Ahem...
He may have hoped he was going to deploy to Afghanistan, but agreed to serve the needs of the Army when he signed on the dotted line. Military contracts are quite clear on that point....You agree to go wherever the military tells you too.
Even if he was able to serve outside of Iraq, he would still have contributed to the war effort as a whole.
If he disagreed with the actions of our military he should never have joined. But since he was not conscripted and he voluntarily signed on the dotted line, he should have shut up and worried about serving the men he was responsible for as an officer.
And Willravel: I am confused because you seem to be applauding the actions of Mr. Watada and his decision to refuse to fight. However, in a previous discussion with me I asked what you would do should you be drafted to serve in the Iraq war. you stated:
Quote:
I can't be drafted because of a severe heart condition, but if that were not the case I would have to fight. While I would make it abundantly clear that we were in an illegal war, and I would do what I could to hold those responsible for going to war responsible for their actions, but I would fight none the less. It's my responsibility as a citizen. I would not torture, murder in cold blood, rape, etc., though. If I was given an order to waterboard someone, I would need to be relieved of my duties.
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If this is what you would do if you were forced to serve, then how can you defend a man who volunteered to serve and then refused?
I have nothing against people who believe differently than me. I have many friends who are vehemenantly anti-war. They are welcome to protest as much as they want and it doesn't bother me. However, to shirk duties you have taken an oath to fulfill is not something I am OK with. The military cannot allow people to 'sit this one out' simply because they realize they might actually have to go do something unpleasant.
He wasn't being asked to go bayonet kids. He was tasked with helping to secure and rebuild Iraq so we can end this conflict and come home.
Personally, I think his actions are nothing short of treasonous. I don't think our current crisis is so desperate that it warrants the execution of those who fail to obey orders, but I think he should be punished and severely so.