Gender Discrimination in Selective Service

Gender equality is hardly a novel concept in this nation. Over a two hundred year period, women have forcefully and justly asserted their rights as human beings.

One of the greatest misconceptions is that, unlike racism, sexism has given way to the virtues of enlightenment. Sadly, even among those who would consider themselves supporters of women's rights, sexism rages through our laws and institutions like a violent machine of discrimination.

For example, recent publications have bemoaned the pay disparity between women and men on this campus. Apparently, pay is on the scale of 80 cents to the dollar at the expense of women. Shocking, but few people would actually support such discrimination. Obviously, some individuals do or it wouldn't be there, but equal pay isn't much of a radical idea these days. While it may not be commonplace in practice, it is common thought.

Something I'd like to consider for the equality and justice of our society is the Selective Service. While I'll avoid the question of whether there should be such a practice in a democratic society, I would rather concern myself with how that practice, as currently implemented, holds up to the concepts of equality.

For my 18th birthday, I got a Gillette razor. No, my parents were not shopping at the local K-mart for my amusement. Instead, it arrived in the mail nearly a week after I officially registered with the Selective Service. At the time, I felt a little odd that, as I was coming of age, I was forced to sign away rights to my life in times of war.

Over time, I came to understand that this was considered a responsibility incurred by enjoying the blessings of American liberty and prosperity. In short, if I were to take part in the governing of this nation, I would be required to take part in the consequences of that governance.

Weighing that information, I have chosen to buy into that deal, and I exercise my vote accordingly. While I may not always agree with policy outcomes, I place my faith in this system, as Benjamin Franklin said, "not because I do not think that it can be no better, but because I am not entirely convinced that it is not the best."

But something is gravely wrong with this. Namely, take note that roughly 51 percent of the population is running around casting votes without bearing the burdens of liberty. Yes, my dear readers, I assert that if we intend to tie the vote to certain chores, women should take part. Many women already do, but there is compulsion for men that is lacking for women. Anyone think that government is blind to sex?

Granted, a 200-pound man may not want to serve in a forward area with only a woman half his size to carry him back to safety if necessary, but that same man would probably not want me, sporting my hefty hearing loss, on watch while he's sleeping. That woman and I, however, can both act as mechanics, doctors, clerks, custodians, or do manual labor.

This isn't an easy choice to make, but it's our responsibility to engage our duties to freedom and equality without restraint. Calling for women to be required to register with the Selective Service may not win me any popularity contests, but championing radical notions of equality seldom does. In choosing between the two, however, I seldom pick people over principle.

Tim Mason is a senior political science major, a columnist and the Forum Page editor of the Daily Kent Stater.