By Deanna Gorzynski, 1/16/07
FOR MOST OF US, JUNE 22, 2006 WAS NOTHING SPECIAL. For Lt. Ehren Watada it was a day of
extraordinary courage that cost a high price. For the United States,
it was a day of historical importance. That day Watada, a decorated officer
with a promising career, became the first commissioned officer to publicly
refuse deployment to Iraq. He did so on the grounds that the War on Iraq is an
illegal war. Having taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution,
Watada believes that he has a duty to refuse to take part in an
Unconstitutional War.
Carolyn Ho vividly remembers the day her son called home and
announced his decision. She was angry; asking why had her successful son chosen
to give it all up? “Why would you do this?” she said. “You have so little time
left, Ehren”please just serve and come home!” She cried, and then in anger hung
up. It didn’t take long, however, for her to call back, her anger turning to
pride and strength. Along with her Ehren’s father, she gives full time support
to her brave, principled son.
June 7, Watada, wore a suit rather than the military uniform
that he had previously worn with such honor, as he gave a video press
conference to explain his action. He said, “My participation would make me
party to war crimes.”
The 28-year-old artillery officer stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington,
Watada went on “It is my conclusion as an officer of the armed forces that
the war in Iraq
is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. Although I
have tried to resign out of protest, I am forced to participate in a war that
is manifestly illegal. As the order to take part in an illegal act is
ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse
that order.”
On February 5, Lt. Watada will stand trial for his Court
Martial. Watada has been brought up on
charges including Charge I: Article 88; Missing by Design and Charge II Article
133; 4 counts of Conduct Unbecoming An Officer And A Gentleman.
Does a “gentleman” kill in an illegal and unjust war?!
Clearly Lt. Ehren Watada thinks not.
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Lt. Watada’s military trial starts Feb. 5, 2007.
Citizen’s War Tribunal in Defense of Lt. Watada: Feb. 3rd in NYC |
WHY MUST WE ACTIVELY SUPPORT WATADA? As men and woman in the armed services take
stands against the illegal and unjust wars waged by the U.S., we need
to stand in solidarity with them. Potential military resisters are closely
watching Watada’s case, and we should too.
Watada’s courageous stand will bring to the military court
and the court of public opinion a true discussion of the illegality of Iraq’s
destruction and occupation. He, perhaps more than any one person, can change
hearts and minds and challenge, in a legal fashion, the Bush Crime Family’s
trampling of the Constitution. In doing so, the legal and moral issues raised
will reverberate and the demand of “Impeach Bush for War Crimes!” will grow
louder and louder.
THANKYOULT.ORG “This
is, appropriately, the website supporting Lt. Watada. PLEASE visit this site. Learn as much as you
can about Lt. Watada’s case. Support him
by signing his petition, donating money, and taking action with others. In doing so, you will show gratitude for a
man so worthy of it and help strengthen the movement to bring the outrageous
crimes of this administration to light.