- Our professors have joked about it. We joke about it
with our friends. But it's just a joke, a relic from the "bad old
days." The draft is gone forever, isn't it? Think again.
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- Become acquainted with the Universal National Service
Act of 2003, H.R. 163, introduced on January 7, 2003. This act, can be
found on the website of the U.S. Congress at (http://www.congress.gov).
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- This act as seen on the website states: Universal National
Service Act of 2003
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- Title: A bill to provide for the common defense by requiring
that all young persons in the United States, including women, perform a
period of military service or a period of civilian service in furtherance
of the national defense and homeland security, and for other purposes.
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- It declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen,
and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages
of 18 and 26 to perform a two-year period of national service, unless exempted,
either as a member of an active or reserve component of the armed forces
or in a civilian capacity that promotes national defense. Requires induction
into national service by the President. Sets forth provisions governing:
(1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption
of a conscientious objector from military service that includes combatant
training; and (2) discharge following national service. Amends the Military
Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.
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- Let's take a look at the contentions in this bill for
a moment. First, we notice that it becomes the "obligation" of
every person in the United States between 18 and 26 to serve two years
in the military. "Obligation," means no choice in the matter.
In addition, the Military Selective Service Act is amended to include women.
It would appear that this also extends to non-citizens and immigrants,
based on the phrase, "every other person residing in the United States."
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- Exemptions do apply, however, like those considered "conscientious
objectors." Conscientious objectors are not necessarily exempt from
the draft. People who refuse to fight or fire a weapon are instead placed
in non-combat stations of the military. Others who refuse to be in anything
military-related for moral or ethical reasons, according the Selective
Service System 2004 website (sss.gov/FSconsobj.htm), would be placed in
"Alternate Service" areas specializing in "conservation,
caring for the very young or very old, education or health care" for
the same 24 month (two year) period.
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- There is also the ominous phrase in the act that speaks
of drafting for "furtherance of the national defense and homeland
security, and for other purposes." These "other purposes"
remain unclear, but are dictated by whatever the president deems appropriate.
This is the same president who dodged the draft years ago. But I digress.
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- H.R. 163 also teams with its sister bill, S. 89. These
are two separate bills, written with the exact same lingo. The difference?
One sits with the House, the other with the Senate.
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- Forget your dreams of attending college, getting a job
and then developing a career and starting a family. All of these plans
can be severely disrupted, if not irrevocably changed by this mandatory
government service.
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- When will this happen? Both bills are on the floor of
the Congress, waiting to be picked up and voted on. It is unlikely that
we will see this before the election in 2004. No president seriously seeking
reelection would dare try to impose a mandatory draft and military service.
However, once Bush ends up with a second term, he is basically free to
do anything he wants. Look for this in 2005, according to the Selective
Service System fiscal year 2004 plan (sss.gov/perfplan_fy2004.html).
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- President Bush is spending $28 million (see plans 1-3
at the above website for dollar amounts) to have the Selective Service
system ready to report to him on March 31, 2005, and then to have the system
ready for activation within 75 days. This would make the approximated date
of the return of the draft June 15, 2005. All of these numbers can be figured
out by reading the above link.
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- Keep in mind, those of you who are ready to become conscientious
objectors, that the world is a vastly different place than it was during
the last draft. Applicants will be scrutinized more closely than ever.
Those counting on student deferments to keep themselves out of the draft
will be disappointed to find that that is no longer guaranteed. And don't
even think about running to Canada. Entry into Canada is exceptionally
difficult, with all visitors being heavily questioned before entry is allowed,
combined with the agreement between Canada and the U.S. to expedite return
of those wanted by the U.S.
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- Ladies and gentlemen, this is no joke. This is not the
mindless rambling of a paranoid conspiracy theorist. You think I'm f***ing
with you? I am not f***ing with you.
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- This sucks, I don't want to be forced to serve. Then
speak up. Become informed. Tell your friends, who will fall into the age
range of 18-26. Talk to your local congress people. Hold peaceful rallies.
If you don't want this, take action to stop it now, before it is too late.
- The Joke is No Longer Funny
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- http://www.theticker.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/12/08/3fd76d6bed7e8
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