The Draft

I remember registering for the draft during the Vietnam War. I registered as a CO (Conscientious Objector) but didn't have anyone to tell me how to prove my status as a CO. The local Selective Service System Board didn't offer me any advice on how to file a CO claim (surprised?). No, instead they were kind enough to issue me a draft card with my classification of 1-A and my "Random Sequence Number" 077. Can you say cannon fodder? I know you can! For those of you too young to know what the heck I am talking about check out the Selective Service System web site...

Selective Service System - The Vietnam Lotteries

Thank God Nixon was brining our brave men & women home so I never had to go through the process of proving my claim. I still have my draft card, I keep it as a reminder of the insanity of that day.

Now you might ask how I came to the conclusion that I was a Conscientious Objector. As a young long hair hippie Jesus freak I couldn't reconcile the mandate to spread the Gospel and killing. How could I point a weapon at someone I was commanded to share the good news of God's love with and then send him on his way to eternity with a few rounds of 5.56mm fired from my government issued Colt M-16 rifle? "Hi, I am a Christian and God loves you so much that he has a plan for your life. Have you heard of the 4 spiritual laws? Oh, by the way I am here to kill you." BANG!

This didn't mean that I wouldn't have served my country. There is an Alternative Service Program that allows COs to work in noncombat - nonmilitary jobs and I was more than willing to serve in that program.

If you need help registering as a Conscientious Objector please check out these web sites before they start up the draft...

Selective Service System - Conscientious Objection

The Center on Conscience and War

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)

Fourth Anniversary Of The War

On Saturday my granddaughter and I went to a local peace rally, not the first and sad to say most likely not my last. We ran into a church group handing out cold soft drinks and helped them until they ran out of sodas.

There was a lot of excitement about the large turnout, but I couldn't help but think how sad that here we are protesting the war - again! Well it's been four years of the same old stuff that I remember being served up on the 6 o'clock news forty years ago.

War always sounds good at the outset when we are told of the good and noble cause that rallies the troops to serve... then the realities set in, the photos of the destruction hit our doorstep in the morning paper and the flag draped boxes start coming home.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 
(1Timothy 2:1-2)

Peace, Love, and Light through Jesus the Christ!
Kevin (Cloud)