Responses to Vietnam War Draft Dodgers 20 Years Later

I feel very fortunate that President Gerald Ford ended the draft before I was forced to make a decision as to whether or not to respond favorably to compulsory military conscription. I am certain that I would have rejected any effort by the U.S. government to force me into military service against my will.

In 1976 I voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army and after serving four years on active duty, I voluntarily enlisted in the California National Guard for two years. The key word here is “volunteer.” Then and now, I have always felt, despite what the Supreme Court has said, that compulsory military conscription is a direct violation of 13th Amendment to the Constitution that forbids “involuntary servitude.”

One writer remarked that the draft dodgers have two things to live with the rest of their lives--their conscience and themselves. I have always felt this way towards the men who allowed themselves to be drafted.

Remember, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.”

D.M. DeBACKER

Norwalk