It is said we go about the world waging war to promote peace, and yet the price paid is rarely weighed against the failed efforts to make the world a better place. Justifying conscription to promote the cause of liberty is one of the most bizarre notions ever conceived by man! Forced servitude, with the risk of death and serious injury as a price to live free, makes no sense. What right does anyone have to sacrifice the lives of others for some cause of questionable value? Even if well motivated it can't justify using force on uninterested persons. It's said that the 18 year old owes it to his country. Hogwash! It just as easily could be argued that a 50 year-old chickenhawk, who promotes war and places the danger on innocent young people, owes a heck of a lot more to the country than the 18 year-old being denied his liberty for a cause that has no justification.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Conscription for liberty is absurd; forcing young people into war for questionable causes is unjust, especially when older individuals benefit from the same conflict.
- In plain terms
- Drafting youths for war is immoral and hypocritical.
- What can you take from it?
- Question the moral basis of compulsory military service.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is conscription ever justified?
- How to protect young citizens from unjust wars?
Another view
Some argue a draft is necessary for national defense.
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