Posted on Jul 19, 2018
Should We Be Upset At Those Who “Dodged The Draft”?
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I’ve seen a number of posts elsewhere provocatively calling President Trump a “draft dodger” for utilizing three educational deferments and one medical exclusion during Vietnam. I know this can be a sensitive issue for many of us who have served. Many of my military friends seem to want to pile on, and comment with disdain over his actions, and this issue. Some of this is just politics, for others it’s more personal.
I’d like to present a position here that may be unpopular with some. As a freedom loving American who voluntarily served in the US Army and Michigan National Guard for 22 years, including a tour in Iraq (2004-2005), I am thankful that I’ve never had to contend with an active draft. Most of us here have served in the military. Most of us served voluntarily; some were forced to “serve”. I’ve heard some who were conscripted say they are thankful they ended up in the military, or that they were thinking about volunteering anyway. I’ve also heard some say it was the worst thing that’s ever happened to them. There are still others who can’t comment because they didn’t make it back alive.
Most of us who joined the military will tell you they served to protect the freedom that is America, and we DO enjoy a great many freedoms that people in other countries do not. Now for the controversy. Can we include a draft as one of those freedoms? I contend we cannot. I’ve heard arguments for the utility, and necessity of a draft to fight our wars. But what is a draft when we REALLY take time to consider its nature. I’d like to place two definitions below to set the premise that guides my thinking on this issue. (I always use Merriam Webster for consistency’s sake.)
Servitude: “a condition in which one lacks liberty especially to determine one's course of action or way of life.”
Slavery: “a person held in servitude as the chattel of another
: one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence“
Given these two definitions, it’s hard to argue that a draft doesn’t, at best fit the first definition, and at worst the second. When confronted with being drafted, we are given a “choice” either go to war, put your life in danger and do what you’re told, or go to jail. It’s a false choice, because either way you lose the choice to determine your life’s course of action, or you become a slave to the prison system. When I’ve made this argument, the replies, and questions seem to indicate that it’s ok to draft people for a host of reasons, and I have a host of reasons in disagreement.
“It’s a price we have to pay to live in a free country.”
Are we really free if our government can place us into servitude, or slavery without due process?
“Other countries do it.”
We’re not other countries. We’re America, and we abolished servitude, and slavery over 150 years ago. Why would we want to resurrect slavery to fight wars?
“How can we count on volunteers to enlist in great enough numbers to fight our wars?”
How about we offer commensurate pay and benefits that will draw enough citizens to volunteer? If that doesn’t work, perhaps our government should re-think the necessity of that particular engagement.
“What if we’re invaded or we’re needed to fight a great injustice somewhere else?”
If we’re invaded, one suspects there’ll be no shortage of volunteers, civilian, or military. If the cause is just, and the danger real, America has never had a shortage of volunteers.
“Don’t you find it dishonest to use deferrals, or medical exemptions to avoid the draft when others didn’t do so?”
Those deferrals, and exemptions were legal, weren’t they? Would you call taking your mortgage interest deduction, or other legal deductions to lower your tax liability as dishonest?
All of these questions, and answers, are ancillary though, because these questions ALL avoid, bypass, or totally ignore the basic premise that a draft is based upon involuntary servitude at best, and slavery at worst. So, when someone gets all up in arms about President Trump, or anybody else “dodging the draft” by taking legal deferrals, I say, “I don’t blame them”. I tell them I didn’t blame President Clinton for avoiding the draft, and I don’t blame President Trump either. My support of President Clinton in this regard back in the 1990’s certainly caused some consternation among my Republican friends. It’s the price one pays for being philosophically honest, and consistent. Some have asked, about those who fled the country to Canada to avoid the draft, while others went along with it and were deployed to Vietnam. My answer is that I didn’t blame black slaves from fleeing slavery to Canada in the 19th century nor do I blame anybody else for fleeing to Canada to escape our slavery of the Vietnam era.
I understand that the military isn’t for everybody, and we don’t want just anybody fighting next to us. I want people fighting next to me who volunteered. Someone who has that special love of country, of service, and of unit that promotes an effective force.
In summary, I start from the basic premise that a draft is involuntary servitude/slavery, and therefore I can’t blame anybody for avoiding such bonds, either within the system of deferments, and exemptions, or outside the system by fleeing the country. America is a great country because we did away with things like slavery and spearheaded the concept of economic and individual liberty. These concepts led to the greatest worldwide advancements of production, technology and efficiency ever known previous to the founding of our great nation.
I’m sincerely interested in your thoughts, comments, or questions on this issue.
I’d like to present a position here that may be unpopular with some. As a freedom loving American who voluntarily served in the US Army and Michigan National Guard for 22 years, including a tour in Iraq (2004-2005), I am thankful that I’ve never had to contend with an active draft. Most of us here have served in the military. Most of us served voluntarily; some were forced to “serve”. I’ve heard some who were conscripted say they are thankful they ended up in the military, or that they were thinking about volunteering anyway. I’ve also heard some say it was the worst thing that’s ever happened to them. There are still others who can’t comment because they didn’t make it back alive.
Most of us who joined the military will tell you they served to protect the freedom that is America, and we DO enjoy a great many freedoms that people in other countries do not. Now for the controversy. Can we include a draft as one of those freedoms? I contend we cannot. I’ve heard arguments for the utility, and necessity of a draft to fight our wars. But what is a draft when we REALLY take time to consider its nature. I’d like to place two definitions below to set the premise that guides my thinking on this issue. (I always use Merriam Webster for consistency’s sake.)
Servitude: “a condition in which one lacks liberty especially to determine one's course of action or way of life.”
Slavery: “a person held in servitude as the chattel of another
: one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence“
Given these two definitions, it’s hard to argue that a draft doesn’t, at best fit the first definition, and at worst the second. When confronted with being drafted, we are given a “choice” either go to war, put your life in danger and do what you’re told, or go to jail. It’s a false choice, because either way you lose the choice to determine your life’s course of action, or you become a slave to the prison system. When I’ve made this argument, the replies, and questions seem to indicate that it’s ok to draft people for a host of reasons, and I have a host of reasons in disagreement.
“It’s a price we have to pay to live in a free country.”
Are we really free if our government can place us into servitude, or slavery without due process?
“Other countries do it.”
We’re not other countries. We’re America, and we abolished servitude, and slavery over 150 years ago. Why would we want to resurrect slavery to fight wars?
“How can we count on volunteers to enlist in great enough numbers to fight our wars?”
How about we offer commensurate pay and benefits that will draw enough citizens to volunteer? If that doesn’t work, perhaps our government should re-think the necessity of that particular engagement.
“What if we’re invaded or we’re needed to fight a great injustice somewhere else?”
If we’re invaded, one suspects there’ll be no shortage of volunteers, civilian, or military. If the cause is just, and the danger real, America has never had a shortage of volunteers.
“Don’t you find it dishonest to use deferrals, or medical exemptions to avoid the draft when others didn’t do so?”
Those deferrals, and exemptions were legal, weren’t they? Would you call taking your mortgage interest deduction, or other legal deductions to lower your tax liability as dishonest?
All of these questions, and answers, are ancillary though, because these questions ALL avoid, bypass, or totally ignore the basic premise that a draft is based upon involuntary servitude at best, and slavery at worst. So, when someone gets all up in arms about President Trump, or anybody else “dodging the draft” by taking legal deferrals, I say, “I don’t blame them”. I tell them I didn’t blame President Clinton for avoiding the draft, and I don’t blame President Trump either. My support of President Clinton in this regard back in the 1990’s certainly caused some consternation among my Republican friends. It’s the price one pays for being philosophically honest, and consistent. Some have asked, about those who fled the country to Canada to avoid the draft, while others went along with it and were deployed to Vietnam. My answer is that I didn’t blame black slaves from fleeing slavery to Canada in the 19th century nor do I blame anybody else for fleeing to Canada to escape our slavery of the Vietnam era.
I understand that the military isn’t for everybody, and we don’t want just anybody fighting next to us. I want people fighting next to me who volunteered. Someone who has that special love of country, of service, and of unit that promotes an effective force.
In summary, I start from the basic premise that a draft is involuntary servitude/slavery, and therefore I can’t blame anybody for avoiding such bonds, either within the system of deferments, and exemptions, or outside the system by fleeing the country. America is a great country because we did away with things like slavery and spearheaded the concept of economic and individual liberty. These concepts led to the greatest worldwide advancements of production, technology and efficiency ever known previous to the founding of our great nation.
I’m sincerely interested in your thoughts, comments, or questions on this issue.
Vietnam War
Vietnam
Donald Trump
Military service
Service
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 705
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In 1972 I was one of those 18 year olds facing the draft. My older brother came home from Vietnam in 68. My birthday was one of the later ones selected so I wasn't drafted. Two years later enlisted in the Navy. I never had to face the choice others did but if I ran off to Canada I don't think I could have lived with myself.
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In my opinion if you are too young or were not involved in the draft (I was) you just don’t understand the dynamics of it all. Today, only men upon their 18th Birthday are required to register. In the Late 60s, 70s, if you were pulled over by law enforcement, it was also likely they would demand you to provide a draft card [proof of registration ] proving that you complied with Federal laws; but also proving you had a right to be in the USA! Today, it would be different. Females would be required to register. Like it or not you or your sister upon receiving a “Draft Noice,” must report within 30 days to an induction center usually in a near by city. Image all the families that would scream about that?
Then in my day,, it was never considered to induct or require females to register, even after we had long instilled a Volunteer Army-or Armed Forces. And in those early 70s they had lotteries with your year and the date, so if you were born in a certain year, they drew a date with the notice of my birth year. Then you had a number. That year my number was #105! My mother had saved me with a Hardship Deferment originally because she was dying of cancer. She died shortly after, and months later I received my reporting date. Because my college grades fell below a C average, I was working a full time job!
As with your question, you only heard the half truth, along with Mr. Trump, Biden, Clinton and many other politicians were able to “Play the system by attending school!” Or in some cases get or fine a reason to avoid being drafted. Some flew to Canada, and were later forgiven?? Was that right or wrong? They should’ve been required to serve some sort of community service such as clean diapers of old women or men…but all received a freebie?
And as to the system, with today’s acceptance of women in all combat roles and MOS/Branches, and the equality the military offers every female-,there simply isn’t any reason why only males MUST REGISTER upon their 18th Birthday… -we should require [like other nations] all American citizens female -and alike (pronouns or not) to register for the Draft along with males ! It was a 2nd Class Felony and a misdemeanor as well as burning a draft card. Just my opinion…At least if we went into a WW3 with China or Russia/North Korea we would have a system in place!!!
Then in my day,, it was never considered to induct or require females to register, even after we had long instilled a Volunteer Army-or Armed Forces. And in those early 70s they had lotteries with your year and the date, so if you were born in a certain year, they drew a date with the notice of my birth year. Then you had a number. That year my number was #105! My mother had saved me with a Hardship Deferment originally because she was dying of cancer. She died shortly after, and months later I received my reporting date. Because my college grades fell below a C average, I was working a full time job!
As with your question, you only heard the half truth, along with Mr. Trump, Biden, Clinton and many other politicians were able to “Play the system by attending school!” Or in some cases get or fine a reason to avoid being drafted. Some flew to Canada, and were later forgiven?? Was that right or wrong? They should’ve been required to serve some sort of community service such as clean diapers of old women or men…but all received a freebie?
And as to the system, with today’s acceptance of women in all combat roles and MOS/Branches, and the equality the military offers every female-,there simply isn’t any reason why only males MUST REGISTER upon their 18th Birthday… -we should require [like other nations] all American citizens female -and alike (pronouns or not) to register for the Draft along with males ! It was a 2nd Class Felony and a misdemeanor as well as burning a draft card. Just my opinion…At least if we went into a WW3 with China or Russia/North Korea we would have a system in place!!!
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I won't comment on others' opinions, reasons, or actions. I can only be true to myself and my beliefs. I served my country honorably and enjoy our freedoms. I am proud to be an American. The actions and motivations of others in this regard are of no concern to me. God bless America home of the free.
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My memories of the draft are pretty bad. There was a war that I did not agree with but I could be forced to go over an fight in it. If your number was up, I only had three choices, leave the country, go to jail, sign up for a service where you wouldn't have to participate in something I looked at as illegal and immoral. I chose the third option. I don't condemn the people who chose one of the other two because they paid a price, too.
What I resented were the guys who used their money to buy into a dodge. If you had enough money there was always a deferment or an exemption that you could magically qualify you. Most of those guys looked at guys like us as suckers. And it appears they still do.
What I resented were the guys who used their money to buy into a dodge. If you had enough money there was always a deferment or an exemption that you could magically qualify you. Most of those guys looked at guys like us as suckers. And it appears they still do.
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I joined the Navy in 1976, while I am a Vietnam era veteran (noticed I didn’t say vet) I am a volunteer who would have went in regardless of a draft.
I understand that people dislike President Trump and use his deferment as excuse to attack him but is it as bad as stolen valor? ( like some members of Congress) or the over rated honors of some Officers that write themselves up for medals.
When I was young I supported our involvement in Vietnam until I looked more closer, how many wars have we been in that actually had anything to do with the defense of the United States?
I will give Trump credit at trying to remove us from decades of wars.
I understand that people dislike President Trump and use his deferment as excuse to attack him but is it as bad as stolen valor? ( like some members of Congress) or the over rated honors of some Officers that write themselves up for medals.
When I was young I supported our involvement in Vietnam until I looked more closer, how many wars have we been in that actually had anything to do with the defense of the United States?
I will give Trump credit at trying to remove us from decades of wars.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for your service, and for sharing your experience, and perspective on this issue.
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SPC Chris Ison
I understand that people dislike President Trump and use his deferment as excuse to attack him but is it as bad as stolen valor? ( like some members of Congress) or the over rated honors of some Officers that write themselves up for medals.
See this is why the left and most liberals do not respect those on the right. You guys move the goal post all the time.
The litmus test used to be, I served, period, end of story. The idea being that as commander in chief you should have an understanding of what the military is about.
Then it became i served in combat, then it became i served in combat and I got this medal.
And then you allow a man to denigrate a war veteran with 23 combat air missions, and say he is not a hero because his plane was shot down and he was captured.
How do you forgive someone, especially someone running for president for that kind of behavior and talk
I will give Trump credit at trying to remove us from decades of wars.
The only person who has withdrawn troops form 'decades of war" was Obama and Bush. The troops were pulled in 2010-12, four years before dipshit ever even ran for office.
And then he provoked Iran and North Korea.
See this is why the left and most liberals do not respect those on the right. You guys move the goal post all the time.
The litmus test used to be, I served, period, end of story. The idea being that as commander in chief you should have an understanding of what the military is about.
Then it became i served in combat, then it became i served in combat and I got this medal.
And then you allow a man to denigrate a war veteran with 23 combat air missions, and say he is not a hero because his plane was shot down and he was captured.
How do you forgive someone, especially someone running for president for that kind of behavior and talk
I will give Trump credit at trying to remove us from decades of wars.
The only person who has withdrawn troops form 'decades of war" was Obama and Bush. The troops were pulled in 2010-12, four years before dipshit ever even ran for office.
And then he provoked Iran and North Korea.
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The draft is a way to force society to be part of the price the nation pays when they go to war. With a volunteer army, there is no price that the overall society pays, except in dollars. Society says "thank you for your service", but then goes on its merry way, saying "well, it was your choice". If you are exposed to having your sons or daughters exposed to paying the ultimate price, you will pay attention to what the politicians are doing, and why. This is why we have been in continuous wars for over 20 years. As much as we hated the vietnam protesters, that is one of the major reasons it was finally ended. Many papers since then, reviewing released secret documents, clearly showed it was only continued as no president want to be the one who "lost the war", when it was lost many years before. Required national service, either in the military or in some other public service format, should be something we should consider.
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The only real issue I have with a draft dodger (I know a few personally) is when they try to tell me that my sacrifice meant nothing. It meant something to ME! I don't expect someone who has never truly sacrificed (in any type of way) to understand, though.
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SPC Michael Terrell
I've had people tell me that anyone who served was a fool. They didn't like my reply.
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SSG Eric Blue
SPC Michael Terrell - As long as you didn't slam them on their neck. People tend to frown on that sort of behavior for some reason...even though some people warrant that type of reaction. *shrug*
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SPC Michael Terrell
SSG Eric Blue - I just tell them that they were too big of a coward to have ever made it through Basic, and walk away.
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"It ain't me, It ain't me , I ain't no fortunate son" , Years ago even fortunate sons wanted to serve as it would help their standing later. Look at all presidents before Clinton. All veterans except for a very few. But we have not had a veteran prez since Bush 1 . I discount his son's service(GWB) becuase it seems highly questionable, more like amove just so his son could claim service in the Texas Air Guard. I met a "fortunate son"(a US senator's son) like Bush II, and the dude I knew was young total spoiled ass. A frat boy, no business in the military as a ROTC LT, but he did not do me or anybody in our unit during Desert Shield/Storm any wrong , so I won't mention his name.
It is highly disappointing to see our newer/more recent presidents/leaders don't have any military service> "Fortunate son's" , for real now.
As to Vietnam draft dodger's , they did not pay the price like my father did, WIA as a Huey pilot in Vietnam , or my god-father did as a helo pilot , KIA , in Vietnam for being male citizens of this country.
As to Cowards, is what I call those guys who doged the draft . It may have been an unjust war, (most are), but they should have served. I did, and so did my father, grand-fathers , and all the males of my family going back a long ways . SCV , I am proud to say :)
It is highly disappointing to see our newer/more recent presidents/leaders don't have any military service> "Fortunate son's" , for real now.
As to Vietnam draft dodger's , they did not pay the price like my father did, WIA as a Huey pilot in Vietnam , or my god-father did as a helo pilot , KIA , in Vietnam for being male citizens of this country.
As to Cowards, is what I call those guys who doged the draft . It may have been an unjust war, (most are), but they should have served. I did, and so did my father, grand-fathers , and all the males of my family going back a long ways . SCV , I am proud to say :)
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for your voluntary service, and for sharing the stories of your Father, and God Father.
I am curious though.... are you really suggesting that people should be obligated, and more importantly, FORCED to fight for a "unjust" war?
I am curious though.... are you really suggesting that people should be obligated, and more importantly, FORCED to fight for a "unjust" war?
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SPC Christopher Perrien
SSG Gerhard S. - That is what "the draft/Selective Service Act" means. I don't think you understand, this country can force people to fight for it, no matter the "reason", just or unjust. That is why ,Both my father and god- father became helo pilots , becuase if they did not join voluntarily for flight school when they did, they would have been drafted into the infantry most likely instead shortly thereafter(per the Vietnam War Draft). They were both forced to fight. Not that they minded that, as they came from families who have served . But left on their own they would have been happy 20 years old partying dudes chasing pussy in their hometown, rather than murdering asiatic nobodies of no concern to to them, and fucking a few Vietnamese females in their off hours, becuase the US gov forced them to do so. "The Draft" killed my god-father, messed up my father for life, and destroyed my family . I know full well what the gov and "the draft" can do. i served the monster as well, but I joined "voluntarily" too. even though there was no draft, when I signed up. (long story)
Voluntary service being around so long , has you confused as to what "the draft" means, It is federal law even today. You'd better know the monster you serve and it will eat the young citizens of the USA if it has to, not just the gung-ho young fuckers who join voluntarily. LOL (yes, I have several comrades now dead for that too :).
It does not matter if I/you support it or not. Go against it when such laws are put in force, you either do or you go to jail and/or have have your life/opportunity fucked up permenantly as the gov, if they can't jail you, they will disown(personata no grata) you and make you unable to deal with any gov agency or benefits, forever, besides labeling you a felon, unless your family is rich enough to purchase/finangle you options.
Voluntary service being around so long , has you confused as to what "the draft" means, It is federal law even today. You'd better know the monster you serve and it will eat the young citizens of the USA if it has to, not just the gung-ho young fuckers who join voluntarily. LOL (yes, I have several comrades now dead for that too :).
It does not matter if I/you support it or not. Go against it when such laws are put in force, you either do or you go to jail and/or have have your life/opportunity fucked up permenantly as the gov, if they can't jail you, they will disown(personata no grata) you and make you unable to deal with any gov agency or benefits, forever, besides labeling you a felon, unless your family is rich enough to purchase/finangle you options.
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SSG Gerhard S.
SPC Christopher Perrien thank you Ford your thoughtful comments. Respectfully, I DO understand our government can force people into service. They possess the monopoly on the initiation of force, the police, and the jails. My point, is that the act of doing so, fits the definition of Servitude, and or slavery. The question posed, is whether doing so, is consistent with a free society? Regards.
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SPC Christopher Perrien
SSG Gerhard S. - Difficult to say. I think the founding fathers understood tyranny so well , they knew even the gov they formed could become tyranny in itself , so they wrote in the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. Got to respect those guys for the foresight. the biggest loss to 2nd Amd since, was the denial of automactic weapons to the public after the "Bonus Army" threat of the 1930's. Not the biggest issue now as I don't think diferences matter as the military has far more advance weapontry/tech today, than a disgrunted populace.LOL The biggest issue to the gov is the military is composed of family members of the "disgruntled" populus. LOL Truely a conundrum to the leaders of the gov. LOL I am just a little wheel who used to turn the big machine, now defunct. Veterans , we are a strange and varied breed
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I joined the Army in 1988, I was in 14 years when Operation Enduring Freedom began and 15 years when Operation Iraqi Freedom started. I could have left the military when the wars started, but I stayed in, and served two tours in Iraq.
However, in 1991, I was a Junior in College when I was called about deploying in support of Desert Storm, as it happens, by the time I would have been processed to go, the operation had concluded. I was not ordered to go, if I was I would have gone, though it would have caused me some financial issues, in regard to completing the Semester I was in.
In reading some of the comments here, I reflect on a number of things, first being the format of the original question is both political and not a topic that should be framed around the sitting president. I have strong opinions about the man I will not go into here.
As far as "Draft Dodgers" are concerned, the circumstances around the nature of Vietnam were such that it was not a place many wished to visit. Some rules were enacted in order to limit the stress on our country, and the blowback we were seeing in regard to the conflict. Those rules had guidelines, and very specific reasons for being enacted. But, if your number was called, you were required to report...any of us who registered for Selective Service would have been.
For those who honestly used those exemptions, or deferments, I bear no ill will. But, there were a number of people who abused those deferments. It would have been more honorable if they had just run. Cheating is not winning, no matter how you spin it. Draft Dodging is Draft Dodging whether you moved to Canada, or filed bogus paperwork.
Just my opinion.
However, in 1991, I was a Junior in College when I was called about deploying in support of Desert Storm, as it happens, by the time I would have been processed to go, the operation had concluded. I was not ordered to go, if I was I would have gone, though it would have caused me some financial issues, in regard to completing the Semester I was in.
In reading some of the comments here, I reflect on a number of things, first being the format of the original question is both political and not a topic that should be framed around the sitting president. I have strong opinions about the man I will not go into here.
As far as "Draft Dodgers" are concerned, the circumstances around the nature of Vietnam were such that it was not a place many wished to visit. Some rules were enacted in order to limit the stress on our country, and the blowback we were seeing in regard to the conflict. Those rules had guidelines, and very specific reasons for being enacted. But, if your number was called, you were required to report...any of us who registered for Selective Service would have been.
For those who honestly used those exemptions, or deferments, I bear no ill will. But, there were a number of people who abused those deferments. It would have been more honorable if they had just run. Cheating is not winning, no matter how you spin it. Draft Dodging is Draft Dodging whether you moved to Canada, or filed bogus paperwork.
Just my opinion.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for candidly sharing your experience, and for respectfully stating your opinion.
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I was alive but not old enough to understand what was going on During Vietnam. I grew up in a blue collar refinery town that flew flags, applauded when troops departed and came home, and supported those families that lost sons and daughters in war. Many voted for President Nixon because of his promise to bring the troops home. My brother was turning 18 and my parents like many others were scared he was going to be drafted. The war ended before that could happen.
Some Vietnam era veterans now are resentful of present service men and women because nobody was saying thank you to them then like they are now. Some veterans do not care. The majority of people who served in the armed forces during that time who are still alive are now collecting social security. It is now time to move on and let them heal.
Calling people names and reopening old wounds for a war that most of us really only know through history text is pointless. We didn't live that life. We can show sympathy but we cannot show empathy. That goes for those who served and those who didn't serve. More than ever in these times we need to demonstrate the positive person we are and lead by example. Hate is a wasted emotion. We hate people because they do not care and guess what? They do not care.
Whether you Aim High, you are Forged by the Sea, you are one of the Few and Proud, or you are Army Strong, set the example and drive on. Onward and Upward!
Some Vietnam era veterans now are resentful of present service men and women because nobody was saying thank you to them then like they are now. Some veterans do not care. The majority of people who served in the armed forces during that time who are still alive are now collecting social security. It is now time to move on and let them heal.
Calling people names and reopening old wounds for a war that most of us really only know through history text is pointless. We didn't live that life. We can show sympathy but we cannot show empathy. That goes for those who served and those who didn't serve. More than ever in these times we need to demonstrate the positive person we are and lead by example. Hate is a wasted emotion. We hate people because they do not care and guess what? They do not care.
Whether you Aim High, you are Forged by the Sea, you are one of the Few and Proud, or you are Army Strong, set the example and drive on. Onward and Upward!
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for your service, and for sharing your experiences, and opinion on this matter.
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