33 Years Later, Draft Becomes Topic for Dean

New York Times ^ | 11/22/03 | RICK LYMAN and CHRISTOPHER DREW

[mishka]

33 Years Later, Draft Becomes Topic for Dean

By RICK LYMAN and CHRISTOPHER DREW Published: November 22, 2003

In the winter of 1970, a 21-year-old student from Yale walked into his armed services physical in New York carrying X-rays and a letter from his orthopedist, eager to know whether a back condition might keep him out of the military draft.

This was not an uncommon scene in 1970, when medical deferments were a frequently used avenue for those reluctant to take part in the unpopular war in Vietnam. And this story would have little interest save that Howard Dean was the name of the young man. Now, 33 years later, he finds himself a leading Democrat in the quest for the party's nomination to be president of the United States.

Dr. Dean got the medical deferment, but in a recent interview he said he probably could have served had he not mentioned the condition.

"I guess that's probably true," he said. "I mean, I was in no hurry to get into the military."

But now that he is running for president, in a race when many Democrats believe they need a candidate with strong national security credentials to challenge President Bush, the choices Dr. Dean, a former Vermont governor, made 33 years ago are providing ammunition for critics.

Senator John Kerry and Gen. Wesley K. Clark, two of his strongest challengers for the Democratic nomination, have recently started running advertisements highlighting their military experience. And all the Democratic candidates except Carol Moseley Braun had to face the possibility of being drafted during the Vietnam War.

In the 10 months after his graduation from Yale, time he might otherwise have spent in uniform, Dr. Dean lived the life of a ski bum in Aspen, Colo. His back condition did not affect his skiing the way the rigors of military service would have, he said, nor did it prevent him from taking odd jobs like pouring concrete in the warm months and washing dishes when it got cold.

Even the candidate's mother, Andree Maitland Dean, said in a recent interview about his skiing after receiving a medical deferment, "Yeah, that looks bad." [excerpt only, read more at URL above...]

[mishka]

Do you want this guy leading the global war against terrorism, and to be the leader of the free world?

[ChadGore]

The only one I "serve" is Marx

[poindexter]

Draft-dodging is no longer a reason to not elect someone president. That ship sailed in 1992.

[ChadGore]

So now the NYT (the liberal paper of fact) is on record stating the simple fact that Dean is a draft dodger. Interesting.

[billorites]

Michael Jackson would get more votes in the South.

[blanknoone]

Already posted today.

[spokeshave]

Thanks shrillary

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

A lot of draft dodgers had back problems, it is called
a stripe of yellow.

[zarf]

Plus the rape and abuse of women thing.

Move on. nothing to see here.

[Admin Moderator]

Please use original titles.
Thanks.

[ChadGore]

Re: Draft-dodging is no longer a reason to not elect someone president. That shipped sailed in 1992

I disagree. The question people need to ask themselves is weather or not, as the War On Terror continues, we can trust someone who not only lothes all things military, but is proud of the fact that he is neither willing nor able to command and control an army of tonka trucks.

"I'm in this for the babes, have you seen my wife?"

[truth_seeker]

Most of Dean's supporters will be pleased he dodged the draft.

It is really pretty cool, to see the dems fractured and arguing over whether going into the draft is good or not good.

Braun, Kucinich, Sharpton get equal debate time, which effectively diminishes the legitimate candidates to their level.

[HitmanLV]

Unfortunately, Clinton's antics have pretty much taken this issue off the table. Further, in a few more years, we will have a generation of leaders too young to have served in the late 60s/early 70s.

Not that this thought gives me much comfort, in light of the people I know in that age group.

[mishka]

True about Clinton, but remember that was pre 9/11.
You're right that it still might not matter to many, but post 9/11 it's worth bringing up again (anyone we can bring around helps).

[BushCountry]

Further, in a few more years, we will have a generation of leaders too young to have served in the late 60s/early 70s.

*****

Maybe so, but will also will have a generation of war heroes who fought the war on terror to choose from. I will vote for the person who voluntarily served their country heroically over a life-long pol. We will still have a choice.

[HitmanLV]

I agree with you, BC, but they won't come of age in a while, from a political point of view.

No we will soon have people who began blossoming in the 1980s - I fear for our future!

[poindexter]

"I disagree. The question people need to ask themselves is weather or not, as the War On Terror continues, we can trust someone who not only lothes all things military, but is proud of the fact that he is neither willing nor able to command and control an army of tonka trucks."

Of course people need to ask themselves that question. But they won't.

[speekinout]

No we will soon have people who began blossoming in the 1980s - I fear for our future!

The question I will be asking them is whether they were supporting Reagan. People of that age who were out pounding pavements to get Reagan (re)elected are the good ones of that era.

[Mike Darancette]

Dean can be proud of his brother who gave full measure in the candidates place.