If Draft Comes Back, Start With the Senators

Re “Prospect of a New Military Draft Drawing More Attention, Concern,” July 14: I am old enough to have been subject to the draft during the Vietnam era. Because of a high draft number, I was never conscripted. I said then and I reiterate now: It should be an automatic requirement (instead of an exemption) that a random one-third of all representatives and senators be immediately inducted and sent to the war zone upon passing a congressional vote of war powers or a declaration of war.

Now that would be “universal” service. Yet I assure you that we would have far fewer authorized military engagements.

David R. Ginsburg

Santa Monica

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It is horrifying to hear that the possibility of a draft is being considered. George W. Bush calls himself a war president with a mandate from God.

Well, his daughters should be the first to be called up, followed by every eligible son and daughter of representatives and senators.

Believe me, the administration would think four times before starting preemptive invasions and wars.

Ann Johnston

Thousand Oaks

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We need to bring back a fair and unbiased draft that will bring Americans from all walks of life and income levels into our fight against terrorism.

Bush and the rest of the neoconservatives want to confine the effect of the war to our professional military and keep it away from the general population. A fair and unbiased draft would bring the war into everyone’s home and make it very clear to all Americans just how misguided Bush’s invasion and occupation of Iraq have been.

Raymond Tam

Temple City