Why didn't folks do this during Vietnam?
2007-05-27 16:03:14 · 16 answers · asked by fred 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
All right don't get all self rightous with me besides I don't know how attacking a band of glorified bandits in the desert is exactly the most couragous thing to do.
2007-05-27 17:03:10 · update #1
Great question. I was a medic in the army during the Vietnam era and you had no one who would openly admit they were gay because they would get beaten up and roughed up by men who claimed to be straight. Which interestingly enough was often not the case - these guys were gay and trying to hide behind the aggressive anti-gay attitudes.
As a medic, I often knew who was or was not gay and would never discuss it because they would see me for medical problems and discuss issues that the straight guys would never discuss but the word gay was just not use.
The status that was used to get out of the service the most was the conscientious objector status or just go to Canada.
The Vietnam war was the longest war we ever fought - It was 18 years long
2007-05-27 16:41:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting thought... during the Korean and Vietnam era drafts there were a NUMBER of exemptions to avoid the draft: Conscientious objector, minister (see the Unitarian church), college student, sole-survivor, and (gay) unsuitable for military service.
For the 1969 Lottery, the first number drawn was 257 (September 14), so all registrants with that birthday (and of draft age: Vietnam era 19-25) were assigned lottery number 1. The 1969 lottery only drew from ten days (Sept 14-24).
NOW, if you try to DODGE the draft (if it is ever reinstated) by CLAIMING you're homosexual, but are NOT: You're guilty of false-claim / perjury. And back in the 50-70's, homosexuality was NOT open or accepted, and it would follow you for the REST of your life in business, employment and school.
Amusingly though... the right-wing claims that homosexuality can be "cured"... so could you say that during the period of your induction and later trial you were "cured" ??
I can't find right NOW the statistics for numbers who have CLAIMED "homosexuality" as an exemption... or for that matter the number of draftee's during Vietnam
I have to EDIT: I served with two who were closeted gay's and they were just FINE workers !! But I also understand how SOME would FREAK being around a (forgive me) "queen" or "flamer".
And to those who suggest that gays / or those who would seek deferment in a draft are "cowards"... I flew with a gay guy who was one of the Navy's BEST and never showed cowardice. There was the theoritical 10% I didn't know about either... and none of THEM showed cowardice.
I have a Purkle Heart (2), DFC, Air Medal (5+v), and a delightful further salad-bar. Just don't try to slurp MY salami... ask and I won't tell.
Keep Researching
2007-05-28 01:19:43 · answer #2 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being gay or claiming some other status to avoid going in uniform will only put you into another classification. The Draft Board will recommend non-combat duty stateside in a organization of the gov't choosing. Usually, it's work at a VA hospital or a local military base. If world events require a draft, no one will be exempt from doing their duty.
2007-05-28 00:07:15 · answer #3 · answered by Richard B 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Huey, what a great question.
Currently anyone in the military cannot be openly gay...dont ask dont tell.
The gays in the military, the ones that knew the rules when they joined, want to change this and let any gays serve in the military.
I predict, about 15 minutes before the draft is re-started congress will agree with their request and let openly gay people serve in the military.
Congrats...Youre in!
2007-05-28 00:20:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why didn't people do it during Viet Nam? Because, as cowards, they thought running to that liberal country to the north was easier.
If you want to get out of the draft, take your buddy and hold hands and cuddle in front of the draft board. But don't forget, that will follow you for the rest of your life that you're 4F because of your sexual preference.
You're pathetic!
2007-05-28 09:30:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not any more. The armed forces have started taking homosexual people. Besides, trying to get out of the draft is a federal offense. The draft hasnt been in effect for at least 10-20 years. I dont forsee it getting started anytime soon.
2007-05-28 00:20:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
They did, but sometimes they weren't believed. Also it was a lot less acceptable to be gay back then. Now that there is gay marriage and gay unions in some states, I guess one can prove they are gay and avoid service if there is a draft again unless they end the "don't ask don't tell" policy and open the service to gays who tell.
2007-05-27 23:08:35 · answer #7 · answered by Yaktivistdotcom 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Good thing there isn't going to be a draft, That way you don't have to embarass yourself for being a complete vagina.
2007-05-28 06:56:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some did. Better to get concienciuos objector status. Several Christian groups are helping people get this status now.
2007-05-27 23:25:24 · answer #9 · answered by sudonym x 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure, and then you could be sent to prison to prove it. Are you freaking kidding me...is this the type of person that we want in the United States??? Do us a favor and go live in Iran where you are wanted.
2007-05-27 23:07:12 · answer #10 · answered by larryrickman2000 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋