Inductions (by year) from World War I through the end of the draft (1973)
1972 - 49,514; 1973 - 646. “The last man inducted entered the Army on June 30, 1973.”
Your link says, “This lottery was conducted for men who would have been called in 1973; however, no new draft orders were issued after 1972.”
I take that as orders for the draft continued into June of 1973 from earlier and no new ones were issued.
I also recall when the draft ended we were gathered in formation and told that if we were drafted we had the choice of remaining in the Army or being released.
I will agree Edwards’s lottery number wasn't that low, but according to the chart at your link, it was about in the middle. Still, he claimed he came along too late to be drafted, which I see as not entirely accurate. The likelihood of his being drafted was lower than others, but he still could have enlisted, which was his choice not. Amazing that he recently said all Americans should be subjected to a “Mandatory National Service.”
I also will note that my inclusion of him in my initial comment was due to the comment of Rangel’s of, “All you had to do is what Cheney did, what Bush did. All you had to do was know a politician and get deferments.”
Democrat politicians also could have served back then and in one way or another, did not. It is selective to point out only Bush and Cheney, especially given that Bush did serve in the TANG as a pilot and volunteered for Viet Nam, but didn't have enough points earned and the war was drawing to a close by then.
As to the protesters, I've always felt the intent there was so they didn't have to serve. By the time of our exit from Viet Nam, protests were nonexistent that I recall, but I was in Germany by then.
Finally, not doubting the discussion on Swiftvets, but I don't readily recall that one. I'd like to look it over again, if you saved a link or recall the thread. If not, no big deal.
I just came back from the swifites forums...
forum is still going.
sorry...I was wrong...I cudda swore we had a decent discussion on edwards/draft.
damned if I can find any lengthy discussion on edwards. Your link to the newsday article was used...but they didn’t give edwards too much thought that I could find.
I even searched for all my posts and nada, bupkus, zippo, zilc, zero on edwards.
maybe the conversation was in my head.
I still think Edwards should get a pass..
.
I understood exactly why you commented...Charley’s been selling that one-sided horse-crap for years.
sometimes i go off down a different rabbit hole.
sorry....