<p>The last time the draft was discussed on the Senate floor (early during the Iraq war years) there was a brief discussion of the current gender discrimination as well as the unfair advantage of the wealthy during the last draft. It was proposed by Charlie Rangel that if the draft were to be reinstated it would be open to both sexes and that college would no longer be a waiver. I think if it ever came back, that would be the case. We have too many women serving in the military to discount their need. I just hope that we never have to seriously debate this issue for need, but I do think the selective service rules should be amended.</p>
<p>In many ways our current selective service is a remnant of what once worked for our country (well, worked for some in our country). If there ever should be a national call to arms or service, you can bet that much will be reconfigured – not only so that women serve but also a different way for deferments (eg, in the Vietnam War era a student could get a deferment by being enrolled in college. That would not fly in today’s world). </p>
<p>A wise local Quaker tells families that a male should write out a letter stating his personal beliefs upon reaching age 18 and then make a copy of the letter, followed by mailing the original back to oneself. The copy and the unopened (but postmarked) letter goes into the family file. Should it ever be needed, the student can show his beliefs are long held – not just something quickly acquired to get out of service. </p>
<p>I can see both sides of this issue. I have known several young men who really “grew up” by serving four years in the military before undertaking college. The structured independence can give discipline and pride to an unfocused teen. At the same time, I don’t want my kids going off to support a war that I don’t support. </p>
<p>My bottom line: separate out politics from paperwork. We do what needs to be done to comply with the law – and then work with our legislators to let them know where we feel the law needs to be amended.</p>