I didn't believe in the Vietnam war, so I did what I consider to be the ultimate draft dodge - I enlisted, and got a guarantee of assignment to Germany. When my draft notice came, they couldn't touch me - because I was in Basic Combat Training. So, I got training as German linguist and two years in Germany.

Maybe it would have been more heroic and principled to go to jail or to Canada, but I don't really think the Powers That Be would have paid any attention to my "heroism." If a 20-year-old kid doesn't believe in a war, then he shouldn't fight it; and he should find his way out of it any way he can - but I don't think he should have to make a martyr of himself in the process. I admire those who went to jail or to Canada, but I'm glad I didn't do it.

There are those who say awful things about those who opposed or evaded the war. They see "duty" and "obedience" and "loyalty" and "authority" as supreme values. I don't.

-Joe Offer-