Dear Fellow Americans and Citizens of the International Community,
I am the mother of Lt. Ehren Watada, an officer stationed at Ft. Lewis.
He was part of a Stryker brigade unit that deployed to Iraq on June
22nd. On that fateful day, he quietly defied the movement order and chose not
to board the plane with his men. Despite unrelenting pressure to conform from
the day he submitted his request for discharge (in January 2006) to the day of
deployment, he remained true to his conviction. He believed that he could
support his men best by not leading them into an illegal war and occupation
that had already claimed countless Iraqi and American lives. He believed that
he could serve them by taking a stand against the war rather than being an
accomplice in a policy that uses our troops for immoral, unethical purposes.
Through rigorous scrutiny of the facts, gleaned through research and
consultation with experts, inside and outside of the military and the
structures of government, he concluded that he could no longer be silent while
atrocities were committed in the name of democracy. He could no longer be a
tool of an administration that used nothing but deception and lies to make the
case for pre-emptive war. He realized that he had not relinquished the freedom
to choose what is right and that the freedom to choose what is right transcends
the allegiance to man and institutions.
As an officer, his duty is to support and defend the US Constitution,
against enemies foreign and domestic, and to obey only lawful orders. In
refusing to deploy to Iraq,
Lt. Watada fulfilled his duty. In response, the military charged him with
missing movement, contemptuous remarks against the president and behavior
unbecoming to an officer. Taken together, these charges amount to 7 years in a
military prison.
As a mother, I have taken the first step in “a journey of a thousand
miles.” My son’s decision raised to my awareness the disconnect between
what I had taught him and what I was really willing to have him do. Initially,
the moment of truth stared me down, and I honestly could not find words to
justify that self-centered, protective response that whispered, “Not my
son”. Let someone else’s son be a hero.” Needless to say, this experience
became a life-changing event. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the
course my son has chosen. He has my unconditional support.
I invite you to affirm your support of Lt. Ehren Watada now, during his
pre-trial hearing on Aug 17th and 18th, and into the future. Whether or not he
is permitted to submit evidence supporting his refusal to deploy and his first
amendment rights remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the military must know that
the world is watching and that justice must be served.
On August 16th, National Day of Education, groups nationally and
internationally are asked to conduct teach-ins to address the illegality and
immorality of the Iraq
war and occupation and the message Lt. Watada conveys. Instruction and dialog
can be conducted in schools, homes, churches, community centers, etc. In
addition, rallies, bannering, vigils, etc. will be held at Ft. Lewis
and throughout the US
and abroad. This is an opportunity to raise consciousness, to empower and to
inspire the masses to action.
Join us in laying the groundwork for mass mobilization and civil
disobedience during the court-martial.
For updates on news and actions regarding Lt. Watada, for a downloadable
tool kit to assist you in conducting a teach-in on August 16th, National Day of
Education, for posters, leaflets, T-shirts and instructions for making a
donation toward the Lt. Watada’s legal defense fund, please refer to the official
web site: www.thankyoult.org.
Peace and Gratitude,
Carolyn Ho, (Ehren’s Mom)
8/15/06