2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Attacking Bernie for seeking Conscientious Objector status may be the most laughable smear yet [View all]onenote
(43,156 posts)As someone who sought and obtained their CO during the Vietnam War, this is something that I know a little about.
To get a CO during the Vietnam War (and under current law as well), one has to proclaim their opposition to participating in any war, not just a particular war. Bernie's campaign has acknowledged that when he sought his CO, he was indeed a pacifist -- that his objection was not merely to participating in the Vietnam War, but to participating in any war. In that regard, Bernie has my utmost respect. His approach was indeed more honest than those who sought to obtain deferments that they arguably were not entitled to. (But also note that I do not criticize those who took whatever measures, including pulling strings, lying, etc. to avoid service in the Vietnam War -- before I got my CO I explored any number of other options, including getting a medical deferment based on statements provided by an anti-war doctor as well as simply going to Canada).
While I respect Bernie's decision and he has my support, the political reality is that it is not possible in this day and age for an avowed pacifist to get elected president of the United States. It just isn't. Bernie therefore has indicated that while he was a pacifist back in the 60s/70s, he is no longer a pacifist. I accept that as the truth. But convincing the electorate at large will be another thing. It will hurt him, no two ways about it, as much as I think it shouldn't.