Roy,
I agree with you entirely on the draft. Against it. Bad idea, not necessary for an effective modern military. But it is not correct to say that America was founded on a principle of opposing conscription. Colonial militias were conscriptive. You had to train and serve if called (providing your own equipment) as long as you were an able-bodied man. There were paid substitutes, but most couldn’t afford them. None of the Founders of whom I am aware ever opposed this system. Indeed, both Adams and Jefferson sang its praises (Washington wasn’t crazy about militias, preferring the greater effectiveness of a professional army).
Essentially, America had a state-based draft until about the 1830s. Conscription returned during the Civil War.
