From reader Richard Spriggs:

I could not agree with you more about the draft. No more freeloaders. Everyone should share in the sacrifice. I can't imagine how Cheney can face the troops in Iraq after having 5 deferments of his own.
I enlisted in the Airborne and served two tours in Korea with the 187th. I was told by two doctors they would do the necessary paper work for a deferment because of a bad knee. I chose to serve.
I have a friend whose granddaughter enlisted in Army Airborne to get a education which she could never afford otherwise. She has served 3 tours in Iraq with the 101st.
While home she went to East Carolina University but was jerked out twice for another tour in Iraq.
The bonuses they give these kids are criminal. Then when they serve out their enlistment, the military use the back door draft and extend them 6 more months.
I have preached for the draft since discharge in 1954.
I served with a lot of draftees and quite a few chose to make it a career.
If no draft I would hit them where it hurts, in the pocket book. I would put a surcharge on income tax. Any family who has not had a member serve in the military since  the draft was stopped would pay the tax. The are always exceptions but it could be worked out.
The money would be put in a veterans trust and could never used for anything else but take care of those who served. No excuse for there not being any money; they deserve the best from this country.