Deserters: We Won't Go to Iraq

[maxsmom]

Just posted at From the Wilderness, a really great article about soldiers who refuse to go to Iraq because the war is against what they believe. Bravo to those brave souls and may they come through this quickly and safely.

"The United States is supposed to comply with treaty obligations like the U.N. charter, but they don't. When the president isn't complying with the Geneva Accords or with the U.N. charter, are we saying, 'Only the soldier who signed up when he was 17 -- that guy has to strictly comply with contract? The president, he doesn't have to?' I don't think so. I don't think that is fair."
-- Jeffry A. House, Canadian Lawyer Defending U.S. Deserters

http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/121304_deserters_iraq.shtml

[Not_Giving_Up]

1. Bravo!

Hope more follow in their footsteps!

[wildwww2]

3. If more people did follow in their footsteps. It would be the decent

thing to do. Contrary to post #2. (And I am a vet also.) These people volunteered to protect our country. Not help Bu$h Inc. with a war crime for natural resources. As I have said before. Bu$h Inc. is the domestic threat the U.S. military should be standing up and protecting we the people from. Following legal orders is one thing. Participating in a war crime is another. As you say. Bravo to these men and women who decide to stand up to the nazis that have hijacked our democratic republic.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[IrateCitizen]

5. The sad thing is, it shouldn't be on them to do this.

It is the people of this country that failed them in standing up to an illegal use of the US military -- not only in violation of international law, but for reasons outside of the explicit defense of US territory.

But then again, the latter guiding principle has been violated numerous times since the founding of the republic....

But that being said, as a former Army Reserve officer, I salute these brave young men for following their conscience. Such is not an easy thing to do -- especially when it goes against conventional wisdom of the times.

[wildwww2]

7. The people of this country. Being constantly lied to by the media.

Have not been given the information they need to know that the military has been used against the constitution. And not for it. With the media we have. Which is similar to 1930`s Germany. Bu$h Inc. will be giving the military orders to crush our own people when they do realize they have to stand up to usuper Bu$h and his gang. I would like to believe that this would not happen. But every other bad thing I have predicted about this court appointed maggot and his followers has rung true. So I fear for the freedom of myself and my young son. Who I do not want to grow up and be cannon fodder for this cabal of evil people. Who will retain power. If we do not group together. And stand up against this idiocy. And some brave military people using their brains. Sure would be helpful.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President

[IrateCitizen]

9. I'm not disagreeing with you -- it's just a lot to ask of these young men

It's not enough that they felt strongly enough about the ideals of their country, and probably believing that being in the military was a good way to spread those ideals, that they volunteered to be put in harm's way to defend the country -- but now they also have to bear this kind of burden as well. It's a lot to ask of someone who is barely out of high school.

And FWIW, I was in the reserves up until September of this year. I filed for CO classification rather than be sent to Iraq. I probably would have taken court martial for refusal of orders than go over there. And I would have done it all with the sole comfort being that I was doing the morally right thing, and that I would be able to look myself in the mirror each and every day and know this in my heart.

[TX-RAT]

2. They shouldn't have volunteered.

If they weren't willing to serve. Just an old vet talking.

[atreides1]

4. From Another Old Vet

They volunteered to defend the US Constitution, as well as the country.

They did not volunteer to fight in what is considered an illegal war, against a country that was no threat to the US, nor did they volunteer
to kill woman and children.

They are willing to serve, to serve their country, to defend it with their lives if neccessary, not to become cannon fodder so that some clown can strut about wearing uniforms.

What they are doing takes more courage then walking a night patrol in Falluja!!!!

[TX-RAT]

6. We disagree

[sangh0]

10. Yes, you two do disagree, but

at least one of you two can explain their position, while the other seems unable to.

[wildwww2]

8. We agree. Anyone who thinks we will win anything in Iraq. Is in to

the Kool-Aid. Or something. Because Iraq will make Vietnam look like my kids birthday party. If people like these and us. Don`t stand up and stop this unending murder for natural resources.
Peace
Wildman
Al Gore is My President