First Published: The Call, Vol. 9, No. 15, April 14, 1980.
Transcription, Editing and Markup: Paul Saba
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Carl Davidson’s article (The Call, March 24) does not answer the question it asks: “Should we oppose the draft?” He says, “Thousands of young people have clearly answered [this) question by organizing anti-draft demonstrations in hundreds of cities and campuses across the country.” This fact obviously does not answer the question.
He points out that World War I was an imperialist war and opposing the draft was progressive, while WWII was a just anti-fascist war and opposing the draft was reactionary. He states that the present situation has aspects similar to both World Wars I and II. Davidson states that in today’s world the primary task is “to oppose hegemonism and defend world peace.” We should particularly oppose Soviet expansionism but fight the war plans of both superpowers. Why? Why was this not the task in World War II – to oppose Axis expansionism but fight the war plans of all imperialists?
What, after all, distinguished WW I and II? ln both cases, Germany was the rising imperialist power, determined to gain colonies, spheres of influence, and markets dominated by the old line imperialists. In both cases, Germany struck first.
Davidson’s article answers none of these questions, although he does give excellent instructions for our task in the anti-draft movement, to oppose the pacifist and revisionist line with a proletarian outlook.
S.W., Boston