If any of you are going to turn 22 soon, you may need to learn how to convince the Selective Service System (whose use of stock photography, especially the B-boy at the end, is questionable) that you are a conscientious objector. I've emphasized the naughty bits:

A man can only be reclassified as a conscientious objector if he demonstrates that his opposition to war is based on moral, ethical or religious beliefs, not on political beliefs. The man must be opposed to all war, not only the specific war at hand.

There are a number of ways for a man to persuade the board of his beliefs. First of all, he would have to explain his convictions, and how these feelings affect his life, in a detailed written statement. When he appeared before the board, he would answer any questions they might have. Most likely, he would ask several friends or acquaintances to report their impressions of him, either in person or in writing. He could also present historical evidence of his beliefs, such as membership in an anti-war organization or church dedicated to peace. Ideally, he would show that he had held these beliefs before he received a notice of induction.

If the board members were convinced of his sincerity, they would reclassify him, and the SSS or military would assign him to appropriate duty. If the board decided not to reclassify him, they would notify him of their reasons for denial. At this point, he may have the opportunity to appeal the decision, based on the board's direction.

Why bring this up? Don't look at me, I didn't bring it up. Senators Chuck Hagel (R) and Joe Biden (D) did:

"I am not proposing a draft, but I think some kind of mandatory service for this country for all our citizens, for the privileged, the rich, all those who have a lot, should be something we take seriously here,'' Hagel said.

"Our military is not large enough. Our standing Army is not large enough,'' Biden added.

The last time someone brought up the draft, it was Represenative Charles Rangel, and he did it as an act of protest. Now Hagel and Biden, who voted for the use of force in Iraq, are saying the same. Of course, they're using the same argument as Rangel -- get some rich kids on the battlefield. Yeah, that'll work. Look at all of the great war stories our president has. Oh....

Sure, part of me wants the draft. A draft is a one-way ticket for Bush to leave office, for anti-war sentiment to filter into all parts of society, to increase the scale at which questions about how the War on Terror is being fought.

On the other hand, I have a 20-year-old brother.

That it has come to this -- serious talk of conscription -- means the US is in way over it's head. I wish there was something to pray to.