By John Q. Hosedrinker As I reflect on the recent reports that Trump world is considering a return to mandatory military service, I am filled with a mix of disbelief and outrage. The irony of a draft dodger even entertaining the idea of forcing young Americans to serve in the military is beyond comprehension. The very idea that someone who avoided military service themselves would now want to mandate it for others is not only hypocritical but also disturbing.
The last time America had a mandatory draft was during the Vietnam War, a time of great social upheaval and unrest. The idea of forcing young people to fight in wars that they may not believe in was deeply unpopular then, and it remains so now. A volunteer army, made up of individuals who have chosen to serve, is far more effective and motivated than a group of conscripts who are there against their will.
It is clear to me that the real motivation behind this push for mandatory military service is not about building national identity or creating a sense of service. It is about control and power. The thought of a future where dissent is stamped out by an army of unwilling and disruptive draftees is chilling. It seems that the goal is to create a force of goons who will do the bidding of those in power, rather than serve their country with honor and pride.
As a veteran of the all-volunteer Army, I cannot support the idea of bringing back mandatory military service. The thought of young people being forced to pick up arms and fight, especially under the leadership of someone who has never served themselves, is deeply troubling. There are countless other ways for individuals to serve their country and make a difference, without being coerced into military service.
The notion that mandatory military service will somehow create a more patriotic or conservative population is misguided and dangerous. Forcing young people into the military does not instill a sense of duty or honor, but rather breeds resentment and discord. The fact that those in power believe that conscription will benefit them politically is both cynical and shortsighted.
In conclusion, the idea of a return to mandatory military service is not only ill-advised but also deeply concerning. It goes against the principles of freedom and choice that our country was founded on. As citizens, we must stand up against any attempts to force our young people into service against their will. We must resist the rise of authoritarianism and defend the rights and freedoms that so many have fought and died for. The future of our democracy depends on it. As I reflect on the recent reports that Trump world is considering a return to mandatory military service, I am filled with a mix of disbelief and outrage. The irony of a draft dodger even entertaining the idea of forcing young Americans to serve in the military is beyond comprehension. The very idea that someone who avoided military service themselves would now want to mandate it for others is not only hypocritical but also disturbing.
The last time America had a mandatory draft was during the Vietnam War, a time of great social upheaval and unrest. The idea of forcing young people to fight in wars that they may not believe in was deeply unpopular then, and it remains so now. A volunteer army, made up of individuals who have chosen to serve, is far more effective and motivated than a group of conscripts who are there against their will.
It is clear to me that the real motivation behind this push for mandatory military service is not about building national identity or creating a sense of service. It is about control and power. The thought of a future where dissent is stamped out by an army of unwilling and disruptive draftees is chilling. It seems that the goal is to create a force of goons who will do the bidding of those in power, rather than serve their country with honor and pride.
As a veteran of the all-volunteer Army, I cannot support the idea of bringing back mandatory military service. The thought of young people being forced to pick up arms and fight, especially under the leadership of someone who has never served themselves, is deeply troubling. There are countless other ways for individuals to serve their country and make a difference, without being coerced into military service.
The notion that mandatory military service will somehow create a more patriotic or conservative population is misguided and dangerous. Forcing young people into the military does not instill a sense of duty or honor, but rather breeds resentment and discord. The fact that those in power believe that conscription will benefit them politically is both cynical and shortsighted.
In conclusion, the idea of a return to mandatory military service is not only ill-advised but also deeply concerning. It goes against the principles of freedom and choice that our country was founded on. As citizens, we must stand up against any attempts to force our young people into service against their will. We must resist the rise of authoritarianism and defend the rights and freedoms that so many have fought and died for. The future of our democracy depends on it.