I was reading a column that was focused on why everyone should be grateful for our troops and their service. As a former sailor in our U.S. Navy, I have a bit of difficulty understanding why anyone would not be grateful.
The column focused on the fact that we in the United States have an all-volunteer military. It’s been many a year since we’ve had a draft, and because of the volunteers, we have a strong defense.
I linked to the article at the beginning of this post, and you will notice that the site is of a decidedly libertarian nature. One aspect of libertarianism is a non-interventionist stance when it comes to how we use our military to function in the world. In other words, no nation building. You know, no going into a foreign country to liberate them and then “take up residence”. After all, we are not supposed to follow in the footsteps of our former mother-country.
The article points out the argument that if we had fewer individuals volunteer, we would have a smaller military, and therefore less incentive for such interventionist undertakings. They show the folly of the argument by pointing out that, even though we no longer have a draft, we do have a Selective Service.
What’s the Selective Service? According to the Selective Service System website:
“Virtually all male U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live, and male immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, residing in the United States, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.”
Did you notice what was decidedly missing from the above? I’ll give you a hint: Who does NOT have to register?
Get it now?
We hear a lot about equality and anti-discrimination. And I’m all for it. In My Humble But Accurate Opinion, the more equality and anti-discrimination, the less hate and racism we’d have.
There has been a lot of debates over whether or not women should serve in combat roles.
I think that not only should women be able to serve in combat, but they should be required to sign up for the Selective Service as well.
C’mon! Is equality just lip service? Is it only of value when it serves our narrative? I’m waiting for the million-women march over changing the Selective Service System to force women to sign up as well.
I’m rather fond of the (I-know-it’s-terrible-but-what-the-hell) movie “Starship Troopers”. One thing you noticed: BOTH men and women were in the service. As the movie made it clear: “The only good bug, is a dead bug,” and both men and women wanted to do their part. Why shouldn’t that be any different now?
So, in the spirit of equality, let’s change the Selective Service System to make both men AND women have to sign up.
After all, we currently don’t have a draft . . .
© Emittravel 2017
