General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]Orsino
(37,428 posts)...might address some of your concerns, which I share. However! On no known planet would en entrenched ruling class such as ours not simply exempt themselves. I will never support a draft before that problem is dealt with, and if we were able to deal with it, I suspect we would not need or want a draft.
One of the problems associated with the last US draft was low pay. A captive work force that cannot collectively bargain is instantly deprofessionalized and loses important incentives for success. Morale suffers in direct (if not geometric) proportion. Low military pay causes the same sort of economic malaise that low pay in any sector does, and is championed by the same cheap-labor conservatives.
When I say I want this nation to be more worth defending, I mean that I want it to value its citizens' humanity and its labor more highly. Build me that nation, and I think you'll find plenty of volunteers who would serve cheerfully and compete for success. We would be the sort of nation that didn't semi-declare wars for profit, and didn't glorify weaponry over courage, honor and dedication.
Until we build that nation, I will not consign anyone to involuntary service.