There was a time in this country when combat duty was restricted to male members of the armed forces.
Women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines were limited to medical, support and clerical duties.
Over the years that has changed. Women have become an integral part of our fighting forces. And just a few months ago the U.S. Department of Defense lifted all restrictions on women in combat roles.
And now the last shoe may drop.
Next month, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider a bill that would require women to register for the draft at age 18, just like young men have been required to do for decades.
The last time anyone was called up for Selective Service was in 1972 for induction in 1973. But registration was brought back for men in 1980. It doesn't look like we will have a draft lottery anytime in the foreseeable future, but who can say?
We want to know you think. Should young women be required to register for the draft just like men? Or should registration remain strictly for young men?
Send your response (50 words maximum) to [email protected] by Wednesday, May 4. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday's paper.
Last Week: $20 Bill
Last week's poll was about changing the $20 bill. Should Harriet Tubman be on the $20 bill? Or should Andrew Jackson remain as the face of the $20 note?
When will people realize that history cannot be changed? I have never seen one, but I have heard that at one time there were three bills that are no longer in existence; $3, $500 and $1,000. Reprint one of these denominations, with a specified number and rotate, similar to what is done on the "memorial drive," honoring whomever and whenever they desire. Existing dollars should be left alone.-M.M., Texarkana, Ark.
Supporters of a woman on the U.S. currency have a short or selective memory. Do any of them remember Susan B. Anthony or Sacagawea? Put Tubman on a one dollar coin and see if she lasts any longer than the few years these women did. In these days of revisionist history, nothing surprises me. We rename everything to do with the Civil War that the revisionist hate and honor everything they want to push, to drive their agenda.-D.P., DeKalb, Texas
Should Harriet Tubman replace Jackson on the famous $20.00 bill? I have no problem with that. She is an historical person, and I say, why not?-B.J., Texarkana, Texas
I agree with Donald Trump, the decision to put Ms. Tubman's picture on our new twenty dollar bill is about being "politically correct." And as expressed by the voters in this country, we have had it up to here with political correctness. The time has now come for someone with "backbone" to lead this country.-E.W.G., Texarkana, Ark.
In response to the question of replacing U.S. President Jackson's picture on the $20 bill, there should be no debate about it. It's been that way forever. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Definitely it should not be replaced.-A.B., Lockesburg, Ark.
As I read of Mrs. Harriet Tubman achievements, what she had went through and may I add it wasn't given to her easily either. I am so very proud for her to be on a $20 bill and it's not her color that put her there. It was her determination, drive, fortitude and ambition of helping others to be free across the South. What a woman, I say.-D.B., Texarkana, Texas.
Paper money is made for presidents, coins are made for everybody else.-R.F., Texarkana, Ark.
From facebook.com/texarkanagazette:
- I'm all for the change. Her look of disapproval is what I want to see every time I buy something I don't need.
- I think Eleanor Roosevelt would have been a better choice. If it spends, I'm happy. Not gonna care who is on it.
- Keep Jackson. I'd rather have Prince on there instead of Tubman.