Posted on 01/05/2005 8:38:49 AM PST by HogDog
Brethren Agree to Revive 'Alternative Service' Draft Programs
By Kevin Eckstrom Religion News Service Leaders of the Church of the Brethren say they will follow through on a request from the Selective Service to have "alternative service" programs in place for conscientious objectors if a draft is reinstated.
As one of the historic "peace churches" that shun military service, Brethren officials were "cautious" after an unannounced visit by a draft official to a church center in Maryland last October. Officials were worried that the visit signaled that a draft may be at hand. In follow-up meetings, draft officials urged the church to dust off long-standing "alternative service" programs that allow conscientious objectors to serve in two-year domestic service projects in lieu of military service.
In a meeting Dec. 10, the church's council voted to "maximize our efforts" on alternative service, as well as help "guide our youth in their choice of nonviolent service."
"We don't want to miss the part of providing resources to our youth that will help them understand and embrace the Brethren peace witness," said Chris Bowman, moderator of the church's 2004 conference.
Selective Service officials have insisted there are no plans to reinstate the draft, and said Alternative Service Director Cassandra Costley stopped by the Brethren Service Center simply because she was in the area.
Dick Flahavan, a spokesman for Selective Service, said officials did their best to convince church leaders there is no draft on the horizon. "We answered every one of their questions and they didn't leave with anything hanging," he said. "What we were telling them was what we tell everyone. The story hasn't varied."
Brethren leaders also agreed to meet in March with other Anabaptist churches that oppose military service. The meeting in Elgin, Ill., will bring together six Brethren and Mennonite groups to discuss "how to prepare for alternative service opportunities."
The only other house on my block besides me that had a Bus/Cheney 2004 yard sign is occupied by a Quaker and his family.
Please do! I'm very partial to tabby cats. Mine is very rotund. He kills trolls by flopping down on them and smothering them.
LOL!
Just noticed the mod change of poster ;)
Posted by Gomer HogDog, now a Pyle of ashes.
See #115. I'm NOT a Marine....only somebody who has a tremendous respect for those who are! But HogDog doesn't pass the "smell test" even to this former USAF NCO!
"Hail to the King baby...."
hahahaa! It's Dolly!May she rest in peace, too. :^)
"There is no need for a draft as numbers are being met through other means. A conscripted Army is a $hitty Army."
I agree with the first part. Here's an article that includes FY 04 recruiting stats.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/2004recruitgoal.htm
The only concern is in the National Guard who have been overused (IMO) and possibly the percentage of delayed entry enlistees lining up to enter in FY 05.
I would support a draft if the need was great. The attitude of the draftees would depend on how great the need was. Their attitude would make all the difference in how well they would integrate into the force.
Draft or no draft, we need a larger army to keep up with the current level of deployments.
A Hollow Weinee!
No, he sure doesn't. A wannabe, no doubt. Besides, there are more active/reserve/retired military on this board than he could ever imagine in his tiny troll dreams.
Is that an offshoot of the "Church of I saw the light"? Did both members agree with this post? Inquiring minds like mine want to know.
Al couldn't bring himself to say Semper Fi.
Karl Rove, aka The Great One, has spent the last 2 months since the election gathering all the names of you liberals who frequent DU (Democratic Underground aka The DUmp) and other liberal websites and organizations such as Moveon. Karl has fixed the draft lottery so you will all have to go to the frontlines while us FReepers are all exempt.
wonderful isn't it?
I think HotDog just got circumcised by the Mod. lol
It is almost worth the troll to see the Zot! Very funny stuff!
And I would never want to hear those words from his lips either.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.