GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN THE U.S. DRAFT

5 July, 2004 | David W. Behrens

[iconoclast]

In some country's like Israel there are many kick butt women serving their country.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Israel abandoned the women in combat silliness some time ago.

[PersonalLiberties]

To tell you the truth I am not sure. It is true both sexes can be drafted. But around 2000 the debate to put women in combat kicked up again due to the increased palestinean pressure.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/femcom.html

But I have seem some of the women in training and they are kick butt.

I think the whole issue of the draft is a non issue. I am not sure why this article was thrown out there and am guessing that either some people here are trying to scare us into a draft, or do not like women. Is it fair that only men are drafted? no I do not think so. Is it in our country's best interest to have women drafted to a combat position? No, I don't think so.

[iconoclast]

I'll correct myself.

A brief peek indicates to me that Israeli women are back in combat right up to their buns, thanks to the Israeli Supreme Court (apparently a looney group of 'spremes is something else we have in common with Israel).

[PersonalLiberties]

To, make things clearer I do not think the draft is good for anyone. I think if it comes down to there being such a pressing need to protect our country, enough people will realize this need and protected her.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Hey, I'm all for drafting women into combat. Put 'em on the front lines. They want to be equal so be equal.

[leadpenny]

1. Many unmotivated soldiers. If a draft is really needed, it is up to the political and military leadership to motivate the population and the military, respectively. (FDR did and LBJ didn't)
2. Many undereducated soldiers Not in a fair draft.
3. Retention of only 2 years does not justify training expense for today's modern military technology. The draftees who agree to stay only two years get the lowest skilled jobs. You agree to stay longer after induction and testing, you get what is available and what you want.
4. Deferrment programs breed discontent. The only deferrments would be for college students in their current year. This also goes back to my answer at 1.
5. Prohibitive costs of benefits. Require a minimum of three years active service before benefits kick in.
__________________

I agree with the registration of women - Now!

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

The ladies need to put their lives on the line and prove they are equal. If a mother and father are both drafted, then let one opt out, but not always the female. That wouldn't be equal.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Since women have not carried their part of the responsibility for defending this country in the past, I think they should even be given priority draft status. Let them make up for lost time -- a sort of reparations of sacrifice.

[leadpenny]

Don't want to push too hard - might make the Patti Murrays of Congress cry. :)

[leadpenny]

. . . . but I sure the heck think (in a draft) women could be drafted for the jobs they are now doing in the military. To not do so defies logic.

[zeaal]

Two points.

The Dems are so for equal rights for all things then if there is a draft they must remain consistent and draft females.

Second, those that are calling for a draft are majority Democratic members of the legislature --- so, if you are concerned about a draft being reinstated then you should VOTE BUSH ... if Kerry gets into office he will be beholden to his dems in the legislature and you might just see a draft come about.

If President G.W. Bush and the Republicans wanted to reinstate the draft then it would have already been done. Period.

[PersonalLiberties]

Don't draft anyone. That is equal.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

LOL! Maybe we should draft ONLY women, since throughout our history we have unequally drafted only men. Women need to make up for the sins of their ancestors. Isn't that what liberals always tell us, that we are guilty of every real or perceived wrong done by anyone throughout history who may have looked like us? So let the women pay for the sins of women. But women couldn't serve you say? Doesn't matter. It was still wrong and they must pay for their gender guilt.

[Milligan]

My husband retired from the Navy in 94. He wished he could go back in...but he's too old now. It's hard to be on the sidelines.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Oh I agree. LOL! But if we do draft, the women need to be drafted first and put on the front lines.

[PersonalLiberties]

If Dave is right behind me I promise not to duck ;-)

[monday]

"NO, Just some coward who is scared to death there will be one and he will have to leave his tv, vcr, drugs and other sexual activities and DO SOMETHING with his life."

Who are you talking about?

[iconoclast]

A GOOGLE search of David W. Behrens turns up some interesting stuff.

nu·di·branch (n›“d…-br²ngk”, ny›“-)

n. See sea slug. [From New Latin Nudibranchia, order name : nudi- + branchia.] --nu”di·bran“chi·ate (-br²ng“k¶-¹t) or nu”di·bran“chi·an (-k¶-…n) adj. & n.

Are you a sea slug, or just interested in them?

[Mike4Freedom]

Hey, I'm all for drafting women into combat. Put 'em on the front lines. They want to be equal so be equal.

It is societal suicide to put your baby factories at risk. Even the ancient civilazations understood that.

[Mike4Freedom]

If President G.W. Bush and the Republicans wanted to reinstate the draft then it would have already been done. Period.

They may have stupidly started a pointless war but they are not politically stupid. The draft must wait till after the election. So does the extension of the Iraq war to Iran and/or Syria.