Another hero of mine

Lt. Ehren Watada has refused to go and serve in Iraq because he realizes it is an illegal and immoral thing to do. He had a prepared statement that he read on Democracy Now! recently. He is right in that the orders to go to war in Iraq is an illegal order, since the war itself is a violation of the Nuremburg principles, which means it is also a violation of the US Constitution. (And this fact is one of the main reasons why Bush & Cheney need to be impeached.)

PEACE ACTION: Contact Army to Say: “Drop Investigation into Lt. Watada's Protected Free Speech Against Illegal War” On Wednesday, June 7th U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada became the first U.S. commissioned officer to publicly speak out in opposition to the Iraq War and occupation. Lt. Watada outlined why he believes the war to be illegal, and why he would have to refuse to obey any future order to participate in it. The following day, Thursday, June 8th Lt. Watada's commanding officer moved to prosecute Lt. Watada for nothing more than his protected free speech. Lt. Watada was read his rights and declined to make a statement without a lawyer present. Although the Fort Lewis military public affairs officer has stated that Lt. Watada “hasn’t done anything wrong” so far, an official investigation into his public speech is underway. When soldiers join the military they swear to uphold our Constitution. They do not give up their basic right to freedom of speech. Outlined in Department of Defense Directive 1325.6, members of the military have the right to say what they think and feel about the military, and even participate in peaceful demonstrations, as long as they are off-duty, out of uniform, off-base, and within the United States.

Please Write and Call: "Dear Col Stephen Townsend; Please drop the investigation currently underway against First Lt. Ehren Watada of 3-2 SBCT for his protected free speech in opposition to the war in Iraq. Respectfully,"

TO:
Col Stephen Townsend
Commanding Officer
3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division
Fort Lewis WA 98433
(253) 967-9601

CC:
Lt Gen James Dubik
Fort Commander
Fort Lewis WA 98433

For background information:

Military attempts to stop Lt. Watada from speaking against illegal war

When soldiers refuse to fight: Is the US Army trying to silence Lt. Watada?