[Sunroof]

Back in the Nam era, if you decided to skip a semester of college as I did your status changed from a 2S (student) to 1A (your screwed!). So, to take a semester off of college cost me an induction notice and congradulations, your Uncle Sams property! Being against the war like so many, Canada back then was just a "rumor" and the only way yo really save yourself was to go into one of the "softer" services (USCG, Navy, Air Force or Merchant Marine Service). The lines at the USCG recruiting offices were as long as waiting to buy Beatles concert tickets! I spent four years in the Air Force and wound up in Nam anyways (68-69/Tet Offensive era) and am grateful to this day with my earlier enlistment decision. It damned well might have saved my life. The draft had a major impact on so many who although opposed the service were forced into it and wound up as the "grunts" on the front lines. I know, because I transported them around, loaded their bodies and cried at the dedication of the Vietnam Memorial for the 58,000 who never made it home with me.

Having served in Nam, finished my college education and soon to enter my 60's as one of the great boomer generation, I would only back a draft if this country's very survival was at stake. After all how many Sampan's did we stop from invading the coast of California?! Vietnam afterall was never set free. The draft may take the so many off the streets, but for what? As for maturation through the service? I share a great comradary with fellow veterans whom I honor, and I agree it instilled self descipline, but I think a year or two on a remote New Mexico commune back then enjoying peyote buttons, growing my own food and making love to all the senioritas would have sufficed.

Bob