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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I don't agree with your choice of words but noteworthy if you are trying to make a good point.
For everyone who dodged the draft and used the rule of law to do so with just cause, I have no issues. I do have issues with those who (ran) from their duty and responsibilities as an American.
The void they created meant someone else had to take their place.
That replacement might have come home in a metal flag draped coffin but served and a hero.
Who killed the man? The person behind the AK-47? Or, the man who left the country?
I hope those who ran can find peace within themselves over their actions. They will be forever be enslaved and held in bondage because of their lack of courage. Some gave their lives so the cowards
can be free today.
For everyone who dodged the draft and used the rule of law to do so with just cause, I have no issues. I do have issues with those who (ran) from their duty and responsibilities as an American.
The void they created meant someone else had to take their place.
That replacement might have come home in a metal flag draped coffin but served and a hero.
Who killed the man? The person behind the AK-47? Or, the man who left the country?
I hope those who ran can find peace within themselves over their actions. They will be forever be enslaved and held in bondage because of their lack of courage. Some gave their lives so the cowards
can be free today.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments Sir. As far as my choice of words, I assume you mean "servitude", and "slavery". Respectfully, I didn't make up those words, nor their definitions, which I cited. I also didn't see any qualifications in those definitions that changes their meaning just because it is a government enforcing the servitude. Lastly, on this issue, I can find nothing in the Constitution that gives the Federal government the power to force people into servitude for a draft, or otherwise, without due process. Before the government can remove one from their freedom, they must first charge, and convict one of a crime.
So while I can't argue with your logic, or sentiment, with respect to one avoiding the draft, meaning another had to take his place, I must point out that you didn't address the basic premise, of whether the government has the constitutional power to use FORCE, to compel people to serve, in the military, or elsewhere.
I also agree with your contention that many who avoided the draft have regrets, and have to live with their decisions.
Who caused the death of the draftee? The man with the AK-47, or the government that plucked him from his life of choices to fight in a war, that same government didn't have the will to win, or finish.
As I stated in the article, our government should entice it's requisite number of recruits with commensurate pay and benefits, instead of using force to populate it's military. If the government can't make it's case to garner enough volunteers, then perhaps our politicians should rethink their commitment to such conflicts.
I would also like to ask from where the duty, and responsibility to serve in the military comes? Does it come from ones own mind and heart, or is it a requirement backed up by men with guns?
Again, I thank you for taking the time to read, and comment. Respectful Regards Sir
So while I can't argue with your logic, or sentiment, with respect to one avoiding the draft, meaning another had to take his place, I must point out that you didn't address the basic premise, of whether the government has the constitutional power to use FORCE, to compel people to serve, in the military, or elsewhere.
I also agree with your contention that many who avoided the draft have regrets, and have to live with their decisions.
Who caused the death of the draftee? The man with the AK-47, or the government that plucked him from his life of choices to fight in a war, that same government didn't have the will to win, or finish.
As I stated in the article, our government should entice it's requisite number of recruits with commensurate pay and benefits, instead of using force to populate it's military. If the government can't make it's case to garner enough volunteers, then perhaps our politicians should rethink their commitment to such conflicts.
I would also like to ask from where the duty, and responsibility to serve in the military comes? Does it come from ones own mind and heart, or is it a requirement backed up by men with guns?
Again, I thank you for taking the time to read, and comment. Respectful Regards Sir
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LTC Lee Bouchard
Thanks for your insight and question about the Gov't's power to draft people into service against their will. I'm not, of course, a constitutional lawyer so unable to provide a very good answer. I wish I could. Servitude, slavery and bondage may not resonate well with many readers and a better choice of words are possible. The "draft" goes back to the 1700's and resurfaced in large numbers on both sides during the Civil War. I can only justify a draft in in extreme cases of national defense. It's about enough (man power)
to maintain our national security both here and in another country. A draft is another means to (quickly) respond to a potential threat when a volunteer force may take much much longer. We came very close to loosing WW ll and the draft was necessary to provide the manpower needed at the time. The constitution provides congressional power to declare war and the draft is part of that power. If we had lost WW ll we would not have our constitution today. But we would be an enslaved nation. In servitude speaking another language.
to maintain our national security both here and in another country. A draft is another means to (quickly) respond to a potential threat when a volunteer force may take much much longer. We came very close to loosing WW ll and the draft was necessary to provide the manpower needed at the time. The constitution provides congressional power to declare war and the draft is part of that power. If we had lost WW ll we would not have our constitution today. But we would be an enslaved nation. In servitude speaking another language.
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SSG Gerhard S.
True, the draft WAS a long time ago... But our young adults are STILL required to register for Selective Service... Which is in place to feed a draft...
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SMSgt Michael Gleason
SSG Gerhard S. - "But our young adults are STILL required to register for Selective Service"? Only if you're MALE. The Defense of the U.S. is "Equal Opportunity" except when it ISN'T. If women truly want equal rights, they should bear equal responsibility. Even women who ENLIST can still quit any time they want to!
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SSG Gerhard S.
SMSgt Michael Gleason that's a great point about women serving. First, you're right, there are ways that women can find their way out of the military. It's also true the military can kick people out, male or female, or bar them from reenlistment based upon its own immediate needs. Lastly, one might suggest the best way to make the draft fair between the sexes is to eliminate it altogether. Respectful regards.
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I don't mind folks getting education deferments -- I graduated in 1965 and already there was resistance to Viet Nam. There are some who are true pacifists; many chose to serve in other ways. I have a friend who is a pacifist and got beat up in a demonstration -- so he headed to the Netherlands. That's fine.
What pisses me off about Trump was that he doesn't have bone spurs and used his money to pay off some doc. I don't know if his Draft Board had him go for a real physical or not; I suspect they didn't. That makes him a coward in my book.
What pisses me off about Trump was that he doesn't have bone spurs and used his money to pay off some doc. I don't know if his Draft Board had him go for a real physical or not; I suspect they didn't. That makes him a coward in my book.
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I was drafted and was honored to wear the uniform and serve my Country. I remembered all the WW2 and previous war vets who had served so well and felt that I could not do less than give my best , no matter what it cost me. Yes , I am an idealist , but that's my take on the issue.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for your service, and for the willingness to serve. I too chose to serve (for 22 years), albeit absent a draft. It's great when ones willingness, and outcomes align with the requirements of the State. But what of those whose desires DON'T align with the requirements of the State. The question remains, should they be forced into servitude?
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I have different points of view about this. In one point of view, my Father, and Uncle were drafted into the Army during WWII. My Father in Law was in the USMC and served in Vietnam. for someone like the current president of the U.S. to make the comments he's made about why he dodged the draft, and his DISRESPECT of those who served in the Military(McCain, Vindman, Mattis, McMasters, etc), is beyond offensive. From another point of view, Muhammad Ali was condemned for his refusal to be drafted into the Military during Vietnam. This was depicted in the movie:ALI that starred Will Smith. My Father in law was also watching the movie with me at the time, he( my father in law) was not upset during that scene, and to be honest neither was I. why? Because Ali was true to his convictions, and his refusal to serve because of his religious and social beliefs was indeed genuine.
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(Join to see)
mccain Was a TRAITOR ! The others in the Hanoi Hilton called him, 'Songbird' because every time he was questioned, he sang like a Canary ! he was Never a hero ! kerry was/IS a TRAITOR, still committing TREASON !!!
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SSG Shawn Mcfadden
(Join to see) - You're not the first person to call McCain a traitor. Doubt if you'll be the last either.
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Not to be pedantic about this, but the draft was ruled constitutional. In fact naturalized citizens take the following oath:
“ I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.[12]
For people who object to taking an oath (or are not religious), the words "on oath" can be replaced with "and solemnly affirm", and the words "so help me God" can be omitted.
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The fundamentals of service are essentially incorporated in enlistment and promotion swearing in ceremony for service members..It’s a pity that there isn’t a similar oath required of all natural borne citizens as a rite of passage.
Defense of a country is an obligation inherent (explicitly or implied) in being a citizen. At times idiots reign havoc and the Constitutional govt of our Federal (in federation of 50 sovereign States) responds as a representative democracy. The draft is Constitutional and the law of the land. It is foundational to our survival in times of extremis and maintenance of the Constitutional requirement provision for military and naval force. Compulsory service as part of being a citizen is different from slavery or servitude. For some the experience may be difficult to differentiate and mores the pity, especially when the vet is subjected to the vagaries of the citizenry.
During WWII, it is certain we could not have mounted either D-Day or the Pacific island campaign without the draft. Expecting sufficient young fresh faced 18 yr olds to fill the ranks and be number 1 Bangalore torpedo at Normandy or assault Iwo Jima without the compulsory draft is ludicrous. As it is we are no longer afforded the luxury of ramping up and sending thousands off to war. The sophistication on the modern battlefield or at sea is a magnitude unimaginable to the 1940s soldiers and sailors. In 1962 while a Junior in high school a classmate wondered if we would be called up if war ensued over Cuba. I responded that is would be over before we even got through basic much less trained. Today, a Sherman tank is much different from an M1A1, then there are the aircraft and shipboard systems.
Even after Pear Harbor, we weren’t even close to meeting personnel requirements based only on volunteers. Then there’s the consideration of volunteering with the caveat of doing something not related to the grunt in the first wave.
You live in my house, you live by my rules and will contribute through service: take out the garbage, and mow the lawn. Pay fair share of rent (taxes). Stand guard when needed.
“ I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.[12]
For people who object to taking an oath (or are not religious), the words "on oath" can be replaced with "and solemnly affirm", and the words "so help me God" can be omitted.
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The fundamentals of service are essentially incorporated in enlistment and promotion swearing in ceremony for service members..It’s a pity that there isn’t a similar oath required of all natural borne citizens as a rite of passage.
Defense of a country is an obligation inherent (explicitly or implied) in being a citizen. At times idiots reign havoc and the Constitutional govt of our Federal (in federation of 50 sovereign States) responds as a representative democracy. The draft is Constitutional and the law of the land. It is foundational to our survival in times of extremis and maintenance of the Constitutional requirement provision for military and naval force. Compulsory service as part of being a citizen is different from slavery or servitude. For some the experience may be difficult to differentiate and mores the pity, especially when the vet is subjected to the vagaries of the citizenry.
During WWII, it is certain we could not have mounted either D-Day or the Pacific island campaign without the draft. Expecting sufficient young fresh faced 18 yr olds to fill the ranks and be number 1 Bangalore torpedo at Normandy or assault Iwo Jima without the compulsory draft is ludicrous. As it is we are no longer afforded the luxury of ramping up and sending thousands off to war. The sophistication on the modern battlefield or at sea is a magnitude unimaginable to the 1940s soldiers and sailors. In 1962 while a Junior in high school a classmate wondered if we would be called up if war ensued over Cuba. I responded that is would be over before we even got through basic much less trained. Today, a Sherman tank is much different from an M1A1, then there are the aircraft and shipboard systems.
Even after Pear Harbor, we weren’t even close to meeting personnel requirements based only on volunteers. Then there’s the consideration of volunteering with the caveat of doing something not related to the grunt in the first wave.
You live in my house, you live by my rules and will contribute through service: take out the garbage, and mow the lawn. Pay fair share of rent (taxes). Stand guard when needed.
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LCDR Mike Morrissey
SSG Gerhard S. - “involuntarily servitude” ...I don’t think that the term is accurate in today’s setting. We don’t have press gangs. and a citizen can renounce or seek sanctuary. The fact that one stays is the equivalent of acquiescence which is defined as consent...grudging maybe..but consent nonetheless. Therefore not involuntary servitude.
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SSG Gerhard S.
LCDR Mike Morrissey - Thank you for your comments on this issue.
I found this on http://www.sss.gov (Selective service system).
"Failing to register or comply with the Military Selective Service Act is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years, or a combination of both. Also, a person who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to fail to comply with the Act is subject to the same penalties."
Maybe it's just me, but this sounds like anything but voluntary, with penalties of large fines, and up to 5 years in prison. If history is any indicator, it's typically government officials with guns who take one to prison. Respectful regards.
I found this on http://www.sss.gov (Selective service system).
"Failing to register or comply with the Military Selective Service Act is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years, or a combination of both. Also, a person who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to fail to comply with the Act is subject to the same penalties."
Maybe it's just me, but this sounds like anything but voluntary, with penalties of large fines, and up to 5 years in prison. If history is any indicator, it's typically government officials with guns who take one to prison. Respectful regards.
If you are a military veteran or in the reserves,your DD Form 214 is evidence that your failure to register was not knowing and willful.
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SPC Michael Tierney
Lots of things in life are not done voluntarily. Which other obligations/laws do you find are not worthy of your compliance?
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War vet Sen. Duckworth on Trump draft deferments: ‘I'm sorry, but it's baloney’
Veteran and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., tells “Through Her Eyes” host Zainab Salbi that President Trump’s claims about his draft deferments are “baloney” a...
Comments from decorated war veteran and double amputee, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sums things up pretty well in the first 6 minutes of this extended interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u96-8IGh1Tg
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"Draft dodgers": Pres. Ford granted them amnesty. There was a host of reasons Ford didn't get elected on his own, & that was probably one of them; the Mayaguez disaster & the "Whip Inflation Now" (W.I.N.) campaign contributed.
I was drafted but never called; I later enlisted.
Some here likely remember the comic opera called the "draft lottery": a bungled effort by the people (Nixon et al.) sending materiel & troops to Vietnam to assuage the anti-war types. Later segued into abolishing the draft.
But finding reasons to condemn & demean Mssrs. Kerry & McCain but to praise Pres. Trump seems to me the height of absurdity; the pinnacle of desperation: That place occupied for the past 40+ years by one Donald Trump.
I was drafted but never called; I later enlisted.
Some here likely remember the comic opera called the "draft lottery": a bungled effort by the people (Nixon et al.) sending materiel & troops to Vietnam to assuage the anti-war types. Later segued into abolishing the draft.
But finding reasons to condemn & demean Mssrs. Kerry & McCain but to praise Pres. Trump seems to me the height of absurdity; the pinnacle of desperation: That place occupied for the past 40+ years by one Donald Trump.
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I wouldn't call the draft, "slavery". A slave doesn't get paid and is a slave until he dies or escapes. You give up two years of your live to make your nation secure and doing a service to your fellow citizens. Those who left the country and went to Canada are cowards. President Carter turned his back on those of us who served when he allowed the draft dodgers back into our country. I was called a "baby killer" in 2005 during a visit to San Francisco. There was a group of us standing outside our reunion hotel. Minding our own business, when the woman started calling us names. BTW I was drafted with a heart murmur. :-)
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You say that we should pay commensurate to have enough people volunteer & if we still don't get enough then rethink participation in the conflict. First of all, during times of war many people would say tou can't pay enough to pue your life at risk. First & most importantly, freedom is not free & with all of our freedoms comes responsibilities. Secondly, if service is voluntary, even with increased pay, something additional, such as patriotism, is necessary for many people to risk life & limb. But, finally, a much bigger problem comes to mind. WWII. We couldn't have afforded to pay "commensurate" salaries with the size Army (including the Air Force at the time), Navy & Marine Corps we needed to fight the war. Money was tight, as were other commodities, even with bond drives. That brings us to your false choice, that the government should rethink participation in that conflict. Even before the attack on Pearl Harbor, we couldn't have stayed out of the war much longer & after there was truly no other choice, unless of course you agree with the one no vote in Congress to the Declaration of War. I agree that by far the majority of the time we should not have a draft. A professional, volunteer Army is a better Army, but we can not rule out a draft if needed. The future of our nation is too important! The needs of the many override the needs on the one or the few.
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