Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Are You Feeling A Draft? Unbeknownst to many, the Bush administration has gotten the ball rolling on instituting the military draft.  For those who don't know what the draft is, it's basically Uncle Sam's random way of chosing people to go to war, whether you've got other plans or not. The draft was a huge issue three decades ago during the Vietnam War.  Since that era, the draft has been dormant, lying in wait for our military to get stretched so thin that volunteers just aren't enough.  Listen carefully and you can hear that stretching sound.  It's the same sound of a size 12 trying to get into a size 6 pair of pants. From sources following this development, the first military draft since the 1970s could happen as soon as June 2005.  The way it is being set-up, going to college won't be a way out like it was during the Vietnam War.  Also, women will be eligible for the draft alongside men.  If selected, you might get a notice like this one used over thirty year ago.  Wouldn't that be just about the ultimate spam?  So basically, it boils down to this:  if you're going to be between 18-26 years of age come next summer, and you don't plan on being in the military, you might want to be a little more flexible with your plans.  For all you know, 2005 might be the year you get to meet up close and personal some of those Iraqi folks you've only gotten to see on TV. Related links: Pending Draft Legislation Targeted for Spring 2005:  could happen as soon as June 2005 What happens during a draft?:  step-by-step what happens As war goes, so does talk of a draft:  it's more than just talk now The Selective Service System:  official site End the Selective Service:  for those who don't want the draft 6:39:44 PM     |

© Copyright 2005 Alex L. Mauldin.