"a homeless father of a toddler, trying to get himself through high school while living with friends, relatives and, sometimes, in his car. Elgin did not know at the time"
For someone who “forgot” to register in the era of Reagan-Bush (which had a “remember to register” ad campaign), he sure has learned to present an argument as to why he “shouldn’t have to” because he’s a guy.
I shouldn’t have to provide my SSN to the driver’s license bureau but I do because there are deadbeat dads in this world. I am not a father and I am not a husband but I “have to”.
It is customary for the men in the society to be called to combat. If he has a problem with the Selective Service program he should take it up with Jimmy Carter who brought it back after Nixon ended the draft.
I am OK with the rule, but it should have been used for new hires, not to retroactively go after people who already are employees. This was not a criminal violation. It was a voluntary registration that was only punishable by making one ineligible for certain government programs such as student loans.