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Show ffl STEGGER'S CORNER By Dan Steaaell You know, it's too bad that the American public has a problem granting amnesty to draft dodgers and deserters in the first place. For example, I remember back a few years when . . . Fearless leader proceeded to the platform and decried, "Any sonofabitch in this group that desecrates the American flag or America itself will find himself kicked out of here fast." i The words came across clear as I sat there in Utah State's assembly hall with my "Boys' State '68" shirt and baseball hat. "Sieg heil," I shouted. "Sieg heil again!" And this group of strange people who comprised my city started staring at me. It was the American way-that Boys' State. We headed toward the high-rise, paired up and double timing all the way. "Vote for one," the ballot read. "But I don't know anybody on this list," I pointed out. "Vote for one," our ROTC : manager declared. I saluted and placed my "X." It was the American way. tificate which said I had been "judge" for a day in my own little city. . . Fine and dandy, you say But what has this to do with our men in Indochina and Canada? The American way of life is full of its little contradictions For example: Boys' State. For another: The Selective Service System. I went into Logan with the idea that those "democratic principles" prin-ciples" which everyone had tried to cram into my little skull would be illustrated to one and all. (Learning the "Pledge of Allegiance," the "Star-Spangled Banner" and playing Boy Scout to name a few.) Instead, I was stuffed into a "uniform" and told to march around and do what the good American Legion officials said (i.e. "vote for one"). "What about freedom of expression? ex-pression? What about freedom of choice?" No answer can be heard. And the SSS sends the letter: "Dear American, it gives us great pleasure to announce that you have been selected. . . " nd for a week the program 'dedicated to setting America's routhon the straight and narrow" :ontinued. Jp at six and into the assembly lall... "Good morning Boy. Staters." Good morning Governor," I 1 epeated slowly. ' How do you feel?" " Proud," I mumbled. (Actually, I ' 'as pretty tired.) Proud of what?" Proud of being an American," ie group harmonized. (And any sonofabitch" who didn't say ; nything received a "goof" badge 1;br his effort.) ': I left good old Boys' State with 1 iree. "goof" badges and a cer- Thus, we come back to wonder why we have an "amnesty" problem in the first place. ( It's not easy for a person who has - been taught that Communism is bad and that "apple pie, motherhood and freedom" are the "in" things to accept being "mandatorily forced" to "join the army and be a man." So we have these here people who say "to hell with it" and head off to Canada or who say "to hell with it" and receive five years at Sing Sing. And then we have those who are drafted. Our problem thus begins. But the contradictions remain. |