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."
Like "I did not have sex with that woman, Ms Lewinski"
"I did not inhale"
"It depends what the definition of is, is"
He's replied.
Replies are also zot worthy.
I see I like little children because I disagree with you.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
In 1980 he campaigned to end registration.
Like??
It seems odd to me that this type of thing is going on if there are no plans for a draft...
Makes you think...
You're post is misleading then you bump it so everyone can see your stupidity, brilliant!
Oh brother...
http://users.wolfcrews.com/toys/vikings/
Now tell us about your other life.
HERE COMES THE ZOT!!!!!
There is NO chance of a Draft. The Democrats tried to push it through and the Republicans didn't bite on it. It ain't happening.
"It seems odd to me that this type of thing is going on if there are no plans for a draft...
Makes you think..."
Shhhh...he's trying to think now....
Yeah, I realized that.
See what I get for being nice!
Will not be a draft. No need for a draft. The only ones in Congress who say there will be are Democrats who introduced a bill calling for one. The only ones who want one are those who will use it for a political weapon against President Bush.
Go crying home, but make sure your selective service card is filled out, the jack booted thugs will be coming for you any day now.
Why do you hate your dad?
Another brilliant reply...
The President has said many times there will be NO draft.
Presidents say a lot of things...
Ok, its confirmed. bye bye little man
--Marty
One dem congressman, Rangel, brought up a proposal for a draft to stir up the pot and to get his fact on tv. When it came up for a vote, he voted against it. Stuff goes on all the time for reasons not based in reality.
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