Opinion of the draft? (Iraq, military, high school, leader)

[Futurist110]

I voted "I oppose it in all cases" since I'm skeptical that individual rights should be violated regardless of what is happening. If the government decides to violate the individual rights of some people because it feels like it has a really good reason to do this, what is to prevent this or another government from violating the individual rights of even more people in the future because it would feel like it would have a really good reason to do this? I fully support government efforts to strongly encourage people (by offering them and/or their families large incentives or whatever) to join the military if necessary, but I'm leaning towards saying that I oppose forcing people to join the military.

In regards to the draft, I also want to point out that perhaps I am being too naive and idealistic, but I don't think that a country should enter and/or fight wars for which there is not enough volunteers to fight. Just like I oppose installing leaders of a country which did not receive the support of a majority/plurality of the people, I oppose violating people's individual rights, even if the government feels that it has a really good reason to do this.

That said, I am flexible and open-minded about this issue, so I'm willing to hear what everyone else has to say.

[North Beach Person]

You realize that there is currently no draft and there hasn't been since 1972?

[Futurist110]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

You realize that there is currently no draft and there hasn't been since 1972?

Yes, I am aware of this for the U.S., though men aged 18-25 still need to register with the Selective Service or something like this.

Anyway, I was not only talking about the U.S., but about other countries worldwide as well.

[North Beach Person]

There are those that believe, at least in the US, that some sort of mandatory public/community service should be required for all with a draft being but one component.

Since I can see that you have a well developed sense of human rights issues I have to ask what you think about mandatory volunteer work as a requirement for high school graduation?

[tinman01]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

There are those that believe, at least in the US, that some sort of mandatory public/community service should be required for all with a draft being but one component.

Since I can see that you have a well developed sense of human rights issues I have to ask what you think about mandatory volunteer work as a requirement for high school graduation?

Well if it is mandatory it is hardly volunteer work.
I prefer an all volunteer military.

[michiganmoon]

I oppose it in most cases - as there needs to be a real and legitimate pressing issue to trample on the individual rights for the common good.

WWII as a draft I would be fine with. Iraq - no, not that there was serious consideration for that.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by tinman01

Well if it is mandatory it is hardly volunteer work.
I prefer an all volunteer military.

That dichotomy didn't register with those who advocated for it.

[trlhiker]

I would love to see the draft. I would love to see that everyone have to serve at least 2 years no matter what. No deferments no matter how rich and powerful daddy is.

[Frank DeForrest]

Uh no to the draft. I own my body, not the federal government.

[Ed from California]

I oppose any mandatory/compelled service of any type. I fought the draft back in the late 60's and am proud to have done so and won.