Lieutenant refuses to go to war in Iraq

I saw the headline on yahoo, but haven't read it yet. But, from what you said, regardless of whether or not the war is legal/illegal, right/wrong, whatever, he shouldn't of joined the military then-period. I was in the Army National Guard, went through basic in the mid 90's. I was old enough to know that if you join the regular army, you will get deployed out wherever they send you, war or just a disturbance somewhere and that's that. I was so amazed at all the young kids there that were crying and upset they were being sent to Bosnia or Korea or wherever. They all joined because they wanted the college money, not to serve the country. How can you join the military and not think you're going to end up in a war or war torn country? If you don't agree with it, then you don't join. Doesn't matter if you agree with the war or not, it's not your decision/opinion to make and the president of the US doesn't care, that's the way the military works. Sounds to me(from what you wrote) that he doesn't want to go and do his time that he signed up for and agreed to do, and is turning it all around to be an "illegal war" controversy. Sorry, but I think if he doesn't do his time, he should do his time in Leavenworth. It's also a slap in the face to all the other soldiers that have gone over (my brother did 3 tours there & he didn't agree with it either).

The war is illegal. It's a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention. The war was completely unfounded. We never even finished with the Al Quaida in Afghanistan. It seems like Americans have forgotten all about that war. Hats off to Lt. Ehran Watada. I support all of our troops, I only hope they would come home soon--but how can they, with a country in turmoil while we're there, bound to break out into outright civil war as soon as we leave... What a effd up mess we caused.

well, every war should be illegal! It's legal to invade a country? To throw bombs and kill civilians? and i'm not talking only the US. All other countries at war are responsable too! Make love not war! Make lots of seeeeeeeeex! I think it's more interesting!

I was going to start a thread about this today, but you beat me to it. I'm a military spouse of almost 19 years, I've been through 3 different Presidents/Commander in Chiefs. You will hear so many come out and say that this Lt. has no right to do what he is doing, or that any troop that speaks out against the war is a coward and they volunteered to enlist. However, what most do not ever consider is that no man or woman joins the rank of our military and ever considers that their Commander in Chief will ever abuse his power and privilege to engage our military in conflict and war. They expect the congress, the Senate, and the American people to protect them against misuse and abuse of power. Unfortunately, that is not what has happened. So, what you see today because the Commander in Chief, the Congress, the Senate, and the American people have failed our troops and allowed an unjust war based on lies to unfold, is many of them are speaking up and speaking out. This war was fought on a made up premise, there were no terrorists in Iraq till now. The poor strategies that have been implemented there and the unrealistic goals set have first created a haven for terrorist groups to seep into the country and use the momentum to first gain power. So, who do we blame? The troops and and low ranking officers, who have had little control or power in making decisions there? Or, do we blame and hold their Commander in Chief accountable for the whole fiasco? I commend this Lt. and you can be sure that he will pave the way for more and more to do the same.

i think in him not doing this others might start doin it and it is for only six years for something that isnt right and we have no part in

First Lt. Ehran Watada should be saluted for a courageous act in defying a autocratic and barbaric regime's illegal call of invading foreign lands on filmsy grounds.

I agree with Lt.Ehran.I don't know Whether he has right to say "no" for postings.But on humaritarian grounds his Refusal is correct.

This is perhaps the first strong volley fired by a fellow compatriot against the so-called American interests in making this world a safer place.

not to go to war for iraqi, but in our world, stop war

Yes,I'm agree with you.the war is illegal.at the past UN not sport these war.only one terorist in these worl.he is BUSH.

Standing up for what you believe in can be a tough choice. I applaud this person with my whole being. I would protect my country and family against any threat on my turf so don't bother trying unless you want to get your butt kicked. Fighting a battle that goes against what you believe is wrong but so many die every day doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. Fighting for your country because you are required to doesn't make it right does it? There will be many more doing the same thing in the future. They just need to know they are not alone in how they feel.

it is truely a great descision such type of examples needs to be set up against amarica

I do not agree with the Lt. about this. When he signed up he agreed to go where he was sent and to do what he was told. I am sorry if this upsets you but Ihope they throw the book at him. The military can't pick choose what they want to do or go only where they want to go. They are our first line of defense and I want my line of defense to be rock solid not full of holes because people don't feel like doing their duty.

great job did the officer do. he took a great step

well that LT is disobeying a direct order from the commander and chief. weather the war is right or wrong the LT is definatly wrong. The WAR might be wrong now but when we went congress authorized it and that makes it Legal. since with WMD were not found we just cant pull out there would be more havoc, so we just cant pull out.

I don't think it's relevant whether or not you think the war is illegal or not. I think he signed up for a job and has to do it. I think if he doesn't, he's a traitor. Can you imagine how the military would be if they decided "Ok, I don't feel like going overseas today", I think I'll stay home. Military men are trained to follow orders, plain and simple. I don't see that there's a debate.

The lietenant signed the paper. It might be an illegal war, but he volunteered for the job. He should do the right thing per his agreement and fight the war. I remember signing up for the military there was no notation indicating if the war is in my mind unjust I donot have to go. I do believe it was an error on the Bush Administration to enter in the war, and want it over but disagree with the LT.

I think Iraq is haunting americans now, after walking in bush have no clue how to come out. A recent report says that american casulaity in the iraq war has excceded that in 9/11. legal or illegal the question is what next ?

"I, [name], having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of [whatever] do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God." 1Lt Watada held up his right hand and took that oath. Note the key phrase "I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion." Those of us who have served in the U.S. military see it for what it is. 1Lt Watada is a coward who's afraid to deploy. I wish the penalty could be stiffer and he had to serve 20 years in prison for dereliction of duty.

Soldiers tell why they dont want to go to Iraq: President George W. Bush's announcement on Tuesday to increase troops in Iraq did not prevent Hawaii soldier Lt. Ehren Watada from speaking out at a packed public forum. Watada faces a court-martial next month. Watada will leave Hawaii to return to Fort Lewis, Wash., for his military trial. Supporters waging their own campaign against the war in Iraq flocked to the Church of the Crossroads on Tuesday night to hear him speak. The 28-year-old Hawaii-born Army officer became known across the country after he became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to Iraq.Join the discussion on Watada's refusal to deploy to Iraq. Watada said he believes the war is illegal. He told the packed house that he realized it only after he signed up for the Army. "I fell for it," Watada said. "I believed in our leaders and like many other Americans, I asked 'What could I do for my country?'" While in training, he said he realized that the soldiers "were used and defrauded manipulated." Watada said he was in turmoil about what to do. "I looked at the consequences for both. To challenge the system was to stand up against insurmountable odds," he said. "I felt I had no choice." Watada said that he is willing to pay the price for his decision, and he wishes others would stand up with him. "I hated to leave my troops, but something had to be done to stop this insanity," he said. Watada is charged with missing a troop movement and for conduct unbecoming of an officer. The artillery officer is the first objector since 1965 to be prosecuted by the military. He faces a maximum of six years in prison and a dishonorable discharge. Reporters were not allowed to ask Watada what he thought of the president's plan to increase troops in Iraq.