July 23, 2006
Watada
I know that it's not new news, but it's really starting to chaff me. Ehren Watada refuses to fight illegal war. Blah, blah, blah.... most stories make him out to be a hero, and it's seeing comments like this one from a KHNL 8 viewer feedback forum that have just gotten me steamed.
"I'm behind Lt. Ehren Watada 100%!I think it's wonderful that he's standing up for his rights!!" - Nicole
Were he a civilian, maybe. But he is an officer in the US Army. I'm pretty goddamned sure that he gave an oath similar to this:
"I, Ehren Watada, 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." (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)Something close to this, if not this exactly.
Emphasis added by me.
Watada, having "educated" himself about the current war, has deemed it illegal, and thus, he will not serve. He is making a stand by staying home. Some may see that as manly. I see it as being a bit selfish. He's hurting the unit and the men with whom he's trained. While it would seem that any officer can step into a position of leadership, and run that unit just as well, it doesn't happen like that. Especially when you've got an officer who shows as much promise as Watada did.
Hey, he does have a right to make a stand. But he's a member of the military... you've got to play differently. He was insubordinate to his superior officers. Now he's got the right to a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and seven years in prison.
Posted by That 1 Guy at July 23, 2006 09:32 PM | TrackBackI don't think I could ever see his side of things, but I might if in Jan 03, when the whole talk of us going to war with Iraq he then declared the war illegal and stood up to objections of being in the Army at that time then yes, he protests would be correct. But since he waited, oh 3 years being saying it's illegal and he objects his credibility is bullshit.
Posted by: Quality Weenie at July 24, 2006 06:07 AMI don't see Watada's point at all.
Watada is in the military. That means the US Government OWNS him....for lack of a better word. You do what the GOVERNMENT says, not what YOU think.
For all intense purposes, as military personnel, you are an EXTENSION of the President- HE controls you, the troops, through other officers/departments.
That's why one should not take going into the military LIGHTLY. It is a MAJOR decision- one that you should NOT make if you have ANY qualms about your government- or if you think joining the military is the easy way to get an education.
Watada should be dishonorably discharged because he knew this when he joined- his OATH swore him to the USA.
His OATH did not say- when *HE* feels it is right.
It takes a strong character to do what he is told when it goes against what he believes. Not everyone is cut out for that. So, cut Watada out, and let him believe what he believes- for, oh, about seven years in Leavenworth.
Posted by: Rave at July 24, 2006 07:25 AM(getting off my soapbox again....)
Posted by: Rave at July 24, 2006 07:34 AM
