The cloud of dread that’s been hanging over me for several months finally lifted Oct. 4 when I read Nathan Carleton’s column: “Return of the Draft.” Oh, how worried I was that it might be true. Just think what it would mean if there remained, somewhere out there, a scrap of the piece of the fragment of a chance that one might be obligated to make a personal sacrifice for this war one supports? That such an injustice could pass unnoticed in our America, with an unparalleled history of freedom was a despicable lie that required a valiant warrior of words like Carleton to uncover. But don’t worry, you courageous brothers and sisters who are on the front lines right now in person, fighting the noblest of noble crusades in Iraq: I’m with you in spirit.
As for those of you who were worried that voting Republican might actually mean having to put your life where your opinions are, have no fear: you're absolved. And I solemnly promise, for the ones who do return from Iraq, that upon your homecoming we’ll dig down deep into the well of sacrifice and solidarity, skimming a little principal off the top of our trust funds to build the most awe-inspiring memorials you can imagine. Sure, you might prefer that missing leg and arm, or you’d gladly trade in that gilding on your statue to be free of needing the modern medical marvel that can gild skin grafts over 70 percent of your burned body.
But you’ve got to remember, by the time this whole mess gets twisted through time and politics, everyone will know I’m completely blameless. “I wanted to go,” you’ll hear, “It’s the politicians who wouldn’t draft me.”
Philip Sugg
Trinity ’07
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.