Can we talk about wealth and the draft?

[July]

I have wealth (not enormous wealth, but comfort). I have teenage sons. I'm against the Iraq war and loathe every move the Bush administration has made so far. My sons' views of the war and the Bush administration are like mine. If my sons are asked to fight for Bush's war, I will be opposed to their participation. I will want to use every means at my disposal to help them avoid participation.

It seems a given here that whenever we discuss the draft, we conclude that the wealthy should send their children to war. Yet my family has been strongly opposed to this war (and war in general) since always, and I don't feel that my sons have a special obligation to fight for Bush because we have money. I appreciate the fact that American wars are generally disproportionately fought by poor and middle class young people (though I also keep in mind that there are many fewer rich young people than those in other wealth classes), and that people like George Bush took advantage of their privileges.

But, I have no special connections, just a bit more money than some people. I would happily spend it all to protect my sons, and they agree with their parents that the war is a mistake. I would also gladly help my not-well-off nephews (and nieces, if women are included in a draft) if money was a means to protecting them.

Please, I'm interested in your views, but not in flames. I know where I stand where my family is concerned. Please comment.

[bluestateguy]

1. Our beef is not with you

It may seem like it, but it's not. Our beef is with those who are hypocrites: those who bang the drums for war, then use their wealth and connections to avoid having to actually serve. If you and your sons oppose the war out of principle you are well within your rights to do whatever you can to help them evade being drafted. So if you want to use that money to fund an "extended vacation" for your sons in the Swiss Alps, you'll hear no complaints from me.

[July]

6. Thanks for your comment.

I am totally opposed to this war and pained by every death (American, Iraqi, and coalition). So I definitely don't fit into the chickenhawk category, nor do my sons. But we can do some things that many others cannot; still, I can't support sending them to a bogus war.

[Sandpiper]

2. A few large, well-placed campaign contributions

are probably your best bet for keeping your kids out of the draft. If you want the favor or attention of anyone in a position of governmental power, you need to talk with your check book.

Money talks.

And to echo the previous post, I have nothing against wealthy people per se and don't begrudge them their success. However, I think that when it comes to conscription, socio-economic status should have zero bearing on draft eligibility.

[zmannxx]

3. Do what you can to stay out of an unjust war.

Lets hope we can get Shrub out of office so you don't have to use your wealth to keep your sons out of war.

[sspiderjohn]

4. BEFORE the draft is instituted, officially join the Quakers . . .

or some other officially recognized pacifist religious organization. Do it quickly before it becomes an obvious ruse to avoid the draft.

[July]

7. I have talked to my older son about this.

He doesn't think it's necessary. (He's young, still.) I am sick with worry that he will be roped in before we can do anything about it.

[lastknowngood]

5. worst case have them immigrate to say New Zealand or some other

non war like country and change their citizenship. Don't let the assholes use your loved ones as fodder for there profit making wars.
The shrub believes he is the anti Christ, I believe they have reinterpreted it to be a positive and are actively trying to bring about Armageddon to promote the second coming. I really believe these people are a religious cult that are trying to bring about the stories in the bible, I can find no other logical reason for their actions.

[hang a left]

8. I am in your situation myself.

I will use any loop-hole that there is in order to spare both of my sons.

I oppose war for any reason other that to protect this homeland from foreign invaders, like the invaders that are in Iraq.

[July]

9. Good to know I'm not alone.

Although I think that all of us who don't want to send our kids to this stupid war are in the same place.

[July]

10. Thanks, all, I thought I was in a weird sub-group.

And maybe I am, but you seem to get where I'm coming from. I do really appreciate it.