The Tribune Editorial Board falls headfirst into a Donald Trump trap (“Really? The return of military conscription is an ‘option to keep on the table’?” March 11). Never taking an option off the table is what makes Trump so effective, particularly when dealing with other countries. I have a better chance of winning the Powerball jackpot than the military draft returning. The editorial board also takes the step of seeing this as a prime opportunity to pounce on Trump and wound him politically.
The editorial heaps on the fear and rolls back the clock to Vietnam War hysteria. How about exploring the positive aspects of service to country and to others? What would be wrong about having a one-year service requirement of people upon turning 18 and graduating from high school? These adults could join the military or the Peace Corps, coach youth sports, volunteer at a hospital, etc. They could receive educational assistance in return for the service.
Providing service to others seems like a good cure for what ails us today — a true lack of altruism and looking out for each other regardless of race, gender or religion, etc. But instead of exploring the possibility and benefits of service to our fellow citizens, the editorial board goes straight to spreading panic like a contagion. Classic!
— David Clark, Libertyville
Question of conscription
The question of conscription is a topic for many households, especially ones where teenage boys reside. The conversation is about whether or not the Iran war is worthy of an expanded army and the cost of a prolonged fight, much as we elders experienced during the Vietnam War.
Then there is the question of the current leadership’s reasoning for beginning this conflict. Many people, of course, fully back the needs of our commander in chief and have backed him consistently. May I then, respectfully, suggest that those people not wait for conscription and sign up for duty quickly? They should then be joined by the Young Republicans who reportedly have been spouting Nazi mottos and ideas. They seem to have the perfect ideology for this conflict. We will eagerly await that news
Of course, those families with young women should not concern themselves, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth doesn’t like women in combat roles. Since the administration has already poured huge amounts of money into Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and training, may I humbly suggest that we send those agents into true conflict where they will shine? Aggressive soldiers are an asset to be admired.
In the meantime, we could do our part on the homefront and not use so much of oil-derived products. Of course, previous administrations had already urged citizens to do that, but it is never too late to latch on to progressive programs.
Then, the last issue, the reason so many Iranian women were marching: equality and freedom to choose their own way through life. Of course, bombing them into oblivion is not what they were planning. But then, long-term planning is not our commander in chief’s strength.
— Joanne Hoffman, Highland Park
Living through draft time
The editorial on the draft brought back many unpleasant memories. When the first Vietnam War draft lottery was held on Dec. 1, 1969, my birthday (July 12) was pulled as No. 15! But no worries for me, because my job at the time gave me a deferment.
Within a year, I left that job and started law school. I received “greetings” letters, but my Des Plaines draft board allowed me to remain in school so I could “finish the semester.” Finally, the board told me not to enroll. But Curtis Tarr, the Selective Service System director, canceled induction orders for 125,000 men as the war started winding down. My relief was palpable. A huge weight lifted.
I no longer had to worry about fighting an unjust war. I pray no one today, son, parent or grandparent, has to worry about a reinstated draft.
— Jeffrey S. Herden, Glenview
Wartime in United States
Look around. Does it appear to you — as kids go to school and folks go shopping, patronize sports bars, attend athletic events, celebrate special occasions, plan spring break, go to religious gatherings and reunions, hang at the mall, etc. — that the United States is on a war footing? Is there a military draft? Is buying government war bonds being encouraged? Are there shortages of material goods for the American consumer? Are critical domestic products being rationed? Has American civilian industrial might been transferred over to war production to support the military members in harm’s way?
Surely, there are those in America just trying to survive everyday life. For them, “war” has its own meaning. But for all the rest? Doesn’t look to me that America is “at war.”
So, as the late, great Marvin Gaye once sang, “What’s going on?”
— Leonard Costopoulos, Dallas, Georgia
Editorial board detached
The editorial ‘The human cost of the war in Iran” (March 10) published on Day 11 of President Donald Trump’s illegal, immoral war was astonishing in its detachment from the reality of Trump’s criminality blowing up parts of the Middle East and possibly the world economy while killing many Iranians.
The editorial laments the suffering of the Iranians being blasted by the U.S.-Israeli bombardment without a hint of its criminality as a war of aggression, the most heinous of international crimes.
Regarding the school bombing that killed dozens of kids and their teachers, the Tribune Editorial Board quotes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, an architect of this war, that “the United States would not deliberately target a school.” Rubio was a tad less deceitful than Trump, who claimed Iran bombed its own school because its missiles are wildly inaccurate.
The editorial board disgraces itself by presenting Rubio and Trump’s deflection of their clear responsibility.
The editorial offers not a hint of the devastation being visited upon U.S. military bases in the Gulf states and Israel. Not a hint of the fact that the U.S., Israel and the Gulf states are running out of defensive interceptors to stop Iran’s supply of missiles and drones. Trump underestimated Iran’s missile stockpile.
Instead of calling for an end to this monstrous war, the editorial board simply sighs: “We have to remember that our country is at war.” That’s a coy way of lending support to a criminal war that cannot be won because there is no measure of victory short of obliterating Iran.
Stating that “war is often debated in terms of strategy, deterrence and geopolitics” is a meaningless word salad when there is urgency to call out Trump’s war.
The editorial board has offered tone-deaf takes on the Iran war detached from its grotesque, senseless reality.
— Walt Zlotow West Suburban Peace Coalition, Glen Ellyn
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