It appears that the Senate and House of Representatives are quietly trying to resurrect the draft to meet the growing needs of the Pentagon for additional troops. For those interested in verifying this information just search the web for U.S. Senate Bill S89 and House Bill HR 163.

These acts will conscript both men and women between the ages of 18 and 26. Deferments will not be given for college enrollment. As unpopular as the war has become, it will not surprise me if Congress and the current administration do all they can to keep this under the radar and allow it to take effect with no public debate or scrutiny.

It is my hope that those of us who are opposed to the war and the president’s ideology of democracy at the point of a bayonet will force this pending legislation out into the light and prevent it from becoming law.

We must let our Representatives and Senators know that we oppose these bills and expect them to vote NO. We may not succeed but we must not be silent.

Senator Grassley can be contacted at grassley.senate.gov/webform.htm or faxed at (202)224-6020.

Senator Harkin can be contacted at harkin.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm or faxed at (202)224-9369.

Scott Elston

Vietnam Veteran

Alumnus

Ames