To the Editor:
Re “Draft Registration for Women Would Stir a Sleepy Government Agency” (news article, Feb. 8):
As a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and more recently as the father of three children of draft age, I have long supported a military draft and a national service requirement that would (1) provide no college deferments and (2) apply equally to men and women.
As is, our volunteer Army overwhelmingly comprises young working-class people who, in the eyes of most unaffected Americans and despite all the patriotic pandering, have become mere collateral damage.
Until our policy makers, the privileged and powerful, have offspring who are subjected to a service requirement—until they have some “skin in the game”—we will continue to engage in nonstop military adventures throughout the world.
MICHAEL ROOKE-LEY
Eugene, Ore.
Note from KBJ: The letter writer, who refused to fight for his country, thereby making someone else do it, wants to use young people as a mere means to his end, which is the prevention of "military adventures." Where does the New York Times get these people?
