Would you go to fight?

September 19, 2001

I sure as hell wouldn't. As I've discussed in the past, there is a part of me that thinks I could be a good soldier, but there is an big enough part of me that is way to scared to be of any use. Aside from that, until our military plan of action is unveiled, I don't think I would be able to support our country with all my heart. I think that if Vietnam soldiers knew then what they know now they wouldn't have gone over there. The war was poorly planned and they were doing no good. Yes, I know, they had no idea at the time, but now we have the perspective as children of the late 20th century and should take advantage of our viewpoint. Still, it comes down to the fact that I don't think I could point a gun at someone and rip off part of their body or end their life. I have enough trouble thinking about animals being slaughtered.

Would I flee the country? It would depend on a lot of things. Firstly, I don't support a military draft, even as a last resort. If I don't want to risk my life then I shouldn't have to risk my life, period. It may be a law and I may have signed my draft card, but that doesn't mean I agree. I will just have to stay in school for as long as this war goes on. Aside from exile from the draft, I will be able to take in all of the information that is around me. If it were a last resort, I would flee to Canada. The only problem would be my family. I wouldn't want to leave them. It's a tough decision and thankfully it isn't one I have to make at this moment.

Salon.com has surveyed a viewpoint on the draft as well.

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