If most of us are unwilling to sacrifice or bear the burden, it's selfish and irresponsible to ask others to do it for us. If national service 'builds character,' then it's something from which we all would benefit. If America is worth 'defending,' then all of us should be responsible, in one way or another, for its well-being.
Looking back forty years, facing a Selective Service Board of expressionless old men, I couldn't---in my wildest dreams---imagine myself thinking: 'P-l-e-a-s-e, bring back the draft!'
Granted, it's no panacea; and granted, it will fail miserably if it's used to promote imperial aims and secure corporate interests.
But just the possibility of a draft, just that brief glimpse of stark reality and shared sacrifice may bring us to our senses.
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