Did Ehren Watada refuses to serve in Iraq because it is ilegal?

Question

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003207442_watada18m.html?syndication=rss

Do you think his decision to stand up against the empire for its ilegal war in Iraq is justified?

He faces court-martial for his decision... but do you admire him for his independent mind?

The story on news tribune is even better:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/6035023p-5297859c.html

Defense witnesses said Thursday that Army Lt. Ehren Watada had no choice but to refuse orders to go to Iraq if he wanted to avoid complicity in what they called war crimes.
“I personally believe that the decision of the Bush administration to invade and occupy Iraq without getting the authority of the U.N. Security Council … falls into the category of a war of aggression, which is by international law a war crime,” said Ann Wright, a retired Army colonel and U.S. diplomat who resigned in protest of the war in 2003.

Answer 1

Thousands did during Vietnam. Went to prison and served their time instead of fighting a war they knew was wrong. I hear how the whole world will succumb to terrorists if we pull our troops, and then remember how they told us the whole world would succumb to the evil communists if we pulled out of Vietnam. (Domino Theory)

Answer 2

he's totally incorrect!! And he makes something of the military seem undesirable. he's a shame. President Bush warning signs his pay verify, so he should not be asserting something adverse about him---extraordinarily even as he's in uniform! i'm in Afghanistan at present on my 2d 12 months. we are over right here and in Iraq to help them. without us, there might want to be 10 circumstances more beneficial deaths because of the mines the Russians left over right here years in the past. We shop more beneficial lives than we kill, yet I guess CNN should not be featuring that tonight. This guy is not only an fool, yet he should be in reformatory for disobeying his deployment orders. he's utilising this "unlawful conflict" crap because he's a coward and is scared to do the right element. enable's not even contact the actual undeniable reality that the military is per chance procuring him to flow to varsity. the military probable paid for his degree already. it truly is probable the purely reason he joined became for loose college. What occurred to doing all of your responsibility? he's a coward!

Answer 3

Richard Sauder wrote shortly after the events of 911 that "we are participating in a Black Magic show … every last person on this planet is being sucked into this thing and we need to understand that and deal with it."

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060717/brechersmith

So, how have people 'dealt with it'? Many Americans still slumber on in denial, oblivious to the precariousness of their situation or else resigned to it like the musicians who played on while the Titanic sank ever deeper in the cold, black waters of the North Atlantic. Others, a few individuals, have chosen to follow Richard Sauder's advice from the article that introduces this 'diatribe' – "Do not participate in the warfare. If you find yourself in the military, consider leaving as soon as practicable". With what we now know about depleted uranium poisoning the Iraqi environment and even that of its pseudo-enemy in this Black Majic show, Israel, his advice is apt, indeed. We should cheer and support the decision of U.S. Army Lieutenant Ehren Watada to disobey an order and not return to an illegal war.

"At the June 7 press conference announcing his decision, Watada argued that the Administration's invasion and occupation of Iraq was "manifestly illegal" because it "violates our democratic system of checks and balances. It usurps international treaties and conventions that by virtue of the Constitution become American law. Watada also said, "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."

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060717/br...

Obviously, when Bush declared, "You're either with us or against us," something in this man's heart was listening. The illusion of the Black Majic show holds no sway over his vision of humanity and the rule of law among men and women, co-equal creators of the society we purport to live in. Nor should we conclude that this show is about Republican politics alone. Many writers more prolific and better-lettered than I am have pointed out the true nature of the right and left wings of the One War American Party. When Jonathan Tasine announced his candidacy in New York and challenged Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary we learned where her values were/are – she's apparently in the "you're with us" camp of Zionist-handled politicians who 'profit' from war-mongering (the opposite of 'right livelihood' as defined in Buddhism)

Answer 4

Do you admire Patrick Henry for his "Give me liberty or give me death" speech? I think they both represent a strong moral stand on an issue.

If the military was run by the consensus of soldiers over the question of going to war or not going to war, what would we have done?

Answer 5

I think he made the right decision based on what I read in the news article you linked to.

It takes courage to refuse to go, court-martials are not something you want to go through.

Answer 6

I think you should ask your question in the military section not politics. After all don't you think it would be fair to ask his peers not US civilians who have no idea of his obligations.

Answer 7

Just scared. If he didn't want to fight he should have joined the Peace Corp

Answer 8

yes i admire any one that stands up against tyranny!! this man deserves a medal of honor.

Answer 9

your an idiot,hussein was given every chance in the world to cooperate with weapons inspectors.he invaded 2 of his neighbors,and attempted to assasinate an ex US president.go over to syria or iran and see how much love you get.dumb bi**h

Answer 10

Cause he is a coward, and the UN lol.