Reply #6: I oppose a draft in any form. [View All]

[H2O Man]

There is no justification for forcing any age group to "serve" in any institution such as the military. Being 18 to 30 is not a crime. People 18 to 30 are adults, fully capable of making up their own minds about what they want to do. We would not seriously discuss having a draft or national service for people 35 to 50. So let's not discriminate.

The current system may be grossly unfair, in that it seems to attract primarily lower middle class and poor people. It is not a secret that it is in large part because it allows this group a job of sorts, and offers access to college. This implies that if there were plenty of jobs and access to college, these young adults would at least have a choice, whereas today, they do not. The solution to the problem would not be to restrict people's choices; it would be to increase everyone's options.

At the same time, those who do choose the military should be paid far more; be provided better benefits for themselves and families; and have an increased access to higher education.

I also think that there should be something closer to the CCC Camps and WPA. And I think that if K through 12 is "free" in public schools, college should be, also. It is in the nation's best interest to have people well-educated.