To the editor:

In response to the two recent letters written in opposition to a resumption of the military draft, I would like to ask the writers — whether they be of draft age or the parents of draft age children — who they think should bear the burden of defending our nation? Do they feel that the load should rest solely on the shoulders of our undermanned and overstretched volunteer military, composed largely of young men and women from the working class and minorities, or should the sacrifices by shared equally by all Americans, regardless of class or ethnicity?

If the writers are unwilling to die or see their children die for military adventures unwisely or unnecessarily entered into, as Vietnam was and Iraq is, they should be sure to vote for a commander in chief who, to paraphrase John Kerry, makes war a last option instead of a first. But if war is declared on us, as it was on Sept. 11, 2001, we all have an obligation to help defend our country.

As a Vietnam veteran and the father of a son in the sixth year of service to his country, I am disappointed in those young people who seem to wish to emulate such heroes as “Lawrence lover” Rush Limbaugh and Vice President Dick Cheney, who devoted their lives in pursuit of wealth and power without ever lifting a finger to defend the nation that gave them the opportunities to attain their goals.

Michael Clodfelter,

Lawrence