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The Draft

"If I get called to serve my country, I would go willingly."

By DeSean Robinson-Walker

In a split second, my class of 2004 could be on the front lines if we go to war in Iraq. And I’m the perfect candidate.

I’m DeSean Robinson-Walker with a commentary from Youth Radio.

I’m a police cadet with the Richmond Police Department. I’m patriotic, I’m disciplined, I’ve learned how to be a leader and a follower. It doesn’t freak me out to go to war, but it makes me think that my world could change so much.

If we do go to war, a draft is a last resort, but if it happens, everyone should a part of it. I really believe if you are going to take one person, you should take everyone.

My teacher Steven Temple served in Vietnam, and burned his hand, so he has no fingerprints now. He didn’t want to go to war, but he did it anyway. I respect him for that.

America is worth fighting for. The thought of not fighting makes me think of all kinds of crazy possibilities. I don’t want to speak another country’s language if some foreign dictator takes over our country. Truthfully, that’s what my mind imagines. And let’s face it, we aren’t invulnerable — September 11 is a testament to that.

For Youth Radio, I’m DeSean Robinson Walker.