January 21, 2012Dear Sir,I must confess, I am at a loss to understand what all the fuss is about over Larry Marshall’s sons with their objection to responding to the call-up to the draft. The names for the call-up, if I am correct, are drawn randomly, so there is no argument about that. If Mr Marshall’s son Lamont, declares himself to be an conscientious objector, that is his right, and that should be respected. He does however have to understand and respect that there are certain conditions that he has to go under, that allows him to maintain that status. Being a conscientious objector involves certain responsibilities, ie, It does not mean he does not have to turn up with all the other men when they are called to assemble. It can mean he will be given other duties, that do not offend his conscience, if these are some of the reasons he does not wish to serve.For instance religious reasons, a lot of people are offended when they have to be trained to be violent and engage in combat and to kill. All these reasons are valid and should be respected, and that is why there are certain jobs a conscientious objector is given, that are equally necessary and serving, and not offensive to his feelings. They could be ordered, and I use the word ordered, and not asked, as they are in the army now and come under strict discipline, to look after the surgical and medical supplies or the cook house peeling potatoes, an office or general clean up of the barracks. These are all jobs that have to be done and are considered serving in the Regiment, and are just as honourable.Now here comes the other side with my usual but ...If Marshall objects to conscription of any kind, calling him to training camp and serving and giving his time to his country, as all the other soldiers have to do, and do, then again this is his decision and his alone, and as always he must abide by the law which says, you must answer the draft, or would he be expecting that all his other buddies will have to do his stint for him, while he stays at home? I think not! Would he also think that if this lovely little island came under attack that he would be given a special little hiding place to keep him safe, while all those others that did their training, would fight and defend their island so that he could be safe, when it was over.? Again, I think not!Have Mr Marshall and his father ever given a thought to why he is free and able to say his piece and object? If thousands upon thousands of young men had not gone to train and gone to fight and given their lives for the Marshalls of this world, would they remain safe? I think not!So what is all the fuss about? The law is the law. He is either a conscientious objector with all that that means by his decision. Or he wishes to break the law by not abiding by it and not turning up when ordered to assemble at Warwick Camp. Boards, meetings and Defence Exemption Tribunals, should not waste time in deciding Mr Marshall’s status. Decide what he is and proceed accordingly.DIANA WILLIAMSPembroke