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WAR: Should I stay or should I go? |
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Written by Rebecca LaPole
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Thursday, 22 March 2007 |
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As the Iraq War — “Operation Iraqi Freedom” — drudges on, now in its fourth year, the question arises: What will the next war be like?
What if there was a draft? How can people on the homefront support the troops but still disagree with the war?
These are the questions people like Cheryl Distaso are tackling.
She is one of the adults working with the Youth and Militarism group at the Center for Justice, Peace and the Environment in Fort Collins. The workshop is designed to help people fill out a conscientious objector profile.
“Conscientious objector status means you are opposed to state-supported combat for religious or moral reasons,” Distaso, a Fort Collins resident, explained. “In case the draft comes back, (the government) looks for a history, so the file is just something you can take to the draft board. It’s a good thing to have now in case it comes back five years from now, you have that history.”
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Sgt. Stephen J. Plummer
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Some conscientious objectors can be stationed overseas, minutes from combat, but they are not required to fight. Others refuse to be involved at all for ethical reasons.
One Marine, Sgt. Stephen J. Plummer, originally from Arvada, understands the reason the military allows for conscientious objectors.
“Even though military personnel have to obey orders, it is nice to know that we don’t have to do anything that goes against our beliefs,” said Plummer, who recently finished a tour in Iraq.
As a citizen, Plummer respects the rights of others to oppose the war, but as a Marine, he wants those who disagree to be mindful of the sacrifices made by the servicemen and women serving on active duty.
“I know it is possible to support the troops and disagree with the war. I personally know a lot of people who completely disagree with the war but will still buy a beer for a serviceman at a bar,” Plummer said.
“I am very glad that the majority of people still support our troops, because without the support of Americans, this war would turn out to be another Vietnam, where troops would come home and be spit on.”
Vietnam was the last conflict where there was a draft in the United States. Congress eliminated the draft in 1973.
The conscientious objector workshop is aimed mostly at the younger generation, Distaso said.
“The Selected Service registry requires all men ages 18-26 to register with them, and that’s where they will pull from if the draft comes back. We’re not sure about women, but it’s good for all young people to get involved,” she said.
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FILL OUT A PROFILE
5-7 p.m. Sunday, March 25
Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins
Live music by The Young and the Naive, and Otem Relik
Free food
For more info on the Center for Justice Peace and the Environment go online to: www.cjpe.org | Only registered users can write comments.
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