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2006-12-13 08:10:08 · 14 answers · asked by BushSupporter 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
No, it would not be a crime to refuse an illegal war.
However, this war, along with the Vietnam war, is 100% legal, like it or not.
I think he should be put to death, and the people at the Guantanamo Bay should be given medals of honor!
2006-12-13 08:27:40 · answer #1 · answered by i hate hippies but love my Jesus 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is it a crime, no! The Officers Oath is as follows:
"I, _____ , having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or 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."
An Officer promises to support and defend the CONSTITUTION... not an individual. "Following Orders" did not serve as a defense for German or Japanese officers following World War II.
IF the information on Lt Watada is correct... I think he should have been permitted to resign his commission at the end of his obligated service.
BUT, as others point out: the UCMJ and Army Regulations have little appreciation for deserters, conduct unbecoming, or such.
I DO think he deserves time for his offenses
2006-12-13 09:48:59 · answer #2 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is a crime, and the punishment is spelled out in the Uniform Code of Military Justice for all to see. The UCMJ is a public document, and the applicable crimes and punishments are spelled out in black and white.
If you sign up for the military, you swear allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, and the Officers appointed over you. If you are ordered to go, you must go. If you fail to go when so ordered, you are a deserter. LT ehren should consider himself lucky that he's only getting 6 years -- in previous wars, deserters were shot.
If you don't wish to participate in an "illegal war", then don't sign up to be in the military and get all the benefits of military service.
2006-12-13 08:16:22 · answer #3 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Commit the Crime - Do the Time. Sanjay is lucky that he was only sentenced u/Arms Act and not under TADA like many other Accused in the case who appeared to have committed similar offences. Judge Kode has indulged Sanjay in the matter of post conviction bail, as also today when he permitted him privileges not accorded to the other convicts. Sanjay like others has to face the consequences of his actions. Had Sanjay been accorded any preferential treatment, it would have been a clear violation of Art.14 for the other convicts, some of whom have got unduly harsh sentences. The public feels sorry for Sanjay because of his Munnabhai persona, but the reality is that he does not deserve preferential treatment just because of this. At the end of the day, justice must be perceived to be done. Today's youngsters are a breed apart who may not be particularly inclined to learn any lessons from the outcome of this or other cases. A positive message could be sent out if those named by the Justice Srikrishna Commission in the Bombay riots cases are also prosecuted, albeit belatedly.
2016-05-23 20:17:06 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is a crime. I disagree with Bush's war more than most but when you join the military you give up the right to decide. Maximum sentences are rarely imposed so he probably would not get 6 years
2006-12-13 08:18:07 · answer #5 · answered by spicoli 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
War was legally passed through Congress whether they were for it then against it, against it then for it, or against it when talking to people against it and for it when talking to people for it.
Lt. Ehren did not have to join the military so legal orders from a superior officer must be followed.
Therefore, 6 years for gross insubordination is a light sentence.
2006-12-13 08:16:28 · answer #6 · answered by Crusader1189 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
6 years is a slap on the wrist. I think he should get 20. Give him enough time to think about what he has done. When you sign up for the military you give up the right to protest. You are property of the Gov't and when you are told to jump you jump. Now LT. Idiot will have some time to think about his actions.
2006-12-13 08:23:21 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That Lt. was already in the military. When you join, you lose your right to protest going to war. That is, you follow orders, you do your duty. Lt. do not make those decisions, generals the the CINC does.
If he never expected to go into conflict, even under the wrong reasons, he should not have joined up.
2006-12-13 08:15:21 · answer #8 · answered by dapixelator 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
War is hell and unfortunately when you sign a contract with the armed services you are vowing to fight in any war the U.S.A. deems necessary. This army officer failed to meet his military obligation by failing to deploy to war. Being an army officer he is obliged to set the example to the enlisted troops. By doing so he failed in all areas.
2006-12-13 08:19:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but I agree with him taking his stand unfourtantly he is goin to prison.
As for everyone else, it is not illegal to protest the war when in the military. Unless you are stationed overseas or do so in uniform.
2006-12-13 08:34:34 · answer #10 · answered by striderknight2000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋