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What was often described as the "anti-war movement" and "peace movement" during the Vietnam War was actually an anti-draft movement. Upon being discharged from the Marine Corps in 1969 I returned to college and found that most protesters were not really concerned with the ideological or moral issues of the war but simply didn't want to suffer the inconvenience of serving their country for two years. When Nixon instituted the draft lottery and then the all-volunteer army the protests died down proportionately. Later, when Pol Pot and the Khimer Rouge overran Cambodia and slaughtered millions, there was no moral outrage from this peace movement.

"What was often described as the "anti-war movement" and "peace movement" during the Vietnam War was actually an anti-draft movement. Upon being discharged from the Marine Corps in 1969 I returned to college and found that most protesters were not really concerned with the ideological or moral issues of the war but simply didn't want to suffer the inconvenience of serving their country for two years."

My view is also that the "peace" and "anti war" movement was not those things. But it was I think, not even an anti draft movement, but a socialist movement, and thus an anti American movement. It's probably true that a popular following was able to be developed simply because of a desire to avoid risking life and limb in a war about which most cared little, but the organizers were, I believe, all committed leftists, many even having been raised as communists.

The same type of people are now protesting the Iraq war, committed leftists all. Before WWII, there was also an "anti war" movement, probably also led by the Left. The national media, being leftist itself, has consistently neglected pointing out, both during the 60's and today, the socialist origins of the so called anti war organizers.

I think you're right. The draft dodgers' primary objective was to avoid serving. In their minds, some other "sucker" would defend freedom. But they will take the shame of being draft dodgers to their graves.

It's significant that now we have an all-volunteer military fighting for our safety and freedom. These volunteers, not the media polls, reflect the true opinions of most Americans.