Interesting lawsuit challenges draft

Parent Cafe
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<p>From today’s Boston Globe:</p>

<p>[Man</a> who didn’t register for draft sues IRS over firing - The Boston Globe](<a href=“http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/01/05/man_who_didnt_register_for_draft_sues_irs_over_firing/]Man”>http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/01/05/man_who_didnt_register_for_draft_sues_irs_over_firing/)</p>

<p>"When he turned 18, Michael B. Elgin Jr. was a homeless father of a toddler, trying to get himself through high school while living with friends, relatives and, sometimes, in his car. Elgin did not know at the time, his lawyer says, but by failing to register for selective military service within 30 days of his 18th birthday, he broke the law.</p>

<p>Last year, Elgin’s employer of 18 years, the Internal Revenue Service, fired him, citing a ban on federal employment of men who have not registered, despite his exemplary record and appeals from his supervisors and co-workers. Last week, Elgin, 42, of Stoughton, challenged his dismissal in federal court in Boston on the grounds that it discriminated against him because he is a man. Women are not allowed to register…"</p>

<p>The article goes on to say that Elgin has a son who served an 18 month tour in Iraq. </p>

<p>I think this case is fascinating. </p>

<p>I guess I’m glad I reminded my son to register, I hope the fact that he got around to it 3 months after he turned 18 doesn’t come back to haunt him. He did register, just a little late, unlike the guy in the article.</p>

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<p>My son’s SS card arrived in the mail on his birthday. He did nothing. Older son did have to register online.</p>

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<p>I hope this case turn out positive–sounds like another case of taking the letter of the law just a little too far. I know that laws are in place for a reason, but sometimes there are extenuating circumstances. And yes, I know that it is not fair to those who did register in a timely fashion or those that have served in the military–but, at the time he was to register, was there even a need for the draft? It is an interesting case indeed!</p>