Why did Ehren Watada wait until after he joined the military to decide that the war in Iraq is illegal?

Question

Why didn't he do his homework before he signed up?

Answer 1

As a former Army Officer and an America of Japanese Ancesty, (AJA),I KNOW that LT Watada knew EXACTLY what he was getting into by his decision not to deploy.

Growing up as a an American of Japanese Ancestry in either California or Hawaii, he would have been blind, deaf and dumb if he did not know about the proud legacy that the Japanese American Men of the 100th BN/ 442nd Regimental Combat Team left for the community. By their war record, they broke through the color barriers of predjudice of post war America.

As an American of Japanese Ancesty, you do not join the Military and then make a decision to protest a war as being illegal. If that was the case, then the men of the 442nd RCT would have said "fine, I'll sit here in a Concentration Camp like Manzinar and not serve FDR's illegal war and imprisonment of the Japanese." As history shows, they did not, they served with honor in the Military regardless of the politics.

Watada has brought discredit to his family name and as a AJA has dishonored the legacy of the 100th/442 Regimental Combat Team of World War Two. These men actually went AWOL from Medical units that they were recovering from wounds to get back INTO COMBAT with their Brother in Arms.

Korean War Medal of HONOR Recipent Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura put it best....

“Watada accepted a commission in the Army of the United States, he took an oath to obey and command, but by his actions accomplished neither one.”

Several Nisei Veterans organizations also put it very simply.
http://www.rafu.com/vox.html

The common feeling among these veterans is in their message, “To serve in our military is a commitment and an honor. Refusal to obey is a dishonor.”

Watada has brought dishonor to the Army Uniform and the Oath of an Officer.

Answer 2

I understand he is trying to shop a book deal. There a number of ways to get out – this is not one of them. This is strictly for the publicity. I hope the judge at the courts-martial puts a block on any proceeds he can make from this story. He has truly shown that he has no conscience when he can send the troops but not go himself. Its another example of someone looking out for himself before the other guy.

By the way been there – done that – no crickets here

Answer 3

He assumed the administration was doing the right thing, as I would suppose anyone joining the military would.

However, afterwards he began researching/reading, and his investigation led him to question the very legality of the war.

Watada's position is different from that of conscientious objectors, who oppose all wars. "I'm not just against bearing arms or fighting people. I am against an unjustified war," he said.

In other words, he is not a coward nor a deserter.

Answer 4

I imagine he signed up to serve in his country...not necessarily
in Iraq. I admire the men in Iraq. You can't tell me that a
large number have to be wondering.."What the heck are we
doing over here"..but they are doing what they signed up
to do, serve their country.....many never knew it would be
in Iraq.

Question: What's the difference in a a soldier who
leaves his post because of his belief about the IRAQ war....
and a man or woman who doesn't enlist, solely because
of his belief against the IRAQ war. Aren't both diserters?

Answer 5

Good point, although I don't see why they just can't send him to Afghanistan instead. Instead of court martialing him, they should just demote him and send him to Afghanistan.

I do however value the fact that he is brave enough to stand up for what he beleives in. I do think it is right for military officers to refuse to participate in an immoral war and offer instead to participate in other military actions. I believe the war being foughtin Afghanistan is moral, but that the Iraq war was immoral from the get go.

Answer 6

1LT Watada did NOT serve a tour in Iraq. I repeat, 1LT WATDA NEVER SERVED IN IRAQ OR ANYWHERE.

nostradamus02012, you're such a JACKASS.

Those of us in the Japanese-American community (especially us combat vets, Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq) have been asking that question. Most of us have arrived at the conclusion that he's a coward. I've heard him on various forums, and his NPR interview with Terry Gross clinched it. He is a confused, morally uncentered COWARD and just a flat out idiot. He doesn't even understand half the arguments he's throwing out ("It's illegal this and that"). I don't even have to crack my old graduate school books on International Law to know he's just flat out trying to lie his way out of service.

Why didn't he do his homework? I don't know? Why do people spontaneously decide to become cowards? Because they hear the elephant in the brush far away and run. It's in their nature. Those of us who have looked the elephant in the eye know why we stay and why cowards run. It's in our nature to do one or the other. Not both.

Regardless of the morality of the war, fact of the matter is 1LT Watada abandoned his men by refusing to deploy and missing movement. Yes, flat out ABANDONED HIS MEN. Doesn't matter what you think, you NEVER leave your men. He could have had a positive influence in Iraq if he had so chosen, even with pacifist beliefs.

Too bad he won't be slammed for everything in the UCMJ. Should have been WW2 - oh right, I forgot, our grandfathers in the 100/442nd Infantry couldn't BE officers back then; they had to fight for that right, for us. So much for living upto your heritage.

I would gladly have served on the firing squad for his execution for cowardice. Gladly.

Answer 7

I Agree
I am opposed to the Invasion of Iraq but
I am retired military
This guy would really have had an epiphany where an Archangel came to him for me to agree with him.

Answer 8

I think he has no excuse for not following orders but he is right that Bush lied to Congress to get us into war.

I am a decorated, disabled veteran who advises all young people to stay away from our military right now. Democrats and Republicans alike are abusing the selfless service of our troops. American military members are dying to meet political ends not to protect our nation. Don't let millionaire power-mongers like Bush and Clinton waste your life so they and their friends can line their pockets with more cash.

If you want to serve your country, join your local police force.

Answer 9

@nostradamus02012:

Pretty much every Army and Marine has been over there at least once. I know people who've been 3 times. I'm about to go on my first time with a unit that's going it's second time, they got shipped out 2 months before I finished my AIT about 3yrs ago.

Answer 10

I am sure reading about it and experiencing it are two different things. There are guys in my husbands unit that are trying to "fake" brain injuries to come home. Now THAT is the coward's way out.