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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Please note that Selective Service is as much keeping strategic resources out of the Military, as much as bringing an orderly, reasonable amount of resources coming into the Military/Strategic Industries and/or Personnel Supporting the Military Efforts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_Service_System
https://www.sss.gov
The writings of General Lewis and Ellen Hershey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Blaine_Hershey
https://www.sss.gov
The writings of General Lewis and Ellen Hershey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Blaine_Hershey
Selective Service System - Wikipedia
The Selective Service System (SSS) is an independent agency of the United States government that maintains information on those potentially subject to military conscription (i.e. the draft). All male U.S. citizens and male immigrant non-citizens, who are between the ages of 18 and 25 are required by law to have registered within 30 days of their 18th birthdays,[2][3] and must notify Selective Service within ten days of any changes to any of...
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SSG Gerhard S.
Though this is the stated aim of selective service, it doesn't in any way change the basic nature of forcing people to do things that A: may be against THEIR best interests. B: takes away the right of the individual to choose ones own path. IF we knew our Representatives in our government were actually acting in the best interests of our country one might see the value in such a program, provided the government can make the case. If course a draft means they don't have to address that formality, and ostensibly, in their minds anyway, their justified in taking people's freedoms without the hindrance of due process.
Again, thank you for sharing.
Respectful Regards
Again, thank you for sharing.
Respectful Regards
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SPC John Tacetta
SSG Gerhard S. - There is no "due process" involved. Service by the militia is a Constitutional obligation when conditions dictate, which, unfortunately for you, the Congress mandates. You are confusing Freedom with Duty. As Crosby, Still and Nash so eloquently sang:
Find the cost
of Freedom
Buried in the ground.
Mother Earth
will swallow you
Lay your body down.
Find the cost
of Freedom
Buried in the ground.
Mother Earth
will swallow you
Lay your body down.
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The draft is, and as far as I know a complete choice, depending on era. The World War II draft was not, but by the time Vietnam came around it was. Now the draft is called Selective Service. You are not required to sign up, however, there are consequences if you choose to be unwilling to serve your Country in time of war. I will leave you to research those as they are extensive.
I do understand your arguments and points, however, in the case of President Trump I completely disagree. If the President truly had a medical deferment, he would never have needed the education deferments. The fact that he used both either tells me he magically grew bone spurs in 3 years or he is a liar. The second side of that is the education deferment is meant to be used by someone who'd draft number has been called but is in college. The intent is to then finish college and enter the military as drafted. Again that is not what President Trump did, nor President Clinton. This is the action I have a significant problem with. My Grandfather did not want to serve in the military, however, when drafted he lived up to his responsibility and served. President Trump did not, and as far as I am concerned that makes him a liar, a coward and unfit to be President.
I do understand your arguments and points, however, in the case of President Trump I completely disagree. If the President truly had a medical deferment, he would never have needed the education deferments. The fact that he used both either tells me he magically grew bone spurs in 3 years or he is a liar. The second side of that is the education deferment is meant to be used by someone who'd draft number has been called but is in college. The intent is to then finish college and enter the military as drafted. Again that is not what President Trump did, nor President Clinton. This is the action I have a significant problem with. My Grandfather did not want to serve in the military, however, when drafted he lived up to his responsibility and served. President Trump did not, and as far as I am concerned that makes him a liar, a coward and unfit to be President.
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Cpl Alex Moore
SSG Gerhard S. I can speak to bone spur formation from practical knowledge. Both my father and I have bone spurs, his were formed almost instantaneously, mine over a period of 3 years. His were due to a major vehicle collision that drastically altered the bones in his feet and legs. His feet became flat as a result and he developed bone spurs. I developed mine due to the stress of military life. The key to both of these is some sort of event triggering them. They typically don't magically form. Rheumatoid arthritis is another cause. All of that being said, Donald Trump's story is a crock. He has a well known lifestory and there are no major physical traumas. According to his own military doctor he is in excellent health which rules out R.A. and most of the other causes. On top of that, he is not a major athlete and has no other causes similar to that. Most likely, if he had bone spurs, he had them when he took his first educational deferment. Why would you take a 1 year deferment when bones spurs is a permanent 4f, as my father's was? The short answer is, you wouldn't. My only question is why lie? Clinton avoided the draft. W. Bush has his daddy get him into a unit that wouldn't go to Vietnam. It isn't like Trump is the first. He just needlessly lied.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Cpl Alex Moore thank you for reading, and for your thoughtful comment. According to your timeline, and question.... If he had bone spurs why did he apply for the education deferment? One has to ask why anyone would even think about a medical deferment if one already had a education deferment based on the virtue of being in college?
The basis of the Command Post, though, is that it really doesn't matter. Americans shouldn't be FORCED to "serve", because if they are, they after being FORCED into servitude, or slavery. Respectful Regards.
The basis of the Command Post, though, is that it really doesn't matter. Americans shouldn't be FORCED to "serve", because if they are, they after being FORCED into servitude, or slavery. Respectful Regards.
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Cpl Alex Moore
SSG Gerhard S. I actually believe the reverse is true, why would anyone think about an education deferral, which is limited to one year, when they could easily obtain a permanent medical deferral? That is simply illogical. My own father was given a 4f rating due to bone spurs. The difference being he actually had them, was never drafted, and was given the 4f rating while trying to voluntarily enlist.
As for the premise of the draft being forced servitude, I personally disagree with this entire premise. The registration for Selective Service may be compelled, however, it does not FORCE Americans to serve. That is my first disagreement. There were many that registered and were never drafted. The second, and most significant disagreement, is both you and the article takes an extremely dim view of military service. I personally believe that service is honorable in all cases, and should never viewed as servitude or slavery. That is not my experience with my service at all. My own grandfather was unwillingly drafted for service to world War II yet viewed his service with pride to his dying day. He would be highly offended by the assertion that it was any form of servitude. The third point I disagree with is any concept of forced concept. Currently, Selective Service is required for about 50% of the entire 18 year old population. I personally believe that should be 100% and all women and men should register at 18 years of age. If women wish equal jobs in the military, they should be required to register as well. I do not view this as slavery. Members of the military are paid, maintained and taken care. Yes, they do loss some freedoms but that is the military and always has been everywhere and for all time. They gain so much more though. Compulsory service would not even be unique. There are many cultures, currently, and throughout time that have made all citizens serve in the military. I believe the benefits would far outweigh the detriment and would, most likely, result in fewer wars and taking better care.of our benefits.
As for the premise of the draft being forced servitude, I personally disagree with this entire premise. The registration for Selective Service may be compelled, however, it does not FORCE Americans to serve. That is my first disagreement. There were many that registered and were never drafted. The second, and most significant disagreement, is both you and the article takes an extremely dim view of military service. I personally believe that service is honorable in all cases, and should never viewed as servitude or slavery. That is not my experience with my service at all. My own grandfather was unwillingly drafted for service to world War II yet viewed his service with pride to his dying day. He would be highly offended by the assertion that it was any form of servitude. The third point I disagree with is any concept of forced concept. Currently, Selective Service is required for about 50% of the entire 18 year old population. I personally believe that should be 100% and all women and men should register at 18 years of age. If women wish equal jobs in the military, they should be required to register as well. I do not view this as slavery. Members of the military are paid, maintained and taken care. Yes, they do loss some freedoms but that is the military and always has been everywhere and for all time. They gain so much more though. Compulsory service would not even be unique. There are many cultures, currently, and throughout time that have made all citizens serve in the military. I believe the benefits would far outweigh the detriment and would, most likely, result in fewer wars and taking better care.of our benefits.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Honestly, add I stated in the article, I couldn't care less what people do to avoid involuntary servitude. As I said, I didn't blame Pres. Clinton, I don't blame Pres. Trump, and I didn't blame the slaves who fled the servitude of the 18th, or 19th centuries either. Your objections ignore the basic premise of the question at hand.
Respectful regards.
Respectful regards.
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I have more of a problem with those who ran away to Canada. I have less of a problem with those using opportunities in the law. To some degree I have some respect for Muhammad Ali, who stood like a man and did the prison time, although I disagreed with his position, instead of running like a coward.
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SSG Gerhard S.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I too appreciate Mohamad Ali's principled stance, but, for the record, he didn't end up spending time in jail.
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SFC Melvin Brandenburg
SSG Gerhard S. I didn't know that. He did plead guilty from what I understand
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SSG Gerhard S.
Clay v. United States - Wikipedia
Clay v. United States, 403 U.S. 698 (1971), was Muhammad Ali's[1] appeal of his conviction in 1967 for refusing to report for induction into the United States military forces during the Vietnam War. His local draft board had rejected his application for conscientious objector classification. In a unanimous 8–0 ruling (Thurgood Marshall recused himself due to his previous involvement in the case as a Justice department official), the United...
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SFC Melvin Brandenburg
SSG Gerhard S. so basically Ali got off on a technicality. That's not hos fault, the government failed to meet their responsibilities of due process. Still, he didn't run away and stood his ground. I have no problem with CO.
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So I have been working on this little speech for a while so I apologize if I am a bit to philosophical and idealistic of it feels incomplete or nonsensical it’s a work in progress.
Drafts and conscriptions have existed since the foundation of nations. The have been used thought the ages around the world by all manner of rulers and systems of governance. Are they an archaic tradition or perhaps an outdated concept passed down through the millenniums maybe, but where would we be if they never happened.
Be it by Royal proclamation of a King, By decree of a Divine Emperor or a call to arms by a duly elected representative all of them at one point or another have used this system to marshal troops.
Why did they use this system because warfare without the loss of life is just a game. Games can be won or lost without consequence except to one’s ego but if wars are won or lost the world changes. To be liberated from a tyrant or made to bow before a new god or to be chained & shackled by the new laws penned by the victors. After all to the victor goes the spoils.
Drafts and conscriptions have existed since the foundation of nations. The have been used thought the ages around the world by all manner of rulers and systems of governance. Are they an archaic tradition or perhaps an outdated concept passed down through the millenniums maybe, but where would we be if they never happened.
Be it by Royal proclamation of a King, By decree of a Divine Emperor or a call to arms by a duly elected representative all of them at one point or another have used this system to marshal troops.
Why did they use this system because warfare without the loss of life is just a game. Games can be won or lost without consequence except to one’s ego but if wars are won or lost the world changes. To be liberated from a tyrant or made to bow before a new god or to be chained & shackled by the new laws penned by the victors. After all to the victor goes the spoils.
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Well that is a real hard question as we are who to judge that we fight and defend so everyone can have freedom of choice so long as it doesn't interfere or break any laws of our great country. But on the other hand they have their own conscious to deal with and hopefully its enough.
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While I may not like it, the legalities do exist and they allowed some to defer. This is what we have fought for "FREEDOM". Now to speak on those that went to Canada...While I don't know the reasons because I was not in their shoes, I totally agree that if it was for self-preservation they should not be allowed to live in a country they refused to fight with or at least stand up for. We may not agree with the reasoning of the war in Vietnam but there was American bloodshed and when our "HEROS" came home they were not greeted as such. I couldn't even imagine being treated in this manner by the very people you dream of coming home to with mortars, machine guns, bombs and shrapnel consuming your every waking moment as a 19-year old forced to go to a foreign land, pick up your weapon and shoot someone you didn't know anything about. I said it when I was served and I will say it now. Although I am a woman of color, I think everyone should serve no less than 2 years in the military. Yes, it can be considered a draft or slavery or servitude but it will give some much-needed discipline and respect. It can also reduce the many tensions in our own country by causing us to be more tolerant of those around us and understand other cultures and customs. By the way, has anybody paid attention to this generation coming up now? They can use some serious discipline. Thank you to all my brothers and sisters that have served and paved the way for me. I SALUTE YOU!
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There's draft dodgers and then there's Bill Pantywaist Clinton who not only dodged the draft but fled the country to live in the Soviet Union, seeking shelter from the enemy to avoid the draft.
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There are 1000 shades of gray in almost any argument in regards to the Vietnam Draft and those who avoided it or those who enjoyed protected status. In regards to the draft, and draft only; there were many ways to receive a deferment or be constituted as not meeting the Services requirements or needs. Medical and Educational Deferments, followed by Religious Accommodations were frequently employed. Then there were those who went to ground or to Canada. However for the majority of the discussion today, it is mostly a philosophical exercise since a General Amnesty was granted to the evaders.
And Ironically, maybe the funniest aspect about avoiding service revolves around a person who may of been eligible for a medical deferment based on a genetic medical condition which took the life of Woody Guthrie. Reportedly by Arlo Guthrie himself, in song, He was deferred from being drafted due to a moral character failing. So as the next Thanksgiving rolls around, and if you aren't feeling too full, or tired.... for 18 and 1/2 minutes, you can sing along to Alice's Restaurant.
In regards to Mr. Trump, yes, he probably had lots of connections to avoid being drafted. He has to live with that aspect of himself. For that matter, even Mr. Mitt Romney along with Mr. Bernie Sanders had multiple draft deferments. Supposedly they both were over draft age when their numbers came up.
Much of what I address is open sourced information, and you can find more on line. Pretty much it is up to yourself to determine if the shills running for high office have the moral character you desire to serve as POTUS, and to vote as you see fit. I personally did not vote for Mr. Trump, however he is the President and the position of his office receives the Respect it is accorded. He is however in my estimation a better choice than many running from the opposing party.
And Ironically, maybe the funniest aspect about avoiding service revolves around a person who may of been eligible for a medical deferment based on a genetic medical condition which took the life of Woody Guthrie. Reportedly by Arlo Guthrie himself, in song, He was deferred from being drafted due to a moral character failing. So as the next Thanksgiving rolls around, and if you aren't feeling too full, or tired.... for 18 and 1/2 minutes, you can sing along to Alice's Restaurant.
In regards to Mr. Trump, yes, he probably had lots of connections to avoid being drafted. He has to live with that aspect of himself. For that matter, even Mr. Mitt Romney along with Mr. Bernie Sanders had multiple draft deferments. Supposedly they both were over draft age when their numbers came up.
Much of what I address is open sourced information, and you can find more on line. Pretty much it is up to yourself to determine if the shills running for high office have the moral character you desire to serve as POTUS, and to vote as you see fit. I personally did not vote for Mr. Trump, however he is the President and the position of his office receives the Respect it is accorded. He is however in my estimation a better choice than many running from the opposing party.
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SPC John Tacetta
Hah Hah! Alice's Restaurant. Child rapists and litterers. Love it. Catch 22, Mash. The service is a contradictory thing.
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Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis
My favorite part.
"I walked in, I sat down, they gave me a piece of paper that said 'Kid
See the psychiatrist in room 604'
"I went up there, I said, 'Shrink, I want to kill. I want to kill! I want to see
Blood and gore and guts and veins in my teeth! Eat dead, burnt bodies! I
Mean Kill. Kill!'
"And I started jumpin' up and down, yellin' 'KILL! Kill!' and he started
Jumpin' up and down with me, and we was both jumpin' up and down, yellin'
'Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!' and the sergeant came over, pinned a medal on me
Sent me down the hall, said 'You're our boy'. Didn't feel too good about it"
"I walked in, I sat down, they gave me a piece of paper that said 'Kid
See the psychiatrist in room 604'
"I went up there, I said, 'Shrink, I want to kill. I want to kill! I want to see
Blood and gore and guts and veins in my teeth! Eat dead, burnt bodies! I
Mean Kill. Kill!'
"And I started jumpin' up and down, yellin' 'KILL! Kill!' and he started
Jumpin' up and down with me, and we was both jumpin' up and down, yellin'
'Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!' and the sergeant came over, pinned a medal on me
Sent me down the hall, said 'You're our boy'. Didn't feel too good about it"
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As a post script to this subject. I know a few people who were draft dodgers. They still live in Canada and have canadian citizenship. I have no ill feelings towards them. But they could have stayed in the US and faced their punishment like adults (like Mohammed Ali did) but I do not respect them like I respect Mohammed Ali.
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SSG Gerhard S.
For the record, I admire Muhammad Ali's principled stance, but it's important to note that he didn't actually spend any time in jail. He was convicted, and appealed. In the mean time, he was banned from boxing in the US, and his conviction was ultimately overturned.
That being said, I fail to see why so many Americans think people are wrong when they flee, or resist oppression? Being forced to pull up stakes, and to abandon, or delay one's plans in life, to be forced to serve in foreign wars in which one has no interest, or belief, is oppression. It is, by definition, servitude, and almost as likely, slavery. Just because it's the government committing the forceful servitude, instead of a plantation owner, makes it no less reprehensible in it's nature. As I stated in the question, I hold no animosity for slaves who fled the slavery of the South (and had to be smuggled into Canada because the North supported southern slavery). Nor do I hold animosity for those who fled the servitude of the draft.
Respectful Regards
That being said, I fail to see why so many Americans think people are wrong when they flee, or resist oppression? Being forced to pull up stakes, and to abandon, or delay one's plans in life, to be forced to serve in foreign wars in which one has no interest, or belief, is oppression. It is, by definition, servitude, and almost as likely, slavery. Just because it's the government committing the forceful servitude, instead of a plantation owner, makes it no less reprehensible in it's nature. As I stated in the question, I hold no animosity for slaves who fled the slavery of the South (and had to be smuggled into Canada because the North supported southern slavery). Nor do I hold animosity for those who fled the servitude of the draft.
Respectful Regards
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