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Fort Lewis Officer Says He’ll Refuse To Deploy

Photo found thanks to Michelle via Sanctuary
Hat tip to Leaning Straight Up who says all that needs to be said. We will also leave questioning his patriotism for others. It is obvious he was hypnotised by the evil Bushitler and was not actually aware of the what he was saying when he made an oath to obey the orders of those appointed over him.

As thousands of Fort Lewis Army troops prepare to head back to Iraq, one of their officers is making a stand.

A lieutenant says he is going to refuse to go, saying it’s an unjust war. Anti-war groups are rallying to his defense.

Lt. Ehren Watada of the Stryker Brigade writes, “I refuse to be silent any longer. I refuse to watch families torn apart, while the President tells us to ‘stay the course.’ I refuse to be party to an illegal and immoral war against people who did nothing to deserve our aggression.

“I wanted to be there for my fellow troops. But the best way was not to help drop artillery and cause more death and destruction. It is to help oppose this war and end it so that all soldiers can come home.” – signed LT.

His name had been kept a secret until now, but Lt. Watada’s father confirms that his son is taking this bold step and told the Honolulu Advertiser newspaper that he’s proud of his son.

Fort Lewis says since the lieutenant hasn’t done anything official yet, there’s no violation. But should he decide to go ahead with this, he could be charged with ‘desertion’ or more likely with ‘missing the movement’ of his unit.

It’s happened before with a sergeant who refused to go. Sgt. Kevin Benderman was sentenced to 15 months for refusing to go to Iraq.

Lt. Watada asked for reassignment and tried resigning his commission, but the Army refused. His attorney tells us from Hawaii that Watada is not against all wars, just this one.

“I’ve been doing this for nearly 40 years and I’m somewhat astounded that in the context of a war that is becoming increasing unpopular that they are relatively unsophisticated in addressing these issues,” said attorney Eric Seitz from Hawaii.

This doesn’t sit well with fellow soldiers.

“We’re here to serve our country and fight and that’s his job,” said Private Nathan Hanson. “It’s his duty.”

Anti-war protestors, many of which demonstrated at the Port of Olympia recently, are rushing to his aid. They have put up a Web site believing he’s the first commissioned officer to refuse to go.

The lieutenant says he’ll make his intentions official Wednesday at noon and that’s when his defense team will kick into gear.Source

Karl over at Leaning Straight Up hopes he is prepared for the consequences. It is pretty clear this man will be doing some time. I’m sure the left will prop this guy up as a shining example to his fellow soldiers. Right? It was bravery not cowardice, right??

One commentator at Wizbang has the question of the day.

Wonder if he’ll refuse to go to Leavenworth, too?

Others:
Blackfive
Riehlworld View
Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiller
Castle Argghhh!
Hot Air

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Posted by Jay on June 6, 2006 9:03 pm

» Filed Under News, War On Terror

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3 Responses to “Fort Lewis Officer Says He’ll Refuse To Deploy”

  1. gfactor on June 6th, 2006 9:39 pm

    When those generals were speaking up, people said they should have resigned if they didn’t agree. Now someone does.

  2. Dethanial on June 7th, 2006 8:23 pm

    Fort Leavenworth has the correct bedroom for this individual. He took an oath that he is not keeping.

  3. kerwin_brown on June 8th, 2006 12:06 am

    It would be nice if the military decided to uphold the law and court-martial him. He is after all violating his constitution oath.

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