Kent State, May 4 1970: Why We Will Not See a Draft
Published May 04, 2005
The biggest difference now between the aggressive student anti-war activism of 35 years ago that led to confrontations between student protesters and the "establishment," including the tragic shooting of four students — Jeffrey Miller, Allison Krause, William Schroeder, and Sandra Scheuer — by the National Guard at Kent State? The draft.
Not only was the Vietnam War unpopular for reasons of philosophy, practicality, and sociology, but especially due to compulsion: "Why are we in a country halfway across the world that has no direct bearing on our own security, defending a people that doesn't want to be defended and doesn't appreciate our presence [sound familiar so far?], and FORCING us to fight and die for a cause we neither understand nor believe in?" The final clause explains the quantum difference between the attitude of today's college students toward the war in Iraq and the mass anti-war movement against Vietnam of 30-40 years ago: with an all-volunteer military, no one has to fight who doesn't want to.
This is why, barring world war or invasion of American soil, we will not see a draft again: Americans do not want the kind of intergenerational conflict that the compulsion of the draft and an unpopular war engender.
The Plain Dealer's Brian Albrecht took a stroll around campus to survey the current mood at Kent - some of his findings:
...Recently sunning on a blanket not far from where Jeffrey Miller was shot in the face, KSU freshmen Wendy Smith and Kim Moody, both 19 and from Brunswick, had mixed feelings about the war. The United States should be defending itself against terrorists, they said. They're not happy about how that effort is progressing in Iraq, but not enough to join a protest rally.
..."The difference between campus war concern, then and now, is "pretty much night and day," according to Thomas Hensley, professor-emeritus of political science who was teaching at KSU 35 years ago ... "That isn't to say there aren't students who have serious questions and concerns about the war," he added. "But I haven't seen anywhere near the intensity of activity, the same sense of urgency and personal involvement."
- Kent State, May 4 1970: Why We Will Not See a Draft
- Published: May 04, 2005
- Type:
- Section: Politics
- Filed Under: Politics: U.S.
- Writer: Eric Olsen
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Comments on this articleComments
Good article, Eric.
thanks Ski
RJ, I agree: why restrict yourself on art based on politics. Not sure how anyone can be in favor of college students beign shot at a protest, however
I enjoy most of Neil Young's early work, I guess playing in a bar band will do that to you, even if "Ohio" is close on the "Songs I Never Have to Hear Again" list. Still, it does have a great guitar line.
I do too Ski, although I agree "Ohio" is almost one you can't hear as a song anymore due to the repetition
Eric - I'll have to agree that a lot of folks have attributed the lack of widespread 60's/70's style protests against the Iraq war directly to the draft issue. But it's still fascinating to see what motivates folks to take action.
It seems that more & more trivial issues are riling up folks more & more.
How does a runaway bride become the top story on CNN?
Thrasher
ps - thanks for the link. I linked back to your story, as well.
Goog/interesting post and points, Eric.
One thing that could break the balance on the volunteer army is if another war broke out that required significant U.S. military commitment. Richard Myers said this week that at current levels, the U.S. is pretty much maxed out.
Please, don't start another what if... blog on the draft. The government can and will do any and everything necessary to protect itself. Including as it was so aptley stated... Human Resource Management on a National Scale. Which is what mobilization is... or if you prefer "The Draft"... My step brother went through the last one, and would have gone in June, but the draft ended ended in May 1973(?) I can't remember I was too young.
It was very real. My brother in law, who served honorably in Viet Nam, after being drafted... is now suffering from the after effects of Agent Orange, he's ate up with cancer.
A draft, when required is probably necessary... but make it equal, all the way around. The Viet Nam draft era had too many loop holes, and it sorely affected the middle, lower middle and lower economic strata....
We're talking about the '60's here. Many families didn't automatically send their children off to college... they couldn't afford it. College deferments were the exception not the rule.
Drafts aren't fair... they should be, or don't do them. The military is a better place today then it has ever been, thanks to the All Volunteer force. There was a time when the term military trash, had meaning... judges routinely offered military service instead of jail time to many criminals, and the military took them in, many successes, many failures. But I'm sure the system made it work.
I'm not sure a draft is in order... If Korea were to raise its ugly head, and if China wouldn't put the lid on Kim, then there might be cause.
But it's late and I'm ramblin'
There are no atheists in foxholes.... so at least you could look forward to a religious experience in the event of a national mobilization (aka draft).
Good night.
On 60 Minutes this evening, they talked about how Americans who were retired from service, but who still held their commissions, were being called back into service. Some were against going back while others went along with it, including this 55 year-old woman, who was a Warrant Officer and is less than 5 ft tall.
There's the woman with a 7 month-old child and a 21 month-old, who is heading to Iraq, much to her surprise.
People are calling this a back-door draft.
I guess if the military really needs more people, why don't they institue a proper draft? The current military is supposed to be avoluntary one, but tell that to these veterans who are being called back into service, much to their surprise.
Did 60 minutes mention that the retirees don't have to return to service - it's entirely voluntary if they're asked.
>>I guess if the military really needs more people, why don't they institue a proper draft? <<
Because they need trained specialists, not raw recruits who will just get in the way.
Most of this 'back door' recruiting is for things like Seabees and other highly specialized personnel who can help with infrastructure restoration and providing important support services.
Dave
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I love Neil Young's O-HI-O.
Just goes to show that a guy can dig music from a perspective that differs from his own...