Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) American veterans groups and war resisters react to amnesty plan. National adjutant of American Legion, William Hauck, says legion opposed to amnesty plan. Spokesperson for group of American draft dodgers in Sweden calls plan absurd. Draft evaders in Canada react to plan.
REPORTER: Harry Reasoner

(Toronto, Canada) Evaders in Canada oppose plan. [Evader Alfred CLEMENS - says he's disappointed and won't return to US.] [Sarah CLEMENS - plans to have 1st baby in Canada. Prefers Canada to US.]
REPORTER: Ann Medina

(Fullerton, California) [Alfred Clemens' father, Theodore CLEMENS - doesn't think son making mistake to remain in Canada. Compares Nixon pardon to amnesty plan.] Questioned about family ties. [CLEMENS - realizes he won't see his son, but he still supports Alfred's decision.]
REPORTER: Dick Shoemaker

(Studio) Govt. to help those accepting amnesty plan by finding suitable ways to fulfill alternate service. Selective Service director, Byron Pepitone, outlines job categories available. Conscientious objector to be considered also.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith

(NYC) Conscientious objectors hold jobs in similar categories. Richard Mendehall and Mark Rinas are conscientious objectors; both now work at Willowbrook mental hosp. to fulfill military requirement. [MENDENHALL - realizes he asked for present job.] [RINAS - explains job; doesn't feel he's serving cntry., but rather is being punished.] Asked if such jobs considered fair service for draft evaders and deserters. [MENDENHALL - believes evaders should go through same steps as conscientious objectors and serve full 2 years] [RINAS - doesn't feel past 2 years have been worthwhile contribution to his life.]
REPORTER: Bill Brown