My Turn. Mandatory service

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My Turn by Charles M. Kelly

Should service be mandatory?

When the U.S. ended the military draft, I thought America would fight fewer wars. Boy, was I wrong.

This week’s paper shows many examples of Paramounters serving our town and our country—all volunteers. But maybe a draft is needed—and not just a military draft. Veterans are committing suicide at an alarming rate. Perhaps we ask too much of our all volunteer military. But I’m not convinced an exclusively military draft is good. There are other ways to serve—ways that allow the disabled to serve and remind us we all share the roller coaster ride that is America. What do you think?

Charles M. Kelly is the editor of the Paramount Journal. Please send your comments about this issue (or any other) to you to ckelly@localnewspapers. org. The word limit is 600 words. Anonymous messages will not be published. Please include contact information. The Paramount Journal reserves the right to edit all submissions.