Only the draft would get me to Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/opinion/13138094.htm

A year ago, a guy from my hometown drank himself silly and then ran buck-naked out of his house, screaming that he was going to kill himself. He had just gotten his orders to return to Iraq, where he had already done a tour.

I can't say I knew the guy, even though we're about the same age and both grew up in Stratford, a medium-sized factory town on the edge of Connecticut's Gold Coast. And I certainly can't say I knew what it's like being the guy. He enlisted; I didn't.

Every once in a while, though, I wonder what might have been, had circumstances been just a little different. Every once in a while -- like last month, when the 2,000th soldier was killed in Iraq.

What if, for instance, my parents hadn't gone into debt to provide me with a private-school education and the benefits it affords? What if, instead, I had taken the path followed by many in my hometown and pursued my American dream through the military? And what if I were writing these words not from the comfort of my office but from a forward operating base somewhere in the Sunni Triangle? snip

But what I am certain of is that when 2,000 of my fellow Americans have already been killed in Iraq and another 15,000 injured, I'll be damned if I content myself with tying a yellow ribbon to a tree.

At the very least, when I read about the next soldier killed in combat, I'll make sure to take five minutes out of my privileged day to wonder: There but for the grace of God go I, drunk and naked, screaming bloody suicide at the thought of going to Iraq.

[bigscott]

1. Having been born and raised

in CT too, sent to schools and colleges on my (veteran)father and mother's paycheck, I thank GOD on a daily basis that they made the sacrifice so I would not have to make that choice. From Day 1 when I was younger (i became eligible for the draft the year Vietnam ended), my father told me I would be going to Canada if it ever came to making that choice. So, now, I am in the position to do the same for MY son. He either goes to college, or I use his college fund to set him up in business. there is no way in hell I would allow him to go fight this or any other War for Greed

[madokie]

2. I'm one of the unlucky ones

I lived the VN war and came back a changed person. Under no circumstances will I allow them to take my two Stepsons. I could tell you some stories of what patriotism is but you and I know already, It's the ones who support this war that don't know and most will never learn. I personally feel betrayed by this illegal war, What was my sacrifice for.

[madokie]

3. double post, sorry