To: ColtonGang who wrote (163260 ) 7/22/2001 3:27:41 PM From: CYBERKEN Respond to Interesting idea. It is the natural state of American opinion throughout its history. During most wars, the hiring of substitutes by the wealthy was considered a symbol of power, influence, and success. Non-commissioned military service in the Union armies during the Civil War, for instance, was considered a task best left to farmers, petite bourgeois, and masses of immigrants from Ireland and parts of Europe. There were huge anti-draft riots in 1917 among the population segments who believed we chose the wrong side. The Peace Movement of the late 60's and early 70's drew most (but not all) of its supporters from those who were just following the age-old isolationist sentiments of their home towns. The Peace Movement all but disappeared when Nixon began the phase-out of conscription, though the non-traditionalist "new left" minority continued toward subsequent political causes, and still targets America today.
