Rather than refute Bradley Rosenberg’s argument in favor of the draft (The other America, Feb. 12) I would like to simply turn our attention to the leaders of our nation and their treatment of the draft. Surely, those of you who wave flags and have God Bless America stickers, would say that our President George W. Bush, has been a fearless leader since September 11 and someone to really look up to. Then I say let’s look to him and the other fearless leaders in the government and follow in their footsteps in regards to the draft! Ready?

George W. Bush avoided Vietnam, he didn’t serve, leapfrogged over thousands of others to join the Texas Air National Guard, although scoring the lowest possible score on the aptitude test. He was repeatedly grounded and went AWOL for six months. Interesting he’s said in a speech that’s he’s “been to war.” I didn’t know there was a war in Texas.

Vice President Dick Cheney avoided Vietnam, and in his own words “had other priorities than military service.” Attorney General John Ashcroft, avoided Vietnam and decided teaching business at a university was more important than the war. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, avoided Korea. Majority Whip Tom Delay avoided Vietnam, in his own words, “So many minority youths had volunteered … that there was literally no room for patriotic folks like himself.” Darn!

Now to just run down the list of whose who avoided the draft: Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, did not serve; Majority Leader Dick Armey, did not serve; Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, did not serve; Jeb Bush, Florida Governor did not serve; Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, did not serve; Karl Rove, did not serve.

And the list goes on. Apparently, they’re better at starting wars than fighting in them. Rosenberg said it himself, “a disproportionate number of minorities and the poor serve in the armed forces.” Bingo! So when it comes to the draft, shall I follow in the example set by my leaders? I’ll fight when children of the “elite” in this country fight with me.

– Jared McBride is a junior history major.