If we want to stop stupid wars, we need a draft. For the past 18 years, the United States has continuously been at war, and now Trump is threatening more wars with Iran and Venezuela. The American people would not have tolerated this if most of their children had to participate, but because we ended the draft after Vietnam we now have an army made up in part of people trying to escape poverty and others with a military history who enthusiastically see war as a way to make rapid promotions through the ranks.

The military is largely missing the diversity of the broader American middle-class and the children of the wealthy, which is why 18 years of continuous warfare has not become a huge political issue. Deval Patrick and General McChrystal are proposing a national service program that could include non-profit volunteering or military service, as many other countries have done.

It's time to institute a draft and national service program, with free college or trade school after a year of service to your country.

-Thom