To the editor:

I believe those who make war should have to fight the war.

Remember the movie “Braveheart” with Mel Gibson leading his men into battle? Can you imagine George Bush and members of Congress leading American men and women into battle?

I was a drill sergeant for more than five years during the time we went from a draft to an all-volunteer Army. The quality of the trainees went down. The people who made war did not serve when we had a draft. The rich and powerful still find a way out. Bush joined the Texas National Guard, and I believe he did so, so that he would not have to go to Vietnam and would have a resume saying he served in the military.

Today, only two members of Congress have children serving in Iraq. Less than 10 percent of Congress have ever served in the military.

A draft will not affect a cross section of America. Whether we have a draft or an all-volunteer military, the young, the poor and minorities will still serve and die for the rich white establishment and their political agenda. If we wanted an end to war, we would send Congress to fight and die for the wars it makes.

David Butcher,

Lawrence