Is Stop-Loss Fair?

Is Stop-loss Fair?

All’s fair in love, also in war, so once the bard did say,
Well, maybe not in love, but then, we speak of war today.
The soldier who, in empire’s name, does trouble Arab land,
Once signed upon the line, I think, and he must understand

A promise is a promise, and in the finest print
It says there is no limit on where they may be sent
And if our ranks do wane and thin, well, son, those are the breaks
The empire’s needs always come first, no matter what it takes

We dare not ask the well-to-do to offer up their sons,
Or take their chances in a draft, it simply isn’t done
This fight is for survival, the decider does decree
But ask for sacrifice by all, why no sir, no siree!

Karl Rove the wise (who did not serve) is only too aware
That drafting rich kids is taboo, revolt would fill the air
Thus fairness is a luxury we simply can’t afford
You’re volunteers, your plane awaits, turn round, get back on board.

Shelton F. Lankford
Salisbury, MD

NB. This also works as a song, set to the Marine Corps Hymn.