If I had known in 1969, when I was drafted into the US Army, what I know now, I would have resisted via legal channels. The thirteenth ammendment to the US Constitution prohibits any involuntary servitude. Therefore, I will advise my son, when he turns 18, not to register for the draft, and should he be drafted, to sue in court for his freedom.

It seems to me that if he didn't sign up for the draft then there would be no way he could be drafted. Did you register for selective service yourself? If so, how could you have resisted being drafted via legal channels since your servitude was not involuntary? Is it possible to be drafted if you have not registered for selective service? I thought I had educated myself on the issue but now I'm questioning my knowledge. I'm 19 and I have registered. I'm aware that I may have fight a "war" that I don't agree with, but I also know that I may be called upon to protect our country against a real threat or help those who truely need it. The president in my mind rushed into things and made a lot of mistakes. But if I'm one of the unlucky ones that has to pay the price we all owe for living here than I'll be glad to do it. But I don't think I could live with myself knowing that someone else was sent to their death in what very well could have been my place. Selective service was a big issue for my friends and me. One of the things that I respect my parents for was that they presented both sides of the issue to me. Perhaps instead of advising your son on one side you should consider doing the same. He may very well fully agree with you. I'm just trying to give you the perspective of someone who had to recently deal with the decision, knowing what the consequences of that decision could be.

In this great democracy, the United States of America, the best country in the history of the world, if there ever should be a crisis requiriing the military defense of our nation, patriots from all walks of life will rise up to volunteer to meet the challenge. I know I will.

A standing army and the power to draft encourages military adventurism on the part of reckless presidents. A draft is not necessary to the security of our nation because most citizens are patriots like me who know cost of liberty.

I registered for the draft when I was 18 because it was the law of the land and it had not been challenged at that time on constitutional grounds. Failure to register could result in imprisonment, and failure to report to military involuntary servitude was also punishible. Had I known then what I know now, I would not have registered, and would have fought it in court on constitutional grounds. As it was, I served honorably, but at the cost of the impoverishment of my wife and child resulting in a later divorce.

The draft (and draft registration), being both unnecessary in a democracy and illegal, should be resisted whenever and wherever it is proposed or enacted.

My advice to my son is in the form of discussion and knowledge, not mind control. Besides, he will be a man at 18. I couldn't control him if I wanted to. If, with full knowledge, he decides to join and fight, he has my full support and blessing. A military force of conscripts is wasteful and ineffective. A force of volunteer democrats is a force to be reckoned with, as the enemies of the ancient Greek infantry knew to their well founded fear.

what if President Kerry, with his promised military buildup in Iraq, ends up instituting the draft?

history is currently repeating itself, just like the fall of the roman empire and napoleon. At any time when a world super power attempts to increase miltary for expansion reasons, will follow with catastrophe. Another thing that bugs me is that you are automatically reported to the selective service when you get your driver's license. Our government has installed numerous amounts of loopholes to prevent us from avoiding a draft

To repeat a trite phrase, what if they gave a war and nobody came? It will take an informed people to rise up and just say no. Unfortunately, the majority of American voters have spoken, and they will go like sheep to the slaughter.