the moment, Rangel and Hollings are the ones who publicly support it. But they say that the movement is picking up steam.

They argue it to be a matter of fairness that ALL social economic groups should have to bear the burden of military service. Not just the unemployed.

Further, they argue that if all social economic groups were in the military, the leaders would be less likely to start a war. This implies that they would favor a draft even if there were no war.

DRECPA
July 5, 2004


Doubletime For Our Troops

Bob Stein writes:

Since President Bush has required that our troops do doubletime and stay in Iraq past their required stay (which is in effect a draft), then before making this requirment, Bush should set an example and 'draft' his twin daughters into the military, and Cheney should have to send his daughter as well. It should be law, that any president and vice president sending Americans into war should send their own adult children first into harm's way.

Bob Stein
July 3, 2004


Many Thanks From Antiwar.com

Kev Hall writes:

Glad to read of your anti-draft Web site in the NYT. Many thanks for all you are doing.

Are you familiar with us"

In peace,
Kev Hall
Senior Researcher
Antiwar.com
July 3, 2004


Re: 'Women & The Draft: Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols

"Stptpls" writes:

What bull s...

Stptpls
July 3, 2004


War

Fadi Boujaoude

I think wars should be fought only in self defense. We should go to war only if we have to, not because we want to.

The current Bush administration has lied to the citizens of this great country and to the world in general, in blaming Iraq for what happened in September 11, 2001.

Fadi Boujaoude
July 3, 2004


Re: "Re-instating the Draft"

Mary G. writes:

Apparently you have no idea what freedom costs. If we aren't willing to fight for and even die for our country and the cause of freedom and liberty, then we don't deserve to live in this great country. You wouldn't be here today, if your ancestors hadn't fought in some war somewhere. Grow up!! Accept responsibility. Talk is cheap; assuming responsibility is hard.

Mary G.
July 3, 2004


What Side Of The Fence"

M.J. Wolfe writes:

Are you looking for conservative thoughts or liberal" Let me know.

M.J.
July 3, 2004


Legally Allowable Service

WTN III writes:

I'm a man. I've had sex with every man in this country between the ages of 18 and 30.

Prove otherwise.

WTN III
July 3, 2004


The Draft

Nelon Kirkland writes:

Dear Sir:

I strongly believe that there should be a draft in this nation. Not only would it provide a military of the best and brightest without discrimination but it would probably eliminate 90% of the crime committed by youth between the ages of 18 and 21 by taking them out of the MTV culture and teaching them discipline, obedience, and respect for authority.

I would like to express this view as a writer for your Organization. Conscription is not morally reprehensible. Such a statement is just an excuse for wimps that do not understand the sacrifices that our forefathers made so that they are able to voice such a cowardly and immoral position to avoid defending the Christian ideals that this country was founded on.

Sincerely,

Nelon Kirkland
July 3, 2004


Re: "Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers," By Sarah Eve Nichols
David W. Behrens writes:

Men are Fathers&

&AND Soldiers!!!

Let me repeat the title again, Men are Fathers AND Soldiers. Males fulfill their biologic right to parenthood AND their civil responsibility to defend our nation. The author's argument assumes that it is a responsibility of females in our society to procreate. Parenthood is a personal choice and a civil right, not a civil responsibility.

Procreation, by either gender, is completely voluntary and does not fulfill any civil responsibility. It is a civil responsibility to defend our nation, and all those little children, against those who would destroy us.

To this point in our history, only males have been involuntarily charged with the civil responsibility of defending our nation. Given the emphasis on gender equality during recent history, it is more than just that females also accept the responsibility of defending our nation. The first step in fulfilling that responsibility is to register with the Selective Service System, to enable our government to contact those females to fulfill their civil responsibility of involuntary military service. Presently, only males are required to register with the Selective Service, clearly subjecting males to gender discrimination.

To address the author's contention that females in U.S. society are in some ways treated as less than full citizens, I say: What better way to clearly demonstrate that females must be respected than to accept the same civil responsibilities as males, i.e. direct ground combat with our countries enemies" I cannot imagine a scenario with a female combat veteran being treated as a 'second class citizen.'

To address those arguments, based on strength and speed, against placing females involuntarily into direct ground combat, I present the following: Gender-norming has been used to affirmatively place females ahead of males into civilian positions requiring physical strength and speed, such as firefighters, police, smoke jumpers, and cadets in service academies. Why not use these same gender-normed standards, which are significantly less rigorous than those minimums required of males for the same occupations, to affirmatively qualify females for involuntary direct ground combat" Females cannot be simultaneously too weak and slow to perform as equals to males on the battlefield, and still be affirmatively placed ahead of males in civilian occupations that require similar strength and speed.

Finally, the question: Do equal civil rights for females obligate females to equal civil responsibilities" Should the absence of female civil responsibilities vis- -vis military service commensurately diminish female civil rights" In light of the fact that only males are required by Federal law to serve involuntarily in direct ground combat for up to six years of their lives, and to risk their very existence in that service, to what quantum degree should females civil rights be diminished" Why is the pretext of a logically flawed Supreme Court decision, and continuing legislative gender discrimination, allowed to exempt the female majority of the population from any possibility of involuntary direct ground combat

David W. Behrens
July 3, 2004


Right On!

Bill writes:

Amen to getting George Bush and all the schmucks that work for him OUT OF OFFICE! And... amen to the question of just what would John Kerry do about a draft" I don't trust him either in that regard. But I must say I will vote for him just to get Bush out of his appointed (not elected) office.

What the hell is happening to our country" I can't believe that the citizens of this country are just sitting back and letting Cheney, who still has stock options in Halliburton, benefit financially from the "rebuilding of Iraq". I'll be damned if those bastards in Washington will use my sons as cannon fodder in Iraq so they can fatten their wallets.

Let me finish by saying that there will be hell to pay if they start the draft up again. I can't believe that I actually am afraid that the government will find out I feel this way and punish me for it. I never felt this way before those creeps, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Ashcroft came into power.

Bill
July 3, 2004


Draft"

James A. Neilson writes:

Hello,

The Bushites have proved that even the United States of America can easily be turned into a "Banana Republic" by their actions. Look around.

A draft is necessary to train and arm the real people of USA to fight the elite the Bushites constantly call the "American People".

A volunteer army has done the bidding of the elite though all of history. Now that real people are still alive that remember the mistake of allowing the elitists to send our young people to Viet Nam I don't believe that could ever happen again with a draft.

The Bushites have lit the fuse for WW3 and it is inevitable. With a draft our young will be prepared body and soul.

James A. Neilson
July 3, 2004


Don't Go!

Edward Hasbrouck writes:

Will the USA reinstate a military draft" If you read this article in today's New York Times , you should also read this .

The erroneous (but so taken for granted as to be unstated) assumptions behind the Times story, and many similar ones, are that: the only threat of a draft is of a general draft of young people for unskilled cannon fodder. In reality, even mouthpieces for the Selective Service System say that a special-skills draft, starting with physicians and other health care workers including men and women of a wide range of ages is the most likely form of draft, and would be called for much sooner than a general draft. (I've also pointed this out to the authors of the urban legends Web page on the draft, which was cited in a Usenet reply to one of my earlier posts on this topic.)

Whether there will be a draft is a decision for Selective Service or the Congress. In reality, the SS has no role in the decision -- their job is to carry out the draft, once it is ordered, not to recommend whether or when to do so. Only Congress could authorize the draft, and they aren't going to unless and until the military says it's necessary.

So the question should be, "How soon will the Pentagon decide they need a draft to get enough doctors"" Even that misses a critical historical lesson: Whether there will be a draft will be determined by whether draftees submit.

The reason we don't have a draft today, almost a quarter-century after the reinstatement of draft registration in 1980, is the sustained and ongoing, spontaneous and unorganized, individual noncompliance with draft registration. Ultimately, the fate of the draft rests with those who would be drafted. It's what Dave Dellinger was talking about when he titled one of his books, "More Power Than We Know".

If large enough numbers of draftees don't step forward when called, only a police state, and maybe not even that, can make them.

You have other choices . Don't go.

Edward Hasbrouck
July 3, 2004

Posted on "The Practical Nomad," Edward Hasbrouck's blog, located at www.hasbrouck.org.


The 'War' and the Draft

Douglas Hinds writes:

I am a US citizen who's lived and worked abroad for the past 30 years.

The article on the topic "The 'War' and the Draft" by Watkins Ellerson titled "Will John Kerry Save Us From A Stupid Draft"" confirmed my suspicion: The US Congress has neither declared war on Iraq nor provided any answer to any of the following questions:

> "Why are US troops there""

> "Can ANY country's citizens be expected to NOT defend their sovereignty against an invading foreign army"" and

> "Was the USA INVITED by anyone to invade Iraq

These are basic questions that GWB obviously (and apparently intentionally) ignores.

IAC, the purpose of this letter is to share my own experience regarding the draft. If understood and acted on, it can probably save many lives.

I finished high school in 1960, when the draft was in (or nearing) full force. After completing another semester of Jr. College, I interrupted my education to work on a Coast and Geodetic Survey ship then making a map of the pacific ocean floor, as well as collecting bottom samples and other data.

Although the officers on Coast and Geodetic Survey ships were fulfilling their military duty, the rest of us were civilian governmental employees.

When the ship was ready to sail and we began running tracking lines 10 miles apart between Alaska and midway to Hawaii, we would replenish our supplies and take our days off every couple of weeks, docking at a Navy-Marine base on Kodiak Island.

This experience allowed me to comprehend that a significant difference existed between my own and what we could call, Military Mentality. I also realized that I could not continue to be the person I already was nor continue to develop my abilities and character, at whatever point I allowed myself to be placed in a situation that subjected me to military law.

For one thing, I was born with a deeply ingrained and disciplined habit (the development of which my parents had encouraged), that was clearly incompatible with the military mentality I had encountered and would have had to assume as my own at the expense of my own identity, value system, independence and self reliance; the very qualities I intended to develop further and in fact, reinforce.

I habitually, continuously and consistently observe my surroundings, analyze the situation, evaluate my alternatives and choose the most appropriate course of action, in line with a criteria I myself developed over the years.

NO THINKING PERSON can perform the duties expected of him (or her) under conditions that preclude or inhibit his or her own basis for decision making and THE MILITARY DEPENDS ON BLIND OBEDIENCE within its own hierarchic structure, not analytical thought.

Concomitantly, I was also aware that I would be unable to accomplish my own goals at whatever point I became subject to military law. Therefore, I had to chart a course that allowed me to act BEFORE being actually inducted into the armed services.

There was no doubt about it. In order to remain true to my own values and concerns, remaining a civilian was an ineludible imperative. Once I became aware of that, I then had to make a decision, then and there, once and for all. I did that. I charted my course, and committed myself to sustaining it.

So far, I have only discussed attributes related to my own personal development and the person I was meant (and born) to be. I haven't mentioned the War Against Communism, the Domino Theory, Giving One's Life for One's Country, Colonial Imperialism or any other patriotic or political issue which, while admittedly may be important to a greater or lesser degree in the present context; by themselves, they will nevertheless NOT keep anyone on the right (their own) track and therefore, out of uniform, out of Iraq and perhaps, harm's way.

I did not leave the country, I did not shoot a toe off or pack the crevice between the cheeks of my gluteus with peanut butter to eat during the coming inspection or claim conscientious objector status (and have to answer the stock question: "What would you do if you found a communist raping your sister"") or any of the other things other people I know did.

I waited until I was called in, selected a series of appropriate opportunities (targeting in particular, the doctor who reviewed the total number of my excellent test results) and explained in historical, philosophical, psychological, social, political and personal terms exactly WHY the armed forces did not figure in my plans for my future and why the armed forces was itself far better off understanding that what they needed was a far different kind of inductee, someone capable of taking orders, someone who didn't always analyze and consider alternatives.

People like me aren't adequate material for their purpose and constitute a bad example for the rest of the troops, since the mortal, permanent and inherent defect I possessed (constant and independent thought) is contagious and would undermine the morale and paralyze the unit's movement until enough data was in to act with a far greater degree of independence and security, based on the input received by each member of the unit and the formulation of well defined and firmly founded near, medium and long term goals.

But above all, far beyond the explanations, I had to DEMONSTRATE the indomitable quality, incompatible with military mentality that I possessed. I had to PROVE that I THINK FOR MYSELF and will take any and all measures required to insure that my God given trajectory is not interrupted by anything short of a real, well founded and thoroughly legitimate reason that I myself recognize as such. That's my nature. I knew who I am, where I was and where I was going.

I was unwilling to be deviated from my birthright and destiny, and WAS willing do anything necessary to prevent that from happening. Consequently, anyone intending to derail that had better look for another sucker, if they don't want their organization taken apart from within. I met them head on and made that point extremely and when needed, forcefully clear, over and over, during the course of that day.

As it turned out, there was (and probably still is) a classification for people like me. The classification given was 1Y, which signifies: "This guy can and will fight. Call him up in case of a true national emergency and don't bother him (or bother with him) for anything less"

Irrespective of my personal opinion regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the so-called War against Terrorism, the Invasion of Iraq or why so many non-US citizens do not sympathize with ANY country's insistence on exploiting a much higher percentage per capita of the world's natural and human resources than that enjoyed by the rest of the world, the above statement constitutes nothing more than a true relation of a factual, historical event.

No one is encouraged to act in any way that runs counter to any US law or that is inappropriate to their own personal destiny. Others who read this may or may not sympathize with the profound evaluation and serious decisions I myself made or the sincere, decisive and (above all) effective actions I took, which I believe may have a useful application to the present circumstances of some of those who read this.

My purpose here is to inform and in that sense, anyone seeking to discuss their own or the general situation in an academic and/or respectful manner (and no one else) is welcome to write.

Douglas Hinds
July 3, 2004


Re: "Draft Dodger Mother," By Catherine Lynn

Glen Ethier writes:

An amazingly insightful, honest and well-phrased poem. I have passed it on to family and friends. So much better than the politically biased rhetoric on both sides that inflict us in every election year.

Glen Ethier
July 3, 2004


Re: Krasner

Kevin J. Doyle writes:

Mr. Krasner's comment comparing military life to police and firefighter's is badly flawed. Police and firefighters are paid 3 to 4 times what enlisted military persons get. They also do not have to move around the world encountering great personal expenses.

Living in the same community for their entire career. Police and fireman get to make contacts that enhance their second careers. The draft is coming because the current system can't support the war.

Kevin Doyle
USN retired
July 3, 2004


An Important Web Site

Cary J. Polevoy writes:

I just discovered your website after reading an article in today's Rocky Mountain News regarding the draft. I appreciate your effort. I am opposed to the draft except under certain extreme circumstances. I am now 52 years young. Our son is 21 and has been in the US Army for 3 years, now. Fortunately he has not yet been deployed to what they refer to in the Army as "Sand Box." But I've had my own scrapes with Selective Service and the draft. In 1971 , I was a student at Michigan State University. I had to lighten my credit load for a term, dropping down to three classes from four.

Bamm! Part-time student status and that left me open for possible draft induction. A number of us sat around my dorm room the day of the draft, beer and stronger at the ready as we would celebrate that our numbers would all be high ones. After what are the odds that someone would end up with #1 out of 365 days in the calendar"

Dumb thinking! They called my birthday, June 27, number seven.

To make a long story short, I had to travel back to my home in New York upon receiving a Selective Service notice in very short order. I went through the whole physical and mental exam thing. Let me tell you, at that time, they'd take people who couldn't even read, the testing was so basic and infantile. In fact, they probably preferred the less "lettered" from among us young folks.

Fortunately, I failed the physical and was classified 4F - no military service for this guy. Turns out I had a terrible allergy to wool and, of course, back then every form of uniform was swimming in wool. But back to the greater issue at hand. Selective Service Bureaus, at least in the past, have exercised enormous discretion regarding what sons and daughters they call in for service. There is no mistaking it, the draft system has not been fair and impartial. If you were in school full-time, you got a pass. If your family was influential, you got a pass. If your folks were average working class people, "here's your M16 my son, good luck."

The problem that our currently military has is that far too many people already in the service are not involved in combat missions. It now requires a huge number of supporting cast to get soldiers into the field. So it is no wonder that the Army claims it is stretched thin in Iraq. Most of those 130,000 or so troops are not combat soldiers. That's at least one big reason why so many critics of the current force structure called for 200-300,000 troops for the Iraq theater last year and still do. The other problem is that members of the military are not paid very well for holding full-time jobs that often exceed 48 hours of duty a week. If you are going to attract men and women into the military as an alternative to them selecting a job path in the private sector, well what's the competitive edge" "Where else do you have a chance at having your head or arms of legs blown off"" I hardly think so.

Oh the carrots of money for college tuition, sometimes signing bonuses for re-enlisting, good health care, early retirement, they are all very good benefits. But let's face it. The probability of putting your life on the line in today's military is exponentially higher than it was just three short years ago. A higher paid military will cost this country dearly in the wallet. But perhaps a higher paid military will also perform better. Perhaps we'll have to pay higher taxes as citizens in order to adequately provide for America's defense.

But a draft to increase the numbers under arms" At what age would it stop" Who will be at risk for being drafted" Will draftees be paid a positive or negative differential relative to enlisted military" And most important, unless the defense of the United States is in question, as it was in World War II, but not in Vietnam and certainly not in Iraq, a draft is simply immoral. We are fighting a war of private interests. We tossed the towel in on diplomacy, the only moral imperative for solving international problems. I will gladly volunteer to save the U.S. homeland, but to save Iraq" If we re-institute a draft, unless there is substantial revision, it simply cannot treat all people fair. The military will be flooded with members of minority groups, with the poor and the illiterate, and most certainly not with the children of our elected public officials or those of the rich and powerful.

Cary J. Polevoy
July 3, 2004


We Already Have Conscription!

William Blackmon writes:

Conscription !!! What do you call forcing retired military members to stay in the service

William Blackmon
July 3, 2004


Draft "Fantasies"

Mark D. Jaeger writes:

Dear Barry,

Judging from the content of your website, some folks been watching the X-Files and reading Noam Chomsky too much. "The absence of evidence for a conspiracy is reason enough to believe one exists."

Hell, even if George W. Bush woke up tomorrow and said, "Shucks, I'm gonna start drafting people again," it would take months, at a minimum, and probably a year or more to get conscription up and running. The fact that many conveniently ignore is that, unlike World War II or even Vietnam, we no longer have the luxury of time in an age where well-heeled Wahabi nutjobs can purchase chemical or even nuclear weapons. We can only wonder what might have happened if Saddam Hussein had truly realized we were serious about invading Iraq.

Forget the draft. If, may God forbid, the balloon goes up in a major way two easy, quick, and perfectly legal ways to raise several hundred thousand troops would be just what the DoD has already done:

1. Recall IRR personnel: all of them are volunteers, would need little to no training, and were informed, per regulation and law, of their commitments when they enlisted.

2. Selectively request retired personnel, of which I am one, to return to duty or involuntarily recall them as necessary. Such a force would be overwhelmingly mature, experienced, educated, and capable--a commander's dream.

I also hasten to point out that if the National Guard were to be completely federalized, many, if not all, states would also have their own "State Defense Forces," which they could draw upon:

http://www.sgaus.org

For those "against the draft," I guess engaging in conspiratorial fantasies is fun but I sure hope they stop orbiting "Planet Conscription" and start dealing with reality. Life will be so much easier....

Cordially,

Mark D. Jaeger
USMC, 1975-1979
USAF, Retired, 1980-1995
July 3, 2004


Re: NY Times article dated 7/3/04

Jane Carey writes:

This article in the NY Times says that congress is not going to re-instate the draft. What are the bills in the Senate (S89) and the House (HR163) then"

They are real bills that will be voted on to re-instate the draft. (See: www.congress.org.) How can they say they don't intend on trying to re-instate the draft" Of course there are skeptics when they lie like that.

Jane Carey
July 3, 2004


High School Woes

Southern Chic 681 writes:

I go to an average high school, participate in three or four clubs like usual, and in the top 5% of American high school students. I don't know much about drafting or war or our rights to not be subjected to it. All I know is my grandparents lived through it and tell me about their worries and hardships during the 1960s and 70's. I know I pray for my friends, family, and schoolmates for their safety and faith overseas and in basic training. I know my boyfriend doesn't want to leave his widowed mother, myself, and Florida behind but he would refuse to hide if called.

I hate that he's right and we all need to be Americans and, thanks to the equal rights protests before my time, men. I want to see him graduate, I don't want to be left here without him or there with him and so many others while we're fighting a war we don't believe in and see no need to continue, and I don't want to kill people who believe they're doing right by their faith and ruler.

Politics are fine when they don't ever pass their effect down to our little town -- but this is entire schools, jobs, relationships -- the generation you are going to look to for peace, prosperity, and protection in just a few short years. What will happen if my parents, possibly like thousands of others, never have grandchildren" Those who remain from a draft won't want children to be put through what they just were, there won't be another baby boom. Disability plus all the senior citizens that will undoubtedly, without fail be here after a war" How much more into debt does this country need to get"

If Bush needs a draft so badly shouldn't it get through to him maybe there's a reason no young people believe in him" You know as well as I do young people are easy to make promises to, rally for something, and be led falsely to something, if we won't believe in a draft it's pretty sad you can't change our manipulative minds.

Southern Chic 681
July 3, 2004


Remember Thomas Paine

George Fleming writes:

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it."
- Thomas Paine, 1777

If we had not eliminated the draft, we would not have invaded Iraq. Because we eliminated the draft, there has been an explosion in the sissy hawk population. Those who are outraged by unnecessary wars, but who have never served their country in any way, are the most repulsive of hypocrites.

National service is a necessary element of responsible citizenship. Those who refuse this duty are parasites. Because we eliminated compulsory national service of any kind in 1973, we now suffer from the presence of two generations of spoiled brats in this country.

News article today says that Americans spend $29 billion a year customizing automobiles. Read: males between 18-35. Draft age.

George Fleming
Massillon OH
July 3, 2004


This Site Is Laughable

Mike Peppard writes:

I found this web site on the military draft to be laughable. The all volunteer force has done very well in the past 20 years. The military has never had any trouble attracting qualified individuals for military service. Remember that during the Clinton Administration the US military down sized 1.2 million men and women in uniform from the active force. As people were getting off the plane from Desert Storm Congress was pushing to reduce the force and trying to figure out how to send them pink slips as quickly as possible.

Now Barry thinks we need a draft. What a joke!

I served as a detailer and oversaw the downsize for the Navy. It was tragic that we threw people out of the military against their will just after the war. There is no need for a draft. All that Congress would have to do would be to approve an increase in military end strength and that would allow the military to increase recruitment. This web site is just a way to scare those who are less informed on the issues

Mike Peppard
July 3, 2004


The Draft

Mark St. L. Card writes

I would not worry about the draft. We have a professional army now. A draftee army would only erode the confidence that we have in our ability to defend ourselves.

Besides, if we cannot win with our professional army, we simply do not win. None of us (that have any intelligence) would willingly join the US army anyway. Why would we defend this nation" It's way too divisive for me.

Mark St. L. Card
July 3, 2004


If You Can't Serve, Perhaps You Can Pray"

Linda Teasdale writes:

My son is an infantryman in the US Army on his way to Iraq. His father retired as a Major who participated in every major conflict from Viet Nam to Desert Storm. He has been shot twice but not critically. I served 3 years at the end of Viet Nam at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I am totally opposed to reinstating the draft. Why"

Because I don't want someone who was forced to join watching the back of my son or our country. It is a privilege to serve our country. I believe that all men and women should serve at least one enlistment. But they should do it out of love for country not because some Congressman said they had too. To force anyone would be to put this country in danger.

This is still the greatest country in the world. It's why my son is fighting. So that websites like this can exist. So that you have the freedom to choose.

I pray for our soldiers many times a day. If you can't serve perhaps you can pray. Thank you.

May God Bless you and yours,

Linda Teasdale
July 3, 2004


Doubletime For Our Troops

Bob Stein writes:

Since President Bush has required that our troops do doubletime and stay in Iraq past their required stay (which is in effect a draft), then before making this requirment, Bush should set an example and 'draft' his twin daughters into the military, and Cheney should have to send his daughter as well.

It should be law, that any president and vice president sending Americans into war should send their own adult children first into harm's way.

Bob Stein
July 3, 2004


You Did It To Yourselves

Jack L. Snyder writes:

Remember when the women all wanted to be like the men and have the same jobs and do the same things the men do" Now suffer!!!

Jack L. Snyder
July 3, 2004


Stop The Draft = Chickenhawks' Delight

Steven Podvoll writes:

Dear Editors:

Shame on you. Citizens are more likely to resist (vote against) war-mongers, when they know their own children may be at risk. The current situation is repugnant and untenable in a true democracy; Chicken-hawks and fence-sitters live comfortably in the knowledge that underpaid mercenaries from the back woods and inner cities will bear the full burden.

Sincerely,

Steven Podvoll
Northville, MI
July 3, 2004


Alternatives

Dr. Joseph Arditti writes:

During the Viet Nam war some of my students were taken away to fight that ill advised war and many never came back (I am a retired University Professor). The same should not happen to students at present and in the future. One problem during the Vietnam war was that many draft age people were not prepared and did not know what to do or where to escape.

It may be well for your web site to have instructions and advice and how to prepare for a quick departure from the country and list of possible destinations.

One step would be for all those of draft age to get passports just in case the government will stop issuing them. Passports issued to those who are 18 years or older re good for 10 years.

A second step would be to decide where to go and then find how to enter and stay there. One approach can be to identify learning institutions and prepare to enter safe havens as students One should be careful to select countries that will not expel draft age Americans.

Joseph Arditti
Professor Emeritus
July 3, 2004


A Good Writer - But A Better Dancer!

Mike at Orca Studios writes:
Wade Robson is a good writer but a better dancer.

Mike
Orca Studios
July 3, 2004


A Perspective On The Draft

Wade Robson writes:

News item: "$28 million has been added to the 2004 Selective Service System (SSS) budget to prepare for a military draft that could start as early as June 15, 2005. The pentagon has quietly begun a public campaign to fill all 10,350 draft board positions and 11,070 appeals board slots nationwide. Dodging the draft will be more difficult than those from the Vietnam era. College and Canada will not be options."
I'm a veteran public affairs specialist. I've studied the draft issue since I was "at risk" for it in the 1970s. Based on numerous reports and considerable information from the Selective Service's web site here's what I predict:

> There will be a military draft next year after the election. However, the government will avoid using the word "draft" and sanitize it to say all young Americans will have to do two year's community service in Americorps or some other euphemism.

> The American public will embrace two years of community service because about 80% of the adult population has ties to some kind of charitable organization. The Red Cross, hospitals, a church, AIDS foundations...there are thousands of charities and all of them will fall all over themselves to take advantage of free talent to do everything from scrub toilets and lift heavy boxes to giving away millions of dollars in computer programming skills.

> A case for community service will also probably be made for its value in creating jobs for older workers. Taking young people out of the labor market for two years will create an artificial shortage of low-skilled labor. This will be a boon for older workers, driving up their wages and giving them more job options. It will also make it harder for younger workers to enter these jobs 2 years later because the older workers who displaced them will keep these jobs. Ironically, in many cases these older workers will be illegal immigrants.

> According to the Selective Service web site, age 20 is the most vulnerable year for being drafted.

> The government is most interested in particular skill sets: medicine, computer technology, etc. If you've been going to school in these fields you are most at risk for military line duty. Because slightly older workers have more seasoned skill sets in these areas, it may be possible that the draft will be extended to citizens as old as 40.

> Women will be drafted this time, so that means that young men will be twice as likely to serve on the front lines -- twice as likely to be killed our wounded. That's because women will be put in the jobs out of harms way, displacing men to the dangerous jobs. The American public won't accept women coming back missing an arm, leg, or half of their face.

> You will not be able to escape to a foreign country this time. Canadian officials will arrest you and deport you.

> You will not be able to defer by attending college. Your education will be interrupted for 2 years and then you'll have to go back and pick up where you left off.

> If you say you're gay you will still have to do 2 years of community service. There will probably be categories assigned to these options to military duty. If you say you're gay it will go on your record. Employers will ask what your draft code is and will discriminate against anyone who says they're gay. You will probably be virtually unemployable.

> Young people 18-26 will have a very difficult time finding civilian jobs because employers won't expose themselves to the risk of someone of draft age being called to active duty AND having to guarantee their job when they return. Businesses will not admit to this practice but they will quietly shift their recruitment to those over 30. They can easily calculate your age from the year you graduated from high school -- a question that appears on most employment applications. (Take the current year and subtract the year of high school graduation, then add 18 to the number. That's how old the applicant is, within 2 years). After the draft is in place for a few years, employers will require proof of your service, so you will be denied a job if you can't show proof. (There will probably be a big business in forged documents).

> Expect physical education programs to be ramped up in middle schools, high schools and colleges. A rigorous PE will be mandatory for anyone under 26. This will come about in part because of the widespread obesity among young people. As with previous draft generations, PE programs will be ramped up to ensure draftees are in shape for boot camp.

> Today's youth who are accustomed to considerable personal privacy will be in for a serious shock when they have to share military urinals, showers, toilets and sleeping quarters with others of their gender without privacy stalls or modesty panels.

> I also predict a new paradigm of housing will emerge in major metros as young people struggling to do community service without pay or for ultra-sub minimum wages will be forced into youth hostile-type facilities if they cannot or will not live with their parents. These will be austere, bare bones facilities, probably with 4 or more bunks in a small room, toilet facilities with virtually no personal privacy, and a shared community room. You'll have little choice in the TV shows on the community TV set. There will be no computers or video games.

> Not all of the community service options will be bleak. There will be cushy assignments--reserved for the children of Senators and the wealthy elite. Some of these may be unglamorous, such as being a filing clerk, but they will pay an "honorarium" in the low six-figures. These employment opportunities will be with major US corporations but will never be posted on their job boards.

> There will be a surge in diagnosed teen depression and teen suicides, particularly among gay teens.

> New for-profit businesses will spring up to harness the cheap labor for a variety of public boondoggle projects.

Wade Robson
July 2, 2004


Help Us To Write To Congress!

Gordon Virasawmi writes:

Dear Editor:

Today I typed in a search pertaining to "stopping the draft" in Google. I found your site and found it interesting. However, while intellectual content is very important, is it possible for you to make a page that lists how regular people can contact their local Congress Officials and Senators via mail, e-mail, and any other means"

Also perhaps some templates of what a simple letter to the Congressman/Senator should look like"

Sincerely
Gordon Virasawmi
June 29, 2004


Our reply:

Dear Gordon,

Great idea! We'll work on that this weekend!


No, Kerry Won't Save Us From The Draft

Raymond Amundson writes:

Re: Will John Kerry Save Us From A Stupid Draft"

No, Mr. Kerry and his (admitted) 500 million dollar woman will not.

The bionic woman was only worth 5 million.

The only thing that's going to stop it is to clear the visions of greedy Heinz sugar plums out of our heads.

Bush=Greed

Kerry=Greed

Both Yale boys, as you know.

You know the way greed works though&

Most people TOLERATE greed because deep down inside we think that maybe, maybe we'll get our TURN at the money pit.

Well, for every turn at the money pit&there's a beach full of bodies.

Radical"

I'm living in a day and age when talk of ETHICS is "RADICAL" to many.

I guess I'm weird, but I actually own a copy of Bill Bennett's "book of virtues" and it's really not all that bad&even though he has that greed gambling problem people keep complaining about.

Oh, I better get writing. I have 11 years of writing&just very little up for the web.

Ray
how.org
June 29, 2004


Are You Ready To REALLY Stop The Draft, Or Are You Just Talking"

Raymond Amundson writes:

First of all, here's a screencap I caught with my TV Card:

http://www.how.org/images/TV2004042122303300.jpg

If that doesn't send a message home, what will"

Now, if you WANT to stop the draft&all the protesting in the world is NEVER going to stop it&and you KNOW THIS.

Vietnam, WW2, Korea&and everything else.

Protests help, but don't correct the REAL problem.

The REAL problem is GREED.

Has the "matrix" of greed got ya"

http://www.how.org/911-Ethic.htm

...is a quick little essay about some subjects to consider.

No War=No Greed

No Draft=No Greed

But, people as they are can be quite unreasonable. They want to be trillionaires, but don't want the consequences.

Hitler, Stalin, Roosevelt.

All were greedy&and even the peasant digging in dumpsters wants a lottery ticket.

Are you READY to help oppose GREED"

Let me know, I have answers& just don't expect superman. I'm living here in Vancouver, one step from poverty.

Come to think of it&the founder of Greenpeace showed up here dodging the draft. (True Story.)

Well, think about it!

Honesty, or Bullets!

I know which one I choose.

Raymond Amundson
how.org
June 29, 2004


StopTheDraft Meetup Locations

Jamie "J'aime" Powell writes:

I am signed up for stopthedraft.meetup.com which allows me to go to meetings for our cause. Do you think you could add a link in your site to this for other stop the draft site viewers"

Thanks

Jamie "J'aime" Powell

Our reply: Great idea! We're working on it!


Not Allowing Choice Is Contrary To Our Philosophy

Marie Angelico writes:

I just wanted to express my thoughts against the draft and add one more person to your count of persons who have visited this web site.

The draft would negatively affect not only young people in my family, but all young people.

Not allowing people the choice of how and when to serve their country in either military or civil service ways is contrary to our philosophy about self determination and freedom.

Thank you for this web site.

I hope our Congressmen and women hear us.

Marie Angelico
Elmwood Park, Illinois
June 29, 2004


Missing Link

Carl Beckelheimer writes:

Hi,

I noticed that your site has lots of opinions concerning the rumoured reinstatement of the draft, but it doesn't seem to have any information on the status of the 2 congressional propositions for bringing it back, or even a link to congress' website. Opinions are entertaining and everything, but the status of those laws is one of the central issues - as they are the only real evidence I have heard of, concerning draft reinstatement being considered by anyone as a valid option.

I would however like to congradulate you on the success of your site(1000000+ hits! good job), and I hope this email is of use to you.

Thanks,

Carl Beckelheimer
www.digitalgreenlight.com
June 28, 2004


Lottery Selection

Matthew Stewart writes:

I took part in the selective service draft lottery of 1974. Our numbers weren't called.

However, if the draft resumes or does not resume next year, I have a feeling it will be at first like it was in 1973, 1974 and early part of 1975.

For one thing a lottery those years were conducted the second or third Wednesday of March. The reason was to give high school seniors an idea of where they stood when they graduated.

I was born in 1955, and my lottery was in 1974. I would have been drafted in January of '75. I really looked forward to the draft lottery in March '75 and the bicentennial knowing I probably never would be drafted.

The minute of January 1, 1976, I was considered 21 by Selective Service, though I wouldn't be 21 'til December.

If the draft comes back next year, I expect the people born 1985 will have a 50/50 chance They might go with people born 1986, and start the actual draft in January 2006, or they might have a lottery for 20 year-olds to 25 year-olds, like they did in 1969.

As for women, I have a feeling they would go with women born on, let's say, January 1, 1988. I can't imagine them drafting older people at first because of the political impact. It would really have to be a national emergency, like World War II. But even in the second World War, they had all their deferments because of the politics. If the draft lottery is conducted in June 2005, it will be like the 1970 lottery, and like '71 in summer when school is out of session.

However, when the draft becomes acceptable again, it will be in March.

I remember Nixon wanted it to be a national thing like Tax Day, call it Lottery Day. It's also interesting to compare the lottery of today to 1970 or the '75 lottery. The machine is a real lottery machine, no hands touch the machine except when they put it in and it dumps into the bin.

It's going to be interesting if it's a real random selection. or the Vietnam draft tables again. A magazine called Science published the charts of the 1970's lottery. It was 7 tables, and they pick the table by the roll of a dice.

However, they didn't have two sets of drums.

I'm sure the government will explain it when the time comes. I'm not sure if this year is the year for a lottery exercise. I have my doubts if Selective Service will announce it.

All I can say is that [the odds of drafting] older people will be remote, a lot of the deferments came for older people from World War II hardship, etc. It's quite possible that people born 1980-84, with '85 having a fifty-fifty chance, might be the last people not to have to worry about a draft. As for women, you might be the last ones not to have to worry depending on your birthday or birth year.

Matthew Stewart
June 27, 2004


Remembering The 1974/1975 Standby Draft Lottery

Steve Grbic writes:

Hi, I was born in 1955 and registered for the draft in 1973 - 11 months after the draft ended. It was quite interesting. It took about 30 minutes back then. It was still a part of the old draft.

I remember the clerk - she was a heavy smoker, around late 50's or early 60's years old - being nervous. (I'm sure she is dead now.) She gave me a pamphlet called, "I Thought The Draft Has Ended." A lot of people don't know, but selective service held a lottery in 1974, and its last one in 1975.

I got a low number in 1974, and I remember the clerk had me fill a lot of forms and told me to put "yes" on it since the draft had ended. I had no idea what the lottery was - neither school or any counselors explained anything.

After graduation, I went to Selective Service for clarification of my status, and she explained it to me. I did some research on the Vietnam War, and found out about the lottery, etc. What makes the standby lottery so interesting is that Selective Service was very secretive about it and there were very few news stories on it.

One news story about the 1974 lottery said there was confusion about a lottery number because it was used on the display, but all the low numbers were the last ones called.

I would really like to find information on the lottery, like a video or transcript. It would be interesting. It's also interesting that selective service hasn't put the results of those lotteries on their website. After all, I could have been drafted in 1975. After all, Vietnam fell. I remember in college one of the older students was telling us when Vietnam fell, that we missed all the fun of the draft lottery. He smiled.

In 1980, I wrote to my congressmen and told them I registered in 1973, went through my year of prime voluntarism in 1975, and I wouldn't again register. It must have worked, because only people born in or after 1960 had to register then.

If you know of any websites or a video on the 1974 lottery, I would be interested. I just wonder when my birthday (December 17th) came up. I know it was #34. But I wonder how many capsules were left in the drum.

Also, the draft lottery today looks different since it looks more like a lotto machine, with no hand turning, and also the two set of drums. I don't think Vietnam had two set of drums. How are they chosen - a coin toss or a drum with envelopes with the set of colors" I wonder if they call the set like teams. It reminds me of a sport draft. The lottery machine that I saw in a Selective Service publication. reminds me of a gumball machine - because the capsules look like those in gumball machines with a prize inside - even in the Vietnam lottery.

Steve Grbic
June 27, 2004


Questions About Possible Draft

David Guzman writes:

Question 1 - Can gay people be drafted"

Question 2 - Does Senator John Kerry support the draft"

David Guzman
Moviebuff9327@CS.Com
June 24, 2004

Our reply:

Hmmm - tough questions! Well, right now with our idiotic, and seemingly unconstitutional (and homophobic) "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it seems gay people can be drafted so long as they remain in the closet. If they 'tell' the military they are gay, they'll quickly be discharged. Until gays are welcome in the military, I can't imagine a place for out gays during a draft, unless perhaps serving in a non-military function. So if you think about it, all would-be draft dodgers need to do to avoid conscription is to suddenly, and persuasively, come out of the closet during induction - putting an end to the hassle of making a conscientious objection claim! (Just as in the end of the movie Spartacus when all the captured slaves stand up and shout, "I'm Spartacus," the current generation of young men would merely have to stand and shout, "I'm gay!"... and thus escape the burden of military service...)

As for Senator Kerry, I think he opposes reinstating conscription now, but in the event of a bona fide, multi-theatre war that over-extended our troops and threatened our national survival, I would imagine the he - being both a veteran and a Democrat - would like to see a fair, class-neutral system of military mobilization to ensure the burden of military service is shared equally by all Americans.

I'll try to find out more information on both of your questions...


Women Are Mothers, Not Soldiers --> What the&"

Justin Miller writes:

Dear Editor,

"The Women are Mothers, Not Soldiers" story written by Sarah Eve Nichols is completely out of line, and should be removed. Men do have emotion, and do care about other people's feelings. I personally don't believe in killing people for any reason whatsoever.

Women should not be drafted because they have babies" Well guess what, without any men, women won't be having many babies.

What were you thinking allowing that article to be published on your site"

I hope you reconsider the posting of this feminist propaganda.

Best Regards,

Justin Miller
June 18, 2004


25 Going On 26...

"Tweek" writes:

What I'm wondering is - based on what I've read on sss.gov, and what the text of the bills say - let's say there is a draft in June 2005. Now, if someone were to turn 26 before the draft was to be reinstated, would they effectively "slip under the radar" due to the age limits set in S89"

Tweek
June 14, 2004

Our reply:

Hey there - I'm not sure the answer, but I heard grumblings that next time around, they're going to broaden the base of draftees to include older folks than in the past (ie, up to 40!) But this is wild rumor with no factual basis. Let me dig around and see what I can find out that's more substantive.

Fellow readers - anybody know the answer to this"&

Barry


Together We Can Stop The Draft!

MG writes:

Hi Barry,

I am a long time fan of your site. I am running my own anti-draft website at:

www.geocities.com/draft_in_2005

I have added your link onto my site. Would you be willing to add mine" The site contains a welath of info on the draft, and gets updated everyday. Together we can stop the draft before it starts, because nobody should be forced to kill.

MG
June 13, 2004


Can we help STOP THE DRAFT"

John & Matt write:

Hi Barry,

We were about to start our own website using this name for the same cause when we found your website already existed.

We are glad to see other people who are likeminded and must congratulate you for your success.

We have a great many ideas we would like to discuss with you and were hoping since we are working toward the same goal we could work together.

I understand that you may have many other obligations to fulfill but we would appreciate it if you could get back to us at your earliest convenience.

Please contact us at jth747@hotmail.com or by phone at 314-283-5559.

Hope to hear from you soon,

John and Matt
June 13, 2004

Our reply:

Hey there - thanks for writing!

Feel free to send in columns, articles, letters etc - we welcome all submissions from the antidraft community!

Peace,

Barry


From An Oldster

Paul Reppeto writes:

Barry:

I just thought I'd let you know about something happening on the West Coast.

I'm finally graduating from The Evergreen State College with a BA tomorrow at 52 y/o. I also share your concerns about the draft being re-instated and I've been following recent events.

My wife just returned from the college and told me that the campus was covered with anti-draft posters and asked me to find out what was going on - which is how I found your site - courtesy Google news.

Evergreen was a hotbed of anti-war activity in the early 1970's and to a great extent it retains it's original flavor. One of my Profs was even a former SDS leader.

Tomorrow, there will be an estimated 14,000 people on campus for commencement. Many of these people will alumni and the message will get out that they should be concerned. Perhaps, George won't be re-elected, after all.

There are many of us with gray hair, who remained silent out of fear before - we will not be silent this time and many of us have already marched with the young.

Please, keep up the Web Site - I suspect that there will soon be others.

Thanks!

Paul Reppeto
Olympia, WA USA
June 11, 2004


I Love My Country

Mike Gabrielski writes:

I just wanted to email to express my thoughts. If we want to remain a free country and if not enough men and women don't sign up for the service then we may need the draft in order to remain a free country. This country was founded on giving one self in order to provide a great life for the general population. If it were not for the giving of the few then none of you would have what you have today. Would you all rather we lost the war against Germany and Japan and the battles since"

I served in the service and spent 18 months in Vietnam and I have two artificial knees but I would be more than proud to serve my country even with my current knees if the need arose. If you don't love this country enough to defend it then get out and stay out, we don't want you here.

I was only 18 when I went and I made a life for myself after I got out and I am doing fine today. I was and always will be proud to have served my country and every American should do their part if called upon. Living in this free country did not come free, many men and women died to give this freedom to you so don't ever think this country owes you anything unless you are willing to stand by her side.

Thank you for letting express my thoughts.

Mike Gabrielski
June 7, 2004


The Coming Draft

Pat Frazier writes:

If Bush gets back in - they will draft - make no mistake about it.

I would rather see my children in jail than in Iraq. A good strong "hell no, we won't go" movement would be awesome. They can't lock everyone up. We need good, very readable bumper stickers. Anyone know where we can get them" Start with, "I'll go if Bush goes".

Bush and his neocon friends plan a virtually perpetual war. Their manifesto says Iran and Syria are next, then North Korea. I read one article that said the neocons have long range plans to invade 30-40 countries. They have a stated goal of having everyone, even their allies, fear the US.

If you think about the numbers of men and women that they want to draft (with women alone, that almost doubles the normal amount right there) All eligible up to age 35! The initial plan calls for culling from the 18-25(6) age group. If you add all that up - it a phenomenal army, especially since they are pulling most deferments.

The neocons want an Army base in every country. They probably want to be able to get enough people for them all and also for the wars they want to fight I suppose.

The best thing we can all do is tell everyone we know that the draft is coming. Ask them to register and vote - and keep reminding them to vote until it is all over.

I don't want to see another generation ravaged by war.

Pat Frazier
June 7, 2004


Send The Shrub's Twin Daughters To Baghdad

Larry Wobeter writes:

I believe the rules regarding deferments have changed since the Vietnam era. College deferments allow one to complete the semester and then must report. If you are a senior you may finish the year. I also know that this includes not only men but women and bills pertaining to women are in the house at some stage. Would be cool to see the shrubs twin daughters in Baghdad. One big issue that must be discussed and resolved is the gay issue as don't ask - don't talk is inadequate.

I need to do more research regarding the two bills in the senate and the house to determine what the details are along with other pending bills languishing within congress. If this passes secretly an explosion will be heard, however, if done as should be in a democracy, the dialogue will certainly be interesting and should not pass either house unless the current administration permits another 9-11.

Larry
June 6, 2004


No One Should be Forced To Kill

E. Bidleman writes:

I was very pleased to find this site. We must be on our guard and not let the government take away the very last shred of liberty we have in this nation; the liberty of deciding for oneself the course of one's life. I urge everyone to contact their congressperson and let them know how you feel.

No one should be drafted in my opinion, yet a draft of women would be especially cruel. Can you imagine how horrified a small,non-athletic young girl would be to find herself drafted and verbally and physically abused by sadistic military personnel" I have seen what those young people go through in boot camp. They have to want that kind of experience...really want it! And there would be no escape for anyone unless they wanted to face prison and the horrors there. Women do not have to be forced to kill to prove they are equal just as men should not be forced to kill to prove they are patriotic or macho.

Ron Paul has the right idea when he says we need to end draft registration once and for all. That way the "men's rights" people will not have a leg to stand on and neither will those in congress who want to make a point with this legislation.

Thank You,

E. Bidleman
June 6, 2004


Thanks For Starting Your Website!

Joe Allen writes:

Thanks for starting your website. I wanted to submit this article for a posting.

http://www.socialistworker.org/2004-1/498/498_06_Draft.shtml

Joe Allen
June 6, 2004


Updated Draft Resistance Leaflets

Edward Hasbrouck writes:

In response to renewed requests for information and advice about the draft, I've updated the last National Resistance Committee leaflets on the draft, draft registration, and draft resistance, and posted them at:

http://hasbrouck.org/draft

> Draft Registration Is No Joke!
> The Draft and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
> What To Do If You Don't Want To Be Drafted
> Making a Choice: Conscientious Objection or Refusing to Register
> Health Care Workers and the Draft

I've also posted some links on the current situation, and and some background on draft reistance in the 1980's. Hopefully these will have some value to today's resisters. If there's sufficient interest, I may try get more graphics amd other archival material online.

Peace,

Edward Hasbrouck
June 6, 2004


We Need Another National Draft Resistance

Monique Murphy writes:

It's all marvelous that people who won't be drafted are angry about the draft, but I'm going to be eighteen in December and am finally starting college. My life is just beginning, and I will NOT allow it to be cut short by a government I neither want nor support in any way possible.

I'm terrified of being told to kill people I have compassion for. I don't want to help these neo-Nazis secure their tremulous oil futures. I don't want to have to leave the country, but I will if it comes to that. Unfortunately, they've effectively lowered a gate on Canada.

What can I do" We need another national draft resistance.

Monique Murphy
June 6, 2004


Draft Concerns

Paul Singer, a reporter with the Chicago Tribune, writes:

I am a reporter with the Chicago Tribune working on a story about rumors that the government is going to reinstate the draft.

The Selective Service and the Pentagon deny that they are making any plans to reinstate the draft. Do you belive them" Are you still concerned that the draft is a real possibility"

I saw that there is a Meetup event scheduled on this issue.. can you tell me more about those events"

I would love to discuss this with you if you are available.

Thanks for your time.

Paul Singer
Chicago Tribune
Washington Bureau
202-824-8213

Our reply:

Hi Paul -

Thanks for writing.

The draft rumors have been gaining more traction as the Iraq situation seems to slip closer and closer toward quagmire status - and "draft-like" extensions to tours of duty of reserve soldiers, and delays of retirements of regular service members, are increasingly used to "stretch" our force capabilities. Even Kerry pointed out that something like 90% of our fighting power is concentrated in Iraq so if a trouble-spot elsewhere flares up, we'd find ourselves over-extended.

Last year, when Selective Service posted an ad seeking new draft board applications, part of a 'generational' rotation of its draft board membership, a palpable fear spread throughout the anti-draft community that draft boards were being prepared for a quick re-activation - but as the rumor spread, Selective Service pulled its ad, suggesting it was stepping back from this for the moment.

And it seems most of the folks on the Hill who are eager to see draft legislation come up for a vote anytime soon are Democrats, to spread the burden across all classes and to prevent what they see as an economic-draft compelling poorer people to venture into harm's way in defense of the freedom wealthier citizens seldom actually defend these days.

So - would this administration restore a draft, that peculiarly democratic institution that Republicans traditionally have abhorred"

I think so - but only in desperation, with a military stretched thin and unknown dangers lurking over the horizon.

A draft would provide two immediate benefits: a) it would enable the administration to meet its manpower commitments for an extended Iraqi reconstruction effort while increase our ability to face a second military threat elsewhere; and b) it would take millions of people out of the labor pool and contribute to at least the perception of a strengthening economic recovery, helping reduce unemployment numbers.

But philosophically, this administration obviously would not be inclined to enthusiastically embrace conscription. Even after 9/11, President Bush avoided calling on the nation to sacrifice, and seems intent on being at war while our civil society back home enjoys an oddly calm sense of peace - without the full mobilization of a nation at war. There was no Kennedy-esque call for national service and giving back to the country in a time of peril. So conscription would shatter this illusion of half-war, half-peace we currently enjoy.

Part of me believes that President Bush is likely personally opposed to restoring a draft, more like a Reagan Republican, committed to the fighting spirit of an all-volunteer force and its dedication, and reluctant to send draftees off to fight without that same dedication to victory. As well, whoever would inherit the party from Bush would no doubt pay a high-price during his (or her, if it's Condy) election campaign if Bush does bring the draft back in his second term.

But I can't escape a nagging, intuitive sense of inevitability of the draft coming back - and this administration has stumbled its way closer than we've been for a generation to a draft becoming military necessary. If a new, mass-terror attack comes to our shores, or we witness an unexpected military escalation elsewhere in the world, the administration may feel like it has no choice.

Is it possible - yes. Is it likely - at this moment, I would think not immediately. If Iraq stabilizes, then we'll probably not see conscription return after the election. If Iraq becomes more chaotic, and we experience a terror attack or face another regional escalation toward chaos, then I'd say it'll become likely. Is the administration thinking about it" I would imagine they'd have to be by now.

As for the Meetup, I'm not directly involved - one of our readers submitted the theme to Meetup.com and it was approved so we spread the word. I signed up for the Boston chapter but there have not yet been enough signups to trigger the threshold for a meeting.

I have noticed traffic to my site, StopTheDraft.com, has been increasingly wildly the last few months - last year it used to only get around 500 to 1,000 monthly visitors, then in January it went up to 2,000, and is now getting aroun 6,000 unique monthly visitors.

Hope some of these thoughts are helpful. Feel free to quote directly from this email.

Best,

Barry Zellen
StopTheDraft.com

Too Many Young Americans Have Already Been Killed

Jim G. writes:

I think too many young Americans have already been killed. If Bush is re-elected, he will do his best to kill more.

NO DRAFT!

Jim G.
May 31, 2004


StopTheDraft Online Petitions

Joe Park writes:

Greetings,

Now that we all know about the new draft for the 21st century (unisex enlistment, college students unexempt, etc.), it's time to take ACTION. Here is a list of all the online petitions that we can sign. Don't wait, don't put this off...sign them NOW!

http://www.endselectiveservice.org/

Please note: this is a very important link! This is where you can send a petition to your representatives in Congress.

http://www.russoforpresident.com/petition_draft.php

http://www.petitionpetition.com/cgi/petition.cgi"id=6993

Let's spread the word about how we can utilize our petition power to stop this monstrosity, and if anyone out there knows of other anti-draft petitions please let us know.

Joe Park
May 15, 2004


Seeking Kansas City Anti-Draft Activists!

Scott Canon writes:

Mr. Zellen,

I'm looking for people in the Kansas City area involved in ant-draft efforts. Can you suggest any contacts"

Also, I'd like to speak with you about what sort of response you've received from your web site so far, how likely you think a reinstatement of the draft might be and a few other things. It would be great if you could give me a call.

Sincerely,

Scott Canon
National Correspondent
The Kansas City Star
May 12, 2004
Toll-Free: 800-829-0151 (just say my name aloud when you start to hear the recording)
Local: 816-234-4754


Our reply:

If any readers are in or near Kansas City and are able to speak with Scott about regional or local anti-draft activities, please feel free to contact him at the above numbers!


Drafting Women

Ellen P. writes:

I have yet to hear someone address the issue of what is to be done with the children of women who have been drafted if an amendment like this should ever make it through Congress.

Any idea what the consensus is on that"

Ellen P.
May 5, 2004


What I Think: Freedom Isn't Free

Eric Walters writes:
Dear Mr. Zellen,

I feel every person is entitled to their own opinion, and that they have the right to express it. However, I can't help but disagree with yours in some areas. I'm 18 years old and I recently registered for the draft this past summer.

Though I certainly don't want to have to fight, or put myself in harms way, I do believe there is a sense of duty and obligation that I (as a citizen of this country) am required to fulfill if my nation does in fact need my service. I consider myself lucky that mandatory service isn't required ALL the time, like in many countries around the world (Israel and Russia, for example).

I have the right to choose whether or not I want to join the military in the first place. Many nations don't offer this choice. And it's because of that freedom of choice that I will gladly defend this nation, our nation, with my life if need be. Nobody is in a hurry to run off and die, as many would put it, but I do think that since I am a citizen of the U.S.A. and that I have many freedoms (which many in this world do not), I have a moral obligation to protect them and the lives of the citizens of this country if our military is no longer strong enough to protect them with its standing force.

Yes, that means your life too. I would die protecting your right to say "Hell no, I won't go". Also, being a devout Christian, I realize many will say that their religious views conflict with war. But through my study of the Bible, I've found that war (in defense of a nation or as a just cause) is not only approved by God, but it is a nation's DUTY to follow through and do what they can to ensure that good, not evil, prevails in this world.

Lastly, I would just like to say that I'm not that old, but I at least know one thing for sure; freedom isn't free, and it never will be. I read most of your website, and concerning one of your last questions, I can tell you with complete honesty and confidence that I am ready to pay that price.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Eric Walters
April 28, 2004

Our response:

Dear Eric,

It is nice to hear such a strong and persuasive argument for the draft, and the moral obligation we share as fellow countrymen to protect our common good and way of life.

A big goal of our website is to foster discussion among all perspectives on the conscription issue so I am particularly appreciative of your willingness to share your thoughts, since as you might guess from our title, we often hear only from opponents of conscription.

As you may also sense from my editorial on why I started the website, I feel a continuing sense of ambivalence, as if there were a division in my heart between that sense of a shared, mutual obligation to serve and protect our diverse, tolerant and most remarkable community called America, and a deep fear of the power of government to coerce young people to go into harm's way to defend what could turn out to be an unjust war. In short, part of me is torn between trusting those who govern our society (whom we elect), and not trusting their wisdom to make these decisions for us, particularly given the impact of focus-groups and opinion polls to drive decision-making as opposed to the deep moral reflection our founding fathers imagined!

I registered for the draft over twenty years ago, and some days I feel proud that I did, setting aside my concerns, my doubts, my distrust and fear. And other days, I feel some shame that I did not make a moral stand against war at the one moment when called upon to choose. Did I do the right thing" Did I do the wrong thing" Can evil be fought as effectively through nonviolent noncooperation such as draft resistance"

When I was younger, I imagined if all young people refused to serve when called to arms by the older generation in power, then all war would stop! I know this is naive, but part of me still thinks that sometimes wars are fought for the wrong reasons. But you are right to point out that sometimes they are fought for the right reason, for the purpose of justice and the triumph of good over evil.

It is refreshing to hear your moral certainty; somehow, all these years later, it helps me to feel that maybe I did indeed do the right thing when I registered for the draft.

Thanks again for your most thoughtful and well-argued letter!

Barry Zellen
Editor

AntiDraftCoalition.com's Coming Soon

Bobby writes:

Hey, just letting everyone know we have a new site, AntiDraftCoalition.com, coming on May 3rd, 2004, and are happy to be affiliated with StopTheDraft.com.

This site will have updated news on anything that affects the draft situation, forums for public discussion, pictures of advertisements/ADC meetings, articles and editorials, and a special feature I have entitled, "The Coalition".

This section will just be a long list of names that I receive either by forums or by E-mail that people have given me to be on the list. That way, we have all this information, and to back it up, a list of real people who back it up.

We hope all you guys check us out on May 3rd at AntiDraftCoalition.com when we officially launch!

Special Thanks to StoptheDraft.com as well for helping us out.

Bobby, AntiDraftCoalition.com April 25,2004


Time For A StopTheDraft Meetup!

Dave Fry writes:

Hi, You might be interested to know that I've proposed a topic group for Meetup.com named StoptheDraft.

I talked to somebody from Meetup, and he seemed pretty certain that they would approve the topic.

A year ago I wasn't really worried about this, but now that some of the politicians who sound the most serious about this are relatively liberal I'm getting worried.

Even some of my contemporaries - I'm 55 - who opposed the Vietnam War are starting to support it. The only way I would support a "draft" is if it was part of a general national service requirement and that everybody was subject to it regardless of age (maybe with a cut-off at 65) - with maybe a four-year deferment regardless of reason.

Naturally, my contemporaries who are for the draft are quite upset at that proposal.

But what I want to know is why some fat ass bureaucrat whose house is almost paid for, whose kids are grown, and who has never served his country should get off but some 18-year old kid just starting out in life should have to fight and maybe die against his will.

Dave Fry
April 23, 2004

Our reply:

Hi Dave - fantastic idea! I'll also send Meetup a request too, and also ask our readers to do the same! The more requests, I hear the more likely Meetup will list a new topic.

Let me know if/when Meetup says yes so we can spread the word!

Barry Zellen, Editor
StopTheDraft.com
Dave's reply:

Barry,

They approved the topic arlready! They've scheduled the first StopTheDraft Meetup for May 5, 2004 at 7:00 PM!

I put a link to your web site on my stopthedraft.meetup.com profile. Hopefully if people make stage a show of force early on the pols who sound like they might support this will back off.

Dave

Very Impressed With StopTheDraft.com!

Matt writes:

Dear Editor:

I am very impressed with your stopthedraft.com web site. A number of people (including myself) are working to hold a men's rights congress in Washington, DC this summer and would like you to be aware of it. Details are at www.mensrights2004.com. If you would like to attend, and/or speak at it, feel free to let me know.

Matt
April 23, 2004


A Wealth Of Information!

Sheba Brimmer writes:

Thank you very much for stopthedraft.com - it contains a wealth of information. However, I'm looking for a website that offers constructive actions that can be taken to ensure bill HR 163, currently in committee, DOES NOT PASS.

Do you know of a site that provides a central location for rallying the people against the draft" Thank you.

Sheba Brimmer
April 12, 2004


Who Gets Drafted First"

Mike Gofman writes:

Dear Editor,

I have a question which I know you would be able to answer. Let's say the Draft is reinstated in 2005. The first people to go (according to the SSS), would they be the people who are already 20 at the time of the draft reinstatement or would those be the people whose 20th birthday falls on the year 2005" Let's say somebody in April of 2005 will be turning 21 and the draft is reinstated in March of 2005, would that person be the first one to be inducted"

Also, another question. Could the Congress change the rules for the draft (like the which age group goes first, etc.), so it would differ from the rules found on the SSS website"

Thank you for your time - and your site is one of the best anti-draft sites on the web!

Peace,

Mike Gofman
April 10, 2004


What Are My Son's Chances Of Getting Drafted"

Alan (or) Deborah Hundley writes:

I AM AGAINST THE DRAFT 100%. My son will be 21 in December. What are his chances of being drafted. Is there anything that can be done to get only sons exempt from all military services.

There are enough men getting killed and injured over there now that have had some training maybe some for years, they DO NOT need to send inexperienced young men and women over there so this can happen to them. Do you think Bush will reinstate the draft in 2004 or more likely in 2005. This year would probably be political suicide for him if he did it now.

Thank you.

Alan (or) Deborah Hundley
April 9, 2004

Our response:

Hi - these are indeed scary times, but there are still many reasons for hope. With a son of draft age, the war on terror continuing with no clear end, and our military involvement in Iraq facing potential escalation, there has been much worry about the possibility of draft reinstatement.

One method to help prepare for an eventual return of conscription is to start the process of preparing one's case for CO status - which means gathering references from spiritual leaders such as a priest or rabbi, as well as others who may provide a moral assessment of your son's perspective on war. The most likely case for CO status comes from a long, moral commitment to peace and a demonstrable opposition to the use of force on moral grounds.

There is a group called the Center on Conscience & War that is run by a very able lawyer with many years experience representing soldiers seeking CO status. That may be a good place to start - if you google them you will find their web contact info.

My hunch is that President Bush will not reinstate the Draft, even after re-election; politically, it would come back to haunt the Republican party, which has traditionally opposed military conscription - which oddly enough is a Democratic issue, since it equalizes the burden of war fighting, so rich and poor alike share the responsibility. As well, a draft would only prove that he miscalculated in Iraq - and he is a very stubborn man, and unlikely to admit he made such a strategic mistake.

Let me know if the Center on Conscience & War is helpful!

Best,

Barry Z.
Editor - StopTheDraft.com

PS, you could also write your Congressman, Senator and President, let them know your concerns and your feelings. They actually do have staff read letters and compile the various perspectives presented - and if enough people do write, it will change things for the better!

Rumor Mill

Janet Maker writes:

There is an email going around saying that the plan is to institute a draft in Spring, 2005 (after the election) that would include all men and women 18-26.

Supposedly, Rumsfeld has made an agreement with Canada, so that escape hatch is closed, and also there will be no student deferments.

College students can finish the semester, and seniors can finish the year, but that's all. If this plot is being hatched in secret, so that the people have no input, I think that's criminal.

Is there any way to find out the truth"

Janet Maker
Los Angeles, CA
jamaker2001@hotmail.com
March 21, 2004


Biking Across America To Stop The Draft!

Biker D. writes:

To The Editor:

I saw your website a short time ago, so I thought I would write to you. As a peace activist, I am planning to ride my bike across America later this year to promote an end to the Selective Service System.

During my odyssey, I will tell people about the Military Service Act and how it has taken our freedom away. I plan on leaving March 20, 2004 and I will ride to all 48 states, and plan on stopping in Washington, DC at the end of my journey. I intend to ride my bike to all 48 states to educate every man, woman and child about the dangers of the draft, and my goal is to get Congress to abolish the Selective Service System. I will be visiting state capitals and small towns to encourage people to call and write to their congressmen. I am going to have people sign a petition to end the Selective Service System, which I will present to Congress when I arrive in DC.

The idea for this trip came to me on January 1, 2001 -- that was the day my freedom was taken for me by the Selective Service System.

As soon as I hit the road, I will keep StopTheDraft.com up-to-date on my mission to Washington. And, I will be accepting donations to help defray travel costs. I will first head to Nevada and California -- and am hoping to give a speech at every state capital. My message to every young man is this: Stand up for rights! Don't let the Selective Service System push you around!

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-mail.

Kind Regards,

Biker D.
ilovefishing23@aol.com
January 10, 2004


Love Your Site!

Scott Kohlhaas writes:

To The Editor:

Hello.

Love your site!

Would you be willing to spread the word about www.draftresistance.org"

Please let us know.

Scott Kohlhaas
E-Mail: skohlhaas@alaska.net
URL: www.DraftResistance.org


Good Work!

Clayton Trapp writes:

Hey Barry,

I just dropped by the site. I was going to tell you about the piece in the Guardian about the revival of draft boards but I see you beat me to it. Good work!

Peace groups in the UK have been gearing towards the arrival of President Bush in November. Thousands of letters have been sent to Tony Blair demanding that the invitation be rescinded, and there's a big rally scheduled for November 20 in London. The agenda remains somewhat undeveloped, but will include a big march and the toppling of a statue of Bush in Trafalgar Square.

Peace,

Clayton

Editor's note: Clayton will be reporting from the rally for StopTheDraft.com! We look forward to his report from the front lines!


Your Opinon On Current Draft Laws

I recently received this very thoughtful letter from a high school senior in Gray, Maine, named Adam Vachon. He's working on a research essay on my favorite topic, and asked if I would send him some of my reflections. After responding to his query, I thought I would present both his letter and my response here for your reading enjoyment:

Adam Vachon writes:

Dear Barry,

My name is Adam Vachon, and I am a senior in high school in Gray, Maine. I am currently writing an opinionated research essay on current conscription laws. In writing to you I am hoping that you will reply with your standpoint on this issue, as well as your reasoning behind it.

If possible, I would also like to know specific information on if you believe the drafting is more economically efficient then recruitment, whether or not the current laws infringe upon involuntary servitude rights, and whether or not it is fair that women do not have to sign up for the draft.

Any information you could provide me with would be a great help, and would aid me tremendously in writing this paper. thank you for any help you can provide me with.

Sincerely,

Adam Vachon

And I reply:

Dear Adam,

Thanks for writing and sorry for my slow reply getting back to you.

First, I wanted to let you know we'd be thrilled to publish your essay when it is complete, it sounds really interesting. I wrote such an essay (for our school newspaper) back in 1980 when I was a junior in High School, when President Carter reinitiated Draft Registration - and I wish I still had a copy!

Here are some answers to your questions - if you need more info or clarification, don't hesitate to write back:

a) Economics: Yes, I think the economics make sense since there is no requirement to provide military-scale wage and benefits packages to draftees since most are not and will not become professional soldiers; and, draft boards are staffed by volunteers (or were historically, and SSS seems to plan to keep draft-board service a voluntary position.) However, other countries like Israel and Germany find the cost of maintaining a large conscripted force pricey and I think Germany phased out (or will soon phase-out) its draft and Israel is thinking much the same thing, and replacing it with a smaller, more technologically-advanced and better trained military force structure. So, maintaining say a 100,000 man army is cheaper if composed of draftees than of professionals, but maintaining a 100,000 man conscripted army is more expensive than a smaller, high-tech professional force of say 20,000 highly trained professional soldiers.

In the high-tech world many expect to see in future warfare, smaller and more technologically advanced forces might prove to be more likely to be victorious in battle -- though as the Iraq war shows, winning conventional military operations is easy with a smaller, more mobile and higher-tech force (especially if it holds the "IT-advantage" over its opponent), but peacekeeping, which is lower-tech and more manpower-intensive, needs more boots on the ground... so it remains an open question how big a force we need and how skilled it must be. The overall comparative economics depends a lot on this decision about size/structure of the armed forces.

b) Voluntary Servitude: I am not sure if Registering infringes on issues of involuntary servitude, though I used to -- but now I think that Registration without a Draft is merely preventive, and might actually decrease the probability of needing a draft and thus might (in an upside-down sort of way) actually protect us from involuntary servitude to some degree. For instance, 3 million men have not registered, some quite openly. Selective Service tried to prosecute a few in the 1980s but now accepts non-registration as more of a "PR- challenge" and is working to increase compliance rates, going to schools, doing more marketing, etc. Since its approach to non-registration is relatively humane and non-aggressive, and no one has been indicted for so long, it seems that apart from the threat of criminal prosecution, which is indeed coercive, the government does not intend to punish young men for their resistance -- and because the military itself opposes conscription, it is not urging the government to be punitive in its approach, unlike in many other countries which do more to impose a climate of involuntary servitude. Even during Vietnam, one could refuse to register or to serve if drafted (and rejected for CO status) and do jail-time (as Mohammed Ali did) instead of going to war; and this was a contrast to, say, Nazi Germany, which executed over 30,000 draft dodgers and deserters. It is ironic that the government threatens to take away our freedom for refusing to take up arms to defend that very same freedom -- so it is quite a complex set of moral issues. That is where individual choice comes in. Some people refuse to register because they refuse to surrender these rights; others do register for a variety of reasons, some because it seems like a small price to pay and realize we compromise our freedom in many ways in order to protect the community at large and that this is a reasonable request. In a time of total war, on our soil, like that experienced in Europe in World War II, the Balkans or Rwanda in the 1990s, survival itself would be such a challenge that the logic would seem different, and the request of the government for everyone to share the burden would seem pretty reasonable in such circumstances.

c) Women: As for women, they are so lucky - they do not have to confront this issue and face no threat or coercion to register. But on the other hand, it sort of treats women as second-class citizens in that they are not expected to defend America when they might want to. And now, the military is gender-neutral in many and most roles unlike when Registration started up in 1980, so it seems sort of backwards to exclude women. In other countries like Israel women have the same requirement of national service. In Germany they did not and I was told by a German friend the explanation is that most women serve their countries with 9 months of labor before giving birth, and men serve with 9 months of military service (or 18 of non-military service). That sort of makes sense to me. Some women do register online as a form of protest -- a reverse sort of conscientious objection, one might think of it as conscientious inclusion. Ideally, either both men and women should be asked to register and, in time of crisis, to serve, or neither. But so long as women are excluded, I think in a way they are lucky!

In a nutshell, those are my thoughts! Let me know if you need any more info! And, good luck with your paper.

Best,

Barry Z.
Editor
StopTheDraft.com


That's Outrageous!

Peter Mazzarelli writes:

For christ sake the ladies do not even have to register for the draft but they can now be draft board members and decide which young men may or may not have to go" That is outragous. Where is the equality and justice in that!

The whole concept of the draft is terrible but this steps way over the line.

Peter Mazzarelli
antennas@megavision.com
December 4, 2003


'PS: I Think Your Site Is Extremely Important & Informative'

Zena McCoy writes:

Hello. I am writing a paper on the draft and I was wondering if you knew which countries in the world have a manditory service" Thanks.

Zena McCoy
zenamccoy@hotmail.com
November 30, 2003

PS: I think your web page is extremly important and informative.