Young People Debate the Draft, Old Enough to Vote? Old Enough to Die?

[G_j]

http://www.villagevoice.com/print/issues/0418/coates.php

Young People Debate the Draft
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Old Enough to Vote? Old Enough to Die.
Ready to serve?

May 4th, 2004 9:55 AM

For Republicans seeking to suppress comparisons between the war in Iraq and the one in Vietnam, here's a hint: The fight begins at home. Two weeks ago Republican senator Chuck Hagel, of Nebraska, proved his party's own worst enemy when he suggested that a draft might be necessary to fulfill America's commitment in Iraq. For poignant reminders of America's most poignant war, the draft ranks right up there with napalm.

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18 draft age Americans offer views on a draft..
http://www.villagevoice.com/print/issues/0418/coates.php

[Mountainman]

1. I was drafted, in Vietnam, couldn't vote or drink!

Back then the drinking age was 21 and the voting age was 21. I could die for my country though. That made me feel real good. Older guys would give me their unused booze ration cards from the prior month. Usually the only thing left on them to buy was gin. I drank a lot of gin.

[Warpy]

2. yeah, and the ones who didn't have friends who hated gin

..often used whatever alternatives where available. We had a lot of heroin addicts coming back.

[liarliartieonfire]

3. Yes I vividly recall that argument...gov't didn't listen to us kids then..

An argument that fueled the fire for the anti-establishment, Vietnam protests.
Timothy Leary-tune in, turn on, drop out; 1 2 3 4 what are we fightin for; Kent State.

Too young to vote or drink but not too old to fight & die for your country.
I remember writing a report for my government class in 1969. This was my chosen topic. Along with about 30 others in my class.

It was never explained to us how this could be acceptable. No answers to our questions, just do as your told and don't be rebellious. Don't question your authorities.

[amber dog democrat]

4. When I was 18 I never had problems getting beer

at the Enlisted Men's club. And this was stateside in 1970. But we were in a naval culture that encouraged drinking - or condoned it. Allot of my firends were doing drugs too. Mostly acid, mescaline, pot and pharmaceuticals (sp? ). Just like average college students then I suppose. I have fond memories of bringing pounds back from Jamaica and storing them in the GSK ( dry ) storage compartments beneath the reefer deck.

I did not vote until I had been discharged for months and was back in school .

Maybe a draft will get some of these kids to pay attention to elections.