“My decision to join the army is one that I will never regret because my choice to reject unlawful and immoral orders in spite of the consequences, has taught me the true meaning of sacrifice, democracy, and freedom. I hope that my example shows other soldiers that they too have the power to choose right over wrong and that freedom is something that can never be taken away.” -Lt. Ehren Watada


Lt. Watada with his family at a unspecified location and time due meeting with friends and supporters. Photo taken by me.  

Me and my family were fortunate to be able to spend some time with Lt. Watada who is resisting “just following orders” and will not participate in an illegal war, an act of aggression which goes against the United States Constitution. He is not a conscientious objector as he feel it is his duty to fight to defend the Constitution and America. He is not going absent without leave. He is standing up and resisting.

I will be laying in the street outside of Ft. Lewis main gate. He is very worried that the people wanting to shield him will be hurt. He has asked that anyone who can attend will bring video cameras so that the Citizens who feel responsible to defend his rights won’t be harmed. I am going to be setting up alerts and asking other groups and the “media” to attend this Saturday as I try to help an Officer who refuses to be a war criminal for Bush.

Promoted by Steven D.

BOHICA was there to introduce Lt. Watada and Jeff Patterson (the first soldier to resist going to the Gulf War was there to speak as well)

People across the country will take action on June 27th, when Ehren refuses deployment; and again in August (date to be announced)if he does he face the court martial, we’ll mobilize nationally, putting the war on trial! This is a tremendous opportunity to invigorate the antiwar movement in the U.S., following the leadership of Ehren and GI resisters.

To demonstrate our solidarity, we call for a National Day of Action on June 27th to support Ehren as he officially resists deployment.

These actions will include marches, vigils, protests, nonviolent direct action or civil disobedience in support of his legal and moral refusal, and against the war and occupation of Iraq. This is only the first step to building for mass national actions around the Court Martial days, which will likely be in August (although June 27th we’ll demand “No Court Martial!” we’ll begin preparing now in case this demand is not met).

We must support soldiers whose resistance upholds principles and democracy, and who can by challenging the military from the inside literally end the occupation of Iraq. Ehren joins a growing number of resisters in this war, building off the legacy of GI resistance that has historically played a vital role in ending wars. As the antiwar movement builds its support for these brave people and their important actions, we hope to encourage more to take their stands knowing they won’t be alone. Those of us outside the military must match his bravery by escalating our support for all GI resisters. They’ve got to know we’re out here for them!

GET INVOLVED!

Your group can:

1) EDUCATE:
Raise awareness in your organization, networks and communities about Lt. Ehren Watada’s case and the growing wave of GI resisters. (more online info at www.CouragetoResist.org)

2) MOBILIZE:
Organize a coordinated action in your community for June 27th supporting Ehren’s refusal of orders. Use this action to build awareness and momentum for planning an even bigger action for the National Days of Action around the court martial or the weekend before (we’ll update people immediately when the military sets the court martial date.) We urge people to consider engaging in non-violent direct action against a war and occupation which has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and which the majority of people in the world–and in the U.S.–want to end.

3) BUILD CONTINUED SUPPORT
for soldiers who have the courage to refuse. You can do this by signing up to participate in the National GI Resistance Alert Network that will alert you when and how support is needed.

4) DONATE:
Can your organization or community contribute to legal and organizing expenses? Fundraising events are also a great way to help raise awareness and build support. [Make a Donation to Lt. Watada’s Defense Fund www.ThankYoult.org]

**Please email supportlt@couragetoresist.org with your organization, contact info, and which of the above your group will commit to.

RESOURCES FOR YOUR USE:
We will provide a local regular updates and a downloadable mobilizing and education kit (a flyer and poster with space for your local info/dates, a sample press release and packet, background materials, everything you need for a teach in or  public event,post your event on our website, etc)

**Check out [Courage to Resist www.CouragetoResist.org]for more resources as this campaign develops.

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 27th is the first National Day of Action. Following that, we expect the court martial date to be between late July and August. Sign up for alerts, and we’ll tell you as soon as the date is set. But you don’t have to wait to start educating your community and organizing for June 27th!

Statement of 1st Lt. Ehren Watada
(June 7, 2006)

“Family, Friends, Members of the Religious Community, Members of the Press, and my fellow Americans–thank you for coming today. My name is Ehren Watada. I am a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and I have served for 3 years.

It is my duty as a commissioned officer of the United States Army to speak out against grave injustices. My moral and legal obligation is to the Constitution and not those who would issue unlawful orders. I stand before you today because it is my job to serve and protect those soldiers, the American people,
and innocent Iraqis with no voice.

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.

The war in Iraq violates our democratic system of checks and balances. It usurps international treaties and conventions that by virtue of the Constitution become American law. The wholesale slaughter and mistreatment of the Iraqi people with only limited accountability is not only a terrible moral injustice, but a contradiction to the Army’s own Law of Land Warfare. My participation would make me party to war crimes.

Normally, those in the military have allowed others to speak for them and act on their behalf. That time has come to an end. I have appealed to my commanders to see the larger issues of our actions. But justice has not been forthcoming. My oath of office is to protect and defend America’s laws and its people. By refusing unlawful orders for an illegal war, I fulfill that oath today.

Thank you.”

Front Paged at My Left Wing -http://www.myleftwing.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=9537#122554

Cross posted at DailyKos