Thursday, July 30, 2009

Soldier of Misfortune: The 13th Amendment and I

On the occasion of my eighteenth year of life in this country, which is nigh upon me, I shall register for the draft; that is, I shall register with Selective Service to be counted one of millions of young American men destined by the government to eventually fight its wars, not as soldiers of fortune, but as soldiers of servitude.

Though military conscription was eliminated in these United States in 1973, one must still register to be drafted should it ever be reinstated. I suppose we should blockade Mexican ports should another Mexican-American War breakout as well?

It is not of my own free will that I give my name, rather I surrender it upon threat of imprisonment or fine. Americans are taught that slavery ended in the 1860's with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, yet this chain cannot bind the beast that is an all-powerful government:

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

~13th Amendment to the Constitution

ADDENDUM: Note the wording of the above amendment, "... or any place subject to their jurisdiction." Interesting that even in 1865, "the United States" was still considered plural.

10 comments:

Johann Van De Leeuw said...

Waal, I reckon you've really got an issue on your hands. Can't say as if I'm looking forward that. No kidding on the servitude thing.

Unknown said...

Yeah, not something someone with your or my political inclinations would look forward to.

Thanks for the comment!

AdamS said...

I suspect it might have been your 'indivisible, one nation under God' pledge of allegiance that changed 'these United States' to 'the United States'.

As for the conscription, I thought everyone had to be *proud* to *serve* their country and *defend freedom*, right? ;)

Unknown said...

Yes, the same pledge that was written by an avowed Socialist.

Weird.

I would be honored to serve my country by defending the Constitution, not serving tyrants who would rather it be burned.

Thanks for the comment!

Johann Van De Leeuw said...

Amen on the pledge bit.

The Rattler - III said...

Mine came during the reign of Carter. From what I have read over the last couple of months I am glad there will be honorable men like you to protect and defend our constitution. That is your vow. Not to any man.

Unknown said...

Thank you kindly, sir.

Should I ever be called into actual service, know that I will hold fast to my oath.

CarolineNot said...

*weeping*

For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. II Timothy 1:12b

LSP said...

Enjoyed the Army - with hindsight. Would sign up instanter if I was 18 years old again and eager to run about RMA Sandhurst before taking the fight to the opposition.

Great site.

LSP

Unknown said...

CarolineNot, there's no crying in baseball or blogging!

Thanks for the comment, LSP!

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