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November Editorial 2001 |
Draft: Equal Opportunity?
In the event of a full-scale war between our country and the Taliban, should we institute a draft? And if a draft were instituted, would the women of our country be conscripted as well? The United States claims to represent equality and freedom for everyone, no matter their race or gender. But in the face of war will women's equality be upheld?
In the past women have not been allowed to serve on the front line with men, and have never been drafted. Any women who volunteered in the past were relegated to either nursing, or performing work behind the front line. Presently in Afghanistan, women who have volunteered are given as equal an opportunity to fight alongside men. But if the draft was instituted, and women were not conscripted, would they try to fight for their civil liberties? Women across the nation have the right to voice their opinions, and will be heard.
In present day America women are afforded equal opportunities in nearly everything, except for when it comes to war. People in the past have fought for women's equality, and now as the possible draft is faced, the question arises; is this another hurdle we have to jump over? People should set aside their predispositions on women's ability to fight and should truly give women equality.
In the case of a war to uphold our way of life, shouldn't we allow the women of our country an equal opportunity to be drafted to fight? They have just as much a right, if not a duty, to defend this country equally as men do.
Now, military tactics focus more on strategic planning, and military intelligence is needed more than physical strength. Therefore, there is no reason why women should not be given an equal opportunity to be drafted to defend our country.