Region

History

The history of the draft predates writing, going back when government, generally a king and their hierarchy, believed all the land, resources and people belonged to the king to do as the king willed.

Nothing has changed. We may "elect" our rulers, if you believe the votes are indeed impartially counted. But, in truth, as an individual you have no need of leaders, if you are free you are the king of the kingdom of you. And no one else has claim over you, certainly not a government or collection of individuals. No matter how noble they claim their cause. If their cause were truely worthy, they would have no need to involuntarily press individuals into service for their cause, as they would be overwelmed with volunteers.

But like the kings of old, governments decree, because they can, that you and all you possess belongs to the state. And governments have the will and the means to enforce this rule. If you oppose the government's will on conscription, make no mistake you risk your possessions, your liberty and your very life for the right to say "no."

Going back to pre-Revolutionary times, the British governmnet, our rulers at that time, would conscript men into service right on the spot. This behavior so enraged the populace that it is listed in the Declaration of Independence as one of the reasons we were leaving the tender mercies of our king's good graces.

During the Revolution, and afterwards, the idea of a draft would have outraged the citizens of each state. [Note: I did not say the United States, as it did not exist for some years to come.] The revolution was fought by volunteers, both regular army and citixzen-soldiers.