Any draft usurps personal autonomy

Dear Editor:
I originally wrote my anti-draft opinion focusing on economic theory, but with Claude Walters’ response on Oct. 26, in The Daily Times, I will direct my argument in terms of personal autonomy.

Upon reading Mr. Walters’ opinion, I promptly thought of Milton Friedman’s quote: Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. Mr. Walters, like many others, lacks a belief in freedom, prompting him to favor static directed uses for labor over personal preferences in supplying labor; that is, he believes our “common goal(s),” such as fighting wars, trumps any preference of the individual.

So, suppose we have a shortage of labor anywhere in the economy, such as, say, in nursing, does that “common goal” authorize the government to compel inspiring teachers, artists, professors, factory workers and others to become nurses? I would hope not. Some people are more driven and more talented to be nurses than others, just as some people make better soldiers than others. Government assigning vocation is a tactic from Nazi fascism and Russian communism, not a policy of free nations.

Why should I be compelled to fight in a war when my talent might be fighting disease as a physician? My contribution to society would be much greater if I’m allowed to do what I do best. Mr. Walters does not consider these opportunity costs in his policy suggestions.

Mr. Walters sprinkles terms and phrases such as “common service,” “sense of sharing,” and “cohesion among all” in his written opinion, but not everyone shares his vision for our society. His policy desires are based on his personal vision, which he wishes to force on everyone else. And if war is a “common goal,” why are so few willing to fight in some wars? I would suggest one of the reasons, again, is that not everyone has the same vision as Mr. Walters.

If few people are willing to fight in a particular war, such as Vietnam or the Iraqi War, among others, I would suggest listening to the people and ending the war effort rather than forcing thousands of people, perhaps more, to fight and possibly die in a war they do not support. If indeed a particular war is a “common goal,” the nation will not be lacking volunteers. After all, we won our independence from the mightiest nation on Earth with an inspired, all-volunteer army.

Might I end in suggesting Mr. walters emigrates to a society that shares his vision of force and assignment of labor: Cuba. Be careful though. I hear it can be easier to visit than to exit -- leaving might not contribute to its “common goal.”

Tom Armstrong,
3433 Clover Hill Ridge Road
Maryville, TN 37801