I am a man, over 18 years old, living in the United States. I am also disabled, suffering from Brachial Plexus Palsy and Ankylosing Spondylitis, both of which preclude my service in the military. (And so be it. The military's not my thing.)

Today, I got a letter from the US government, saying I'm required to register for the SSS. (Basically, the conscription list, for those unaware) If I don't, I can face prosecution because refusing to register to be drafted is a federal crime. It comes with a punishment that includes imprisonment and heavy fines. Also, I become ineligible for all state and federal student aid if I don't.

So I figured, "Well, I'm disabled, surely there's an option for that as an exemption." I look at the bottom of the page for registration. As follows:

SECTION B - EXEMPTION STATEMENT

BELOW ARE THE ONLY CONDITIONS EXEMPTING A PERSON FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.

[] I AM A FEMALE

[] I AM NOT AGE 18 THROUGH 25

[] I AM CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY

[] I AM A NON IMMIGRANT ALIEN

[] I AM CONFINED IN A MEDICAL/MENTAL OR PENAL INSTITUTION

Obviously, none of these apply to me. But what the hell? Disabled men have to register for the draft, but women regardless of ability are exempt? Aren't we all equally American and all equally bound to serve, or better, to choose to not serve? I completely understand the age boundaries, the active duty redundancy, the not-a-citizen bit, and the hospice/prison exemption. Those all make sense as exemptions from conscripted service. But being born with a different set of reproductive organs means you're free and clear? How is that equal? How is that even right?

And so now I've got my bad arm twisted around my bad back because I have to either register for the draft, even with my disability, or face federal prosecution. Meanwhile, my able-bodied sister never has to worry about this.