The congressional bill that aims to require all U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 18-26 to complete at least two years of military service is unnecessary and un-American.
U.S. Rep Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., and U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-S.C., say by not discriminating along racial or economic lines, their proposal would shift the historic burden of national defense from minorities and those in a low socioeconomic class unto all Americans equally.
Rangel, who opposes war with Iraq, said lawmakers might be less eager to support military battle if their children could be affected.
While Rangel brings to light a valuable debate over the historic makeup of the military, his bill is not the proper solution.
"All who benefit from our society must share the burden of defending it," Rangel said in a written statement.
Perhaps he's right - in an ideal society.
All Americans should feel a sense of duty to defend their country.
And, maybe all Americans should partake in military service at some point during their lives. But it is not the charge, or right, of the government to force that sense of duty upon its people.
This is the United States. This is a country founded on the principles of liberty, justice and freedom.
In this country, the Constitution reigns supreme and limits the hand of government.
This is a country of choice, where should doesn't equate must.
The Third Amendment states, "no soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."
This decree speaks volumes to the right of Americans to be free from their military, if they so choose.
Freedom is all about having choices. It's about having the equal option to make the "right" choice or the "wrong" one.
While choosing to serve one's country by signing up for duties with the armed forces might be considered by the majority to be the "right" choice, U.S. citizens and permanent residents have the freedom to make the "wrong" choice.
In addition to its unconstitutionality, Rangel and Fritz's bill doesn't have any potential to better America's defense corps.
Quantity doesn't always equate with quality, and forcing people into the military, wouldn't necessarily bestow a sense of duty or courage within them.
While it often seems scary to live in post-Sept. 11, pre-Iraq war America, infringing upon the basic liberties and rights of U.S. citizens and permanent residents is not the way to help feel safer.
We thank Rangel and Fritz for beginning what seems to be an important dialogue about the duties of American citizens, we don't find their proposal tolerable.
