Much like Vietnam, our reasons for invading Iraq in the first place were uncertain to say the least, a fact which makes a draft all the more unappealing. In both Vietnam and Iraq we headed into the war with no clear resolution in mind. I can't say I'd be happy if there was a good reason to go to war either, but I certainly would not be willing to risk my life or even just run the risk of getting a scratch or a bruise over a stupid war like this one.
Then again, although politics alone may prevent a bill to activate the draft from getting too far (those senators certainly don't want their sons and daughters over in Iraq either, plus they surely wouldn't want to lose votes), there is little doubt that Bush will still push the bill, so people should be involved and aware of what's going on to make it even harder to pass. One easy way to potentially avoid all of this is to get Bush out of office. Apparently if younger people would vote, we'd have a good chance of that actually happening. So all the young people that can vote would be doing themselves quite a service by voting for Kerry and therefore not having to deal with the same burden their parents probably had to deal with during Vietnam.
Although, the draft being proposed now is slightly different than the one during the Vietnam era. During Vietnam lots of rich, white kids were able to avoid the draft, or defer until they finished college. So it ended up being mainly minorities fighting the war. The draft being proposed now would make it much more difficult to avoid by not allowing college deferments, making it harder to cross into Canada, and the measure that would effect me the most - it would include women.
Hopefully writing an entry on my website will be the biggest impact a possible draft will have on my life. Because I obviously have more important things to think about regarding my future, like college (eek!) and what I'm going to study (I have no idea). So there you have it, my thoughts for the evening.
"And these democratic seeds, planted in rich soil, were to bring forth a lush harvest in later years" (The American Pageant 11th edition, pg. 100).
Oh and here's one more:
"Worse, Louisbourg was still a cocked pistol pointed at the heart of the American continent" (pg. 110).
Anyhow, I can't deny that these metaphors accurately and nicely describe the situations and events of the times. However, whenever I read them, I can't help picturing some really bored historian waiting for the right chance to be creative with his/her writing.
Secondly, I couldn't help noticing (and it's hard not to notice, so this is a pretty obvious observation) the little words and phrases the writers would throw in to shape your opinion about certain events and people. For example:
"Jeffersonian Republicans, unlike the Federalist 'British boot-lickers,' were basically pro-French" (pg. 208).
It seems rather unnesseccary to toss in the "British boot-lickers" phrase because it does lend a little bias to the other side. However, I do see why it may be appropriate because it creates some atmosphere for the other party's feelings towards the Federalists. Okay, well there you have it, my thoughts for the night.
All was well upon arriving to New Haven, except due to a parking situation, we missed our train and had to take one an hour later. We finally did arrive in NYC however, and Kate and I were pleasantly surprised to see that it was Fashion Week! That didn't have much impact on our visit though, it was just neat. Then we went to the wax museum and then to dinner. Then, what we were all there for, the VYO concert at Carnegie Hall. There were loads of Montpelier people there, and plenty of Phish fans (who occasionally felt it necessary to hoot and hollar when Trey was out there, and were also dressed in their t shirts and baseball hats which was pretty funny/odd, but very Vermonterish).
The orchestra was very impressive! We met up with Abra and Julie to congratulate them after the show. Then a bunch of us went out to get dessert at this place that was covered with pictures of celebrities that had been there, so that was neat. We had to quickly say goodbye to Abra and then rush to get taxis so we could catch the 12:22 train to New Haven. We got back to the cottage a little before 3:00 AM. Which translates to us staying awake for 21 hours (since I got up at 6:00 AM the morning before). We then slept for a bit and had breakfast and drove back home! It was a wonderful trip, but I'm glad to be home. Now it's nearing time for me to head to bed, I'm sleepy!
Tomorrow, mother is abandoning Dad and me for Greece. Can you believe it? Right after she breaks the news to me that I can't go to New York to see Abra play (with the Vermont Youth Orchestra) at Carnegie Hall! Note: I'm just giving you a hard time Mum, don't feel bad. I don't want to go to Greece or New York anyways, I'd rather stay home and do my homework.
Lastly, I think I ought to add a new section to my website. Electric Kate perhaps? I've gotten numerous requests from her parents for posts about what she's been up to, since she doesn't report back to them as faithfully as she could (have I embarrassed you enough yet Kate?). Although, I needn't do much reporting on her this weekend, seeing as we spent a good portion of the weekend at her house. We made very good use of that time on Saturday night watching Casablanca, starring my new love Humphrey Bogart. Here's lookin' at you kid.