Selective Service question raised at dinner: what would you do?

[ZombieNixon]

I'm filling out the FAFSA and turn 18 next month, which means it's time to register for Selective Service. A draft is probably imminent, and, as I'm perfectly fit and have no debilitating conditions, I'm not going to get out it that way. My personal feeling is that dodging the draft is dishonest. On the other hand, if I were to register as a consciencious objector, they would expect me to be able to justify that strongly, i.e. being opposed to all war. That is not my position. I'm virulently opposed to this war and probably whatever BushCo. is thinking up next, but I would have fought World War II in a heartbeat. I feel, that under certain circumstances, war can be justified; I'm not a complete pacifist.

My parents, who are more liberal that I am (which is saying a lot), are, natually, scared to death, and want me to register as a CO, but I don't think I could adequately defend that assertion if called upon to do so. My gut instinct is just to register and face the consequences, if and when they arrive, but I know that my parents won't be happy with that. I often wish they would just butt out, but I fully understand that, as my parents, I can't ask them to do that, and if I do, we will probably fall out big time. If I register CO, I may wind up in more hot water down the road, but if I don't, I will probably be causing my family undue grief.

I pose this dilemma worthy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau to DU, in hope of an answer.

[G_j]

1. what is worse?

the 'dishonesty' of draft dodging, or being a hit man for the Bush criminal empire?

[rockymountaindem]

2. It doesn't matter.

If you went to a public school they'll put you on the register automatically when you turn 18. That's what happened to me recently. I was all looking forward to going down to the post office to fill out the forms and feel all patriotic like all my WWII vet ancestors were smiling on me from heaven etc... and all I get is some thing in the mail saying I'm already registered. What a let down.

So it's kind of a non-issue.

[bluestateguy]

3. There is a difference between draft dodging and draft resisting

Dodging the draft would be like getting a deferment under dubious circumstances or social connections or going to Canada. Resisting the draft would mean actually forcing the government to charge you and put you on trial. If you live in a liberal communitty you might be able to get off. If not, you might have to spend some time in a minimum security jail, but I think you'll agree that that beats a summer in Ramadi.

[goodboy]

4. what hot water would you be in if you reg. CO? and furthermore

how can that possibly be worse than being dead??

[Grey Ranks]

5. Do ItJust because you are in the military

... be it your choice or not, does not mean an endorsement of war.

[Geek_Girl]

6. Register as a CO

I don't think you'll face any hot water down the road and it may just save your life.

Your parents know whats best.

Hell there are people in the guard that are claiming to be CO.

[theorist]

7. I can tell you what I'm doing.

I'm currently 23, so five and a half years ago, I had to sign up with Selective Services. A draft wasn't even a possibility then, so I didn't have a choice. Registering as a CO wasn't even an option really.

You need to hold onto your integrity. Don't register as a CO. Just refuse to join if you're number comes up. Tell your parents that you would rather go to prison than lie about your religious/philisophical beliefs.

After you've signed up, make sure you give them your parents address and never update your contact information with SS. Make it as difficult as possible for them to find you; I'm sure your parents would be more than happy to assist. If it comes to it, convince others to join you. Solidarity is the key. If we refuse to go, they can't continue killing our peers.