Should the draft be reinstated? Since ending the draft in 1973, the U.S. has had an all-volunteer military. Now, a bill in Congress proposes bringing back the draft.

• Author: Rnagel, Charles
• Position: Debate

YES Nobody should ever have to face the cruelties of war. But if Americans must fight, the draft is necessary to ensure that the burdens of war are fairly shared.

The majority of those serving in the volunteer armed forces are from minority groups or economically disadvantaged rural families. Military service is a patriotic duty, but most of those who enlist do so not out of any greater love for war than affluent kids, but because they have fewer opportunities for achievement in civilian life.

It is unfair that the burden of defending our country falls to those who share less of its bounty. The responsibility of patriotism should be shared by every segment of society, including those fortunate enough to attend college or to look forward to lucrative careers.

Under my proposal, all young men and women would be eligible for the draft. There would be no deferments beyond completion of high school, except for reasons of health or conscience. Those who are not needed in the military would be obliged to make a contribution in national service--in hospitals or schools, for example.

The argument that volunteers make better soldiers is not one that I've heard from veterans of combat. It is also insulting to the millions of draftees who rescued the world from despotism in World War II.

As a combat veteran of the Korean War, I know that the most important decisions I make as a Congressman are about war. The draft is a great equalizer of society, and it would add gravity to all future decisions about putting our young people in harm's way.

Congressman Charles Rangel

Democrat of New York

NO With the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, some members of Congress think it is time to bring back the draft. This proposal ignores the success of the all-volunteer military and the nature of...