80 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 36 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
Exclusive to OpEd News:
OpEdNews Op Eds   

It's No Panacea, but..."P-l-e-a-s-e, Bring Back the Draft!"

By       (Page 2 of 2 pages) Become a premium member to see this article and all articles as one long page.   1 comment
Message Donald Archer
Proposing conscription is never popular, but it would be refreshingly honest. The mere prospect of a draft might bring the young, if not everyone else, to the polls.

If most of us are unwilling to sacrifice or bear the burden, it's selfish and irresponsible to ask others to do it for us. If national service 'builds character,' then it's something from which we all would benefit. If America is worth 'defending,' then all of us should be responsible, in one way or another, for its well-being.

Looking back forty years, facing a Selective Service Board of expressionless old men, I couldn't---in my wildest dreams---imagine myself thinking: 'P-l-e-a-s-e, bring back the draft!'

Granted, it's no panacea; and granted, it will fail miserably if it's used to promote imperial aims and secure corporate interests.

But just the possibility of a draft, just that brief glimpse of stark reality and shared sacrifice may bring us to our senses.

Next Page  1  |  2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).

Rate It | View Ratings

Donald Archer Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Donald Archer is a painter, observer, and commentator living on California's Central Coast. His work may be seen at www.DonaldArcher.com.
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Leo Strauss and the "Crazies in the Basement"

Branding America

Another Century of War

Our Right to Know, and Debate: The Media's Role in a Democratic Society

"Voodoo" Politics

David vs. Goliath: Corporate Personhood at Odds with Democracy

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend