"Reopen Cases"
Further there is the problem of
those citizens, who, feeling that
they had no hope for a claim of
Conscientious objection because
they held non-religious beliefs,
acquiesced to the draft and who are
presently in the service against their
moral beliefs. While the argument
could be raised that their depth of
conviction was not demonstrable
by their action (namely allowing
themselves to be drafted) certainly
because of the nature of past
governmental pressure these men
ought to be allowed to reopen their
cases.
But most of all, and of primary
importance, is the release of those
prisoners who have gone to jail as
silent protest to the violation of
their rights, who have totally
destroyed any future they might
have had (One might remember
that a draft resister is re-registered
upon his release from prison, and
can incur the same penalty for
refusing to comply again, even
though no man has been sentenced
more than twice consecutively.
Draft resistors are the only felons
who can still be drafted.) Mr. Nixon
should further undertake compensation
for the time spent in prison
and the loss of reputation.
President Nixon in order to be
consistent with his previous position
on the Selective Service
System, could do much to alleviate
the problems which have be
enumerated. He could, for example
demand the reopening of any
member of the military who claims
that he was drafted or enlisted
against the feelings of his conscience.
Mr. Nixon could declare a
general amnesty for all of those
who have flown the country
because their claims were not
recognized. Certainly their willingness
to risk imprisonment and make
the effort to begin a new life in a
somewhat hostile country bespeaks
their conviction.
