<Don't agree that the draft is a violation of individual rights.

Of course it is, by any definition possible, unless we are starting from the standpoint that the individual is the property of the state. We are doing just fine with a volunteer military, and only those who feel that a huge conscripted force would be Just Perfect for the great Plan they have in mind for the world think we need more. By the way, the leftists from my college days would have thrown rocks at you.

I understand your position, but I believe part of the dues of being in a civilized society is an obligation to protect that society.

And who collects the "dues?" A "society" is a collection of individuals. The idea that two people somehow have more "rights" than one person may be the foundation of many of our problems. Why stop with an "obligation" to protect the society? "Society" has LOTS of needs. How about an obligation to build roads? Paint walls? Plant forests? Work in a soup kitchen? Polish Senator Kennedy's shoes? Half my bloody income is going for my "obligations to society," but what the hell, take my life too. Maybe everybody should just be shanghaied for however long the state needs them. Oh, never mind. I forgot that a lot of liberals think that would be a great idea.

Besides I like the idea of a substantial portion of our military being men that don't want to be there.

Good God, why? Do you think an "unprofessional" military would be safer, or less likely to fall for some revolutionary crackpot's line?

Oh, and if I were in the military, I'd just love some bitching draftee who'd just as soon take to the hills covering my flank.