Update, 2/7/07: Mistrial declared in Watada’s court-martial. Click here to read more.
Lt. Ehren Watada’s trial started Feb. 5th for being the first officer to refuse to fight in the Iraq war. He faces up to 7 years in prison. When soldiers refuse to fight in this unjust war, they must be supported and defended.
Protests to support Watada took place across the country Feb. 5th, including outside his trial in Ft. Lewis, WA. Visit http://thankyoult.org/ to find the latest protest information.
Read below for background on Lt. Watada.
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2/7/07 Update: In their testimony on Tuesday, Watada’s commanding officers whined that Watada didn’t keep his decision to refuse to fight between himself and commanding officers. Lt. Col. Bruce Antonia said, “I did not want this to turn into a big media event”, and complained of the difficulty a “rebellious officer” in the national news could make to getting troops ready to deploy to Iraq. Apparently the military command does not like it when the criminal nature of the war in Iraq is revealed to the public, and worst of all when an officer sets an example of refusing to carry out war crimes. After all, this could spread amongst other troops. To this we can only say: RIGHT ON WATADA. Thanks for setting a good example. 2/6/07 Update: On Feb. 5th, the first day of Watada’s court-martial, military judge Lt. Col. John Head ruled not to allow virtually any of the defense witnesses from testifying at the trial. Watada’s defense is to argue that the Iraq war itself is immoral and illegal, and to participate would make him party to war crimes. Judge Head ruled on Jan. 17 that Watada could not argue that the war was illegal or that his first amendment rights were violated at the trial. Watada’s attorney, Eric Seitz, intended to call expert witnesses to testify on the illegality of the Iraq war, but Judge Head will allow none of these witnesses to take the stand. Judge Head also banned people from wearing buttons in support of Watada into the courtroom. A panel of seven military officers higher in rank than Watada will be deciding his fate. |
Lt. Watada: A Man of Conscience and Courage
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.
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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.
Watch:
A Soldier’s Duty? The Ehren Watada Story (documentary):