By Tara Conry
Politicians fighting for amendments to the Selective Service Act could force college students, males and females alike, to be drafted to Iraq.
Circulating throughout college campuses, an e-mail explaining this bill and its possible implications on college students has provoked fear and uncertainty on many young voters as the election draws near.
The bill in question, The Universal National Service Act of 2003, also known as HR 163, was introduced to the House of Representatives last January and rests in the hands of the Committee on Armed Services. The bill states that “it is the obligation of every United States citizen, both men and women between the ages of 18 and 26 to perform national service either as a member of an active component of the armed forces; or in a civilian capacity that, as determined by the President, promotes the national defense.”
This bill would grant deferments to students enrolled in secondary schools, postponing their service until they have graduated from high school or reached the age of 20. Unlike in the past, there would be no exemptions for students attending college.
Charles Rangel, a democrat from New York, along with other liberal members of Congress introduced this bill in an attempt to reinstate a draft that would force all Americans to share the sacrifice of war.
In a speech to the National Press Club in April 2004, Rangel stated that “research with the Department of Defense has found that 26 percent of those killed in action are either African-American or Hispanics, and 46 percent come from towns and counties that have less than 20,000 people in population and the highest unemployment.”
For decades the military has served as an opportunity for the poor and minorities to advance themselves in life. However, as the war on terrorism continues to intensify and the United States military spreads itself across the world, more soldiers are being forced to extend their services, raising the question of whether a draft is necessary.
“I feel it will definitely happen, but it will be a question of how large it will be,” James Benjamin, a senior social science major, said. “And while I hate the idea, I respect the fact that it would be fair and unbiased.”
According a Fox News survey conducted in October 2001, 76 percent of Americans said if it became clear that more soldiers were needed in the war on terrorism, they would approve of reinstating the draft. A mere 41 percent gave this response when asked in April 2004.
Benjamin Fink, a junior psychology major who shares the sentiments of the majority of Americans, said, “If it does pass through the gridlock of Congress, I’m leaving the country and going to New Zealand. I would only go if it was to defend my country against an invasion.”
While the subject of the draft has spurred fear among college students, Blyth Barnow, a junior social sciences/creative studies major said, “The youth of today won’t stand for it and it could revolutionize the problem of apathy among our young voters.”
Alyce Burton, a spokesperson for the National Selective Service office released a statement in November 2003 that said, “The administration thinks the war is becoming more unpopular and costly than anticipated. There may come a day they won’t be able to conduct their policies with an all-voluntary Army.”
In his closing arguments during the first Presidential debate, Bush reaffirmed his plans to defeat terrorism with “an all-volunteer army.” Neither Bush nor Kerry has proposed plans to reinstate the draft, reflecting public opinion polls that have demonstrated the consensus of Americans are against forcing young people to serve in the military.
A decision to act against the public’s views on this issue would be “committing political suicide,” Dr. Himelfarb of the University’s political science department, said. The decision to reinstate the draft would not only require the President’s approval, but also members of Congress who face re-election every two years.
With both sides avoiding the option of a draft, why has this issue come under such scrutiny in recent weeks? The men who have proposed this law, are employing a tactic of “political scare mongering to prey on the politically less informed,” Himelfarb said. “They are using the draft as a device to lead students and other young people who comprise a large portion of the swing voters, to support the candidate with the weaker stance on National Security.”
While many Americans despise the possibility of a mandatory universal draft, others believe this decision could enhance the government and society.
“If a universal draft was instated, Hofstra would end up having older students with more life experience,” Dr. Dudek of the political science department, said. “Students would value their education more because they would have to wait longer to begin it.”
On a broader scope, Dr. Perotti of the political science department said, “having a universal draft means that any war the U.S. enters will have to have a high degree of public support.”