• Flying Squid@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    4 months ago

    My uncle was able to escape at the last minute by getting accepted to a Canadian university. He eventually became a Canadian citizen, although he did finally come back (and got a U.S. federal government job, no less) after Clinton forgave all the people who fled the Vietnam draft. He’s back in Canada now that he’s retired.

    He still holds his draft card in his wallet though.

    • PrincessLeiasCat@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      4 months ago

      I asked my Dad about his thoughts on Clinton dodging. He said he was fine with it because he was very intelligent and a Rhodes Scholar, that his talents were needed elsewhere (mind you, this was the 90’s and before we knew a lot of what we know now).

      It made me sad when he said it, like he didn’t consider himself “good enough” or have a good excuse to try and avoid going.

      That’s a cool story though, I’m glad everything turned out okay for him in the end.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        4 months ago

        At least your dad felt that way about people who avoided the draft. There are plenty of people who felt the opposite way of your dad and derided Clinton for being a draft dodger (while forgiving Trump for it).

        But I’m sorry he ended up having to go. I wish no one had to go.