Author Topic: 1st Lt. Ehren Watada - Hero or Disgrace (Read 2164 times)

Yeager · « **on:** June 08, 2006, 02:00:51 PM »

An officer assigned to the 3rd (Stryker) Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division stationed at Fort Lewis is refusing to go to an illegal war

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003046936_soldier08m.html

For me, Im leaning on a verdict of disgrace, but I want to see what others feel after reading his statement in the referenced article.

Holden McGroin · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:05:29 PM »

I'm on his side.

When he joined in 2003, he could not possibly have realized he might be sent to the front.

Replicant · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:30:30 PM »

There was a very recent case of a RAF doctor (Flight Lieutenant, equivalent to USAF Captain) refusing to go to Iraq stating that it was an illegal war. He was jailed for 8 months, dismissed from service and must pay $36,847 (current exchange rate) in costs.

Full article here.

"Dr Kendall-Smith, who holds dual British and New Zealand citizenship, had served twice in Iraq before he refused to train for his deployment last year.

He decided the invasion was illegal after studying books and articles. "

Kaw1000 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:36:13 PM »

You join the military to fight, not go to school for free or travel the world for free.What do people think when they join the military.....They are there for the fun of it???

Brenjen · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:40:10 PM »

Disgrace. He took an oath & he knew what he was volunteering for. If he had been drafted I may feel a little more sympathy for his plight, I feel none for this guy.

I would say execute him, but he didn't desert, he just refused to go, so I say courtmartial, dishonorably discharge, jail & fine him.

Jackal1 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:44:17 PM »

I say make him watch every Jane Fonda movie ever made..repeatedly.

Mighty1 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:45:54 PM »

Quote

Watada says he is not a conscientious objector, since he supports war, for instance in Afghanistan, that does not breach U.S. and international law. But after reading up on the Iraq war, he came to the conclusion this war was not legal.

That is all I need to hear.

He is a coward and a deserter and he should be in jail!

You don't join up in the middle of a war and then say "Nay I think I will skip this one".

Thrawn · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:50:47 PM »

He swore an oath to defend the US Constitution and follow legal orders. If he feels that the war in Iraq is illegal and/or unconstitutional he is duty bound vis-a-vis his oath to refuse those orders.

I wouldn't call him a hero, but I do think he is honourable.

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:51:36 PM »

He's ballsy to pull a stunt like this I guess, but I'm not sure its his place to pick which wars he would or wouldnt fight in when in the service.

Off to jail for him...

SMIDSY · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:52:40 PM »

this fella says (at least i think he is saying) that preemptive wars are in violation of the Hauge Convention on Land Warfare.

it dosnt even mention the preemptive attacks. however, the Hague Convention relative to the Opening of Hostilities states the following (this is a direct quote that is not taken out of context).

"The contracting Powers recognize that hostilities between themselves must not commence without previous and explicit warning, in the form either of a declaration of war, giving reasons, or of an ultimatum with conditional declaration of war."

there was indeed an ultimatum at the beginning of the Iraq War. that ultimatum made it clear that if the conditions were not met, war would result.

PS
you guys need to actually read the article. he states that he is in favor of the war in Afghanistan.

Sandman · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:54:07 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Thrawn
He swore an oath to defend the US Constitution and follow legal orders. If he feels that the war in Iraq is illegal and/or unconstitutional he is duty bound vis-a-vis his oath to refuse those orders.

I wouldn't call him a hero, but I do think he is honourable.

Ditto.

xrtoronto · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:58:38 PM »

Maybe this guy believed Bush when he said "major combat over in Iraq" back in 2003 (when he enlisted)

he's not a coward Mighty1...just bloody stupid to have believed Bush

Airscrew · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2006, 03:01:28 PM »

bust him to private, ship him to Afghanistan

Russian · « **Reply #13 on:** June 08, 2006, 03:02:33 PM »

Since when does soldier needs to think? He is told to fight – he fights, if he doesn’t, then there is a jail time. He’s lucky there is no firing squad for his arse.

Thrawn · « **Reply #14 on:** June 08, 2006, 03:04:00 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by SMIDSY
"The contracting Powers recognize that hostilities between themselves must not commence without previous and explicit warning, in the form either of a declaration of war, giving reasons, or of an ultimatum with conditional declaration of war."

there was indeed an ultimatum at the beginning of the Iraq War. that ultimatum made it clear that if the conditions were not met, war would result.

Congress didn't declare war.