"There's No Such Thing As A Good War Or A Bad Peace"

       Ben Franklin came up with this little thought. As teaching moments go, it's a pretty good one. Some wars may be necessary, most are wars of choice, but none are good. Often peace is hard work, but sometimes peace works out. The thing is, peace is always worth while. And have you noticed that most often war is called by those who don't actually have to go there?
       Wouldn't it be nice if only those who have previously fought in war can vote on going to war. Or how about requiring anyone who votes for war must actually fight in that war. And I don't care how old they might be. And I don't mean behind the lines either. I'll never understand how some old guys can get themselves elected to Congress and then go around trying to pick a fight with anyone they can, as long as they think we can beat that enemy.
       Have you noticed that individual members of Congress can vote for us to go to war? They vote, so that somebody else can get killed. I suppose the only realistic way to stop these yahoos is to return to conscription. Because these yahoos risk nothing personally. Their kids or grandkids don't have to fight these wars. But if their kids might get drafted to fight the wars they start, they might not be quite so anxious to fight a war that can be worked out peacefully.
       Now, what about wars we cannot avoid? Well then the draft would already have been initiated and citizen fighters would already be registered. Then it's just a matter of calling them up and training them. And as long as influential draftees cannot be exempted, we'll be insured Congress will provide the support that's needed, without delay. But also, remember that wars that cannot be avoided are unavoidable because someone missed the chance to work out a solution first.