Quote Originally Posted by Redleg
There is no draft in the United States at this time. There is a Selective Service Registration requirement when one turns 18. Politicans are discussing a draft possiblity but it is seemly just a politic discussion issue at this time.

If the draft is the defining base for thinking the United States is a civilized country - you may continue thinking that way - since once again there is no draft currently in this nation.

But you can always come visit Eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and a few other places and we can probably convince you that we are still not civilized. That or just watch Jerry Springer.
Whoa, Red .. could not agree with you more.

On the DRAFT, back in the day it began that:
1. any college student was exempt; then it was they had to maintain a "C" in all subjects .... then it was a "C" average (when some of the dumber rich, influencial kids f'ed up and got D's, but maintained a C average). This btw did not apply to MiddleClass or lower class kids - seems some are better than others.
2. anyone married was exempt; then it was if they had a child, then two, then three - knew a guy with 5 that got drafted. So marraige ain't a safe bet.
3. anyone with a physical disability. Like hemroids ... ask Chenny. Of course I had bleeding radical mf's that never bothered the Docs .. so I guess it maybe who ya know (or blow...as in Chenney's case). Also. at my induction center there were two fellows - one blind and one deft that they were going to put on the plane with us to Ft. Cambell ... to let the Army sort them out, but one of the Docs stood up and said "they don't got to go". It comes down to, if you know a Doctor that will sign off on one of the lines - no sweat - again, ask Chenny (or any Republican - Democrat, that didn't serve but was of age for the VN draft).
4. Saying you are GAY ain't enough ... especially since half the Army docs are - they may ask you to prove it. But, what the Hey, one blow job don't make you gay .... does it? Still, they would wonder why - especially the Navy, since a 1/3 of them are. The Marines are second btw. Army is way down the list, but they gots 'em. Thing is, they ain't there for the sex - those I knew were either losers or balls to the wall soldiers. Everyone knew who the gays were when I was in the Army, and the saying "Just say no" had entirely different meaning. As did "Don't ask".
5. Family is financially dependent upon you. Only works if you (or Mommy And Daddy) are rich. Worked for Hamilton - you know the really tan (old, today) guy that was dating (euffamism ..sp.. for screwing) one of LBJ's daughters. If it is a fact that your family is in dire need of you paycheck? Uncle Sam believes they will pay you better - after all they will feed you lobster in Iraq.
6. Consciencious objector - be willing to go to jail (prison) for 6-18 months .... then you will be able to reffer to items 3 and 4 ... after you are released. Also, think Mohammad Ali. Only knew one guy that was willing to stand up for his principles over the governements - he spent 18 months at Folsom.
7. Commit a crime. Welllllllll, tried that in 1966 (unintentionally) .... they give you a choice - long jail sentance, or the armed service of your choice. Unless the Judge is a former Marine - in which case ... can you say Semper Fidelis? Actually, my case was by accident .... I wasn't even there (way, way long story) when I got cited for inciting a riot, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, selling booze to minors (I was a minor btw - 19), fleeing the scene, avoiding arrest (one would think resisting is the same thing - but, guess again), creating a disturbance (like a riot ain't that already?), and (my fave) possession of alcohol by a minor. So, make sure your crime is a major felony or you have a name like Mohammad Ali.
8. Have a job classified as detrimental to national need, or today "security". That is, be a Professor - only met 5 of them while in the army [one was dragged off stage in an open auditorium before 500 students .... "a History of Vietnam" - so, be careful of what you teach]. Or, farmer - only met a dozen or so of them - again be sure you're a rich one. Or, name it - register "independant" and you got a shot. Other wise, the oppossing party may put you on their "enemy" list. Try to remember that during the Nixon years there were over 350,000 Americans on the Republicans (only 15,000 were on Nixon's private one).
9. Defile yourself. Blow off a toe or a finger. Of course you still might be charged with "avoiding the draft", but it reduces your chances of dying by an IED by 1Million times.
10. Insanity. Doesn't work. Even if you are insane the military pschys are use to it. After all, if they can ignore and shame guys with PTS, what chance does a loony have?

Canada? Sure, why not. After all, sooner or later another forgiving, understanding and diplomatic Prez like Carter is bound to come along and forgive your sins - the sin of non-compliance.