The question of amnesty for the Vietnam War draft evaders is being considered in Washington. It is an emotionally charged question that most politicians are reluctant to handle too forcefully at the moment.
Since the war itself has generated strong pro and con opinions, amnesty will not be granted overnight. For the people in Washington, it is politically too hot to handle.
Though other presidents have granted amnesty, it is certain that no president faced a group of draft evaders, who have had so much publicly advertised support. But, of course, this is the age of the Liberal. A vast communication system and Liberal combined makes for immense persuasive power. It is the legal aspect in this network of power that trumpets the cry for amnesty.
President Nixon has said he is in favor of amnesty, but that he will not grant it until all American soldiers have left Vietnam. But it is not certain whether it will be a full amnesty, meaning that the draft evader~ can return to America without any limitations whatsoever on his freedom, or a conditional amnesty, meaning that he must serve time in the army or a federal service organization before he is restored to full citizenship.
So, the question becomes not one of amnesty but of what degree of amnesty.
Who shall decide the degree of amnesty? Shall it be the Vietnam veterans? the lame, the crippled, the blind, the paralytics in veterans’ hospitals? the honorably discharged soldier? those who fought and suffered in place of the draft evaders?
If that army of veterans can grant mercy to the men who refused service in Vietnam, can the nation do any less than grant full amnesty?
Some of the draft resisters have voiced the opinion that the country owes them an apology along with amnesty. Draft evaders who believe they deserve an apology, who believe they were mistreated and deprived of their rights, who believe -they have earned the same treatment as a returning soldier, have a sense of values that is difficult to understand.
There are 55,000 of America's young men who would gladly pay the price of conditional amnesty for the pleasure of coming home again, but only a miracle would give them the opportunity to make such a choice.