Open Letter to the Government from an AWOL Soldier

[struggle4progress]

By James Circello, Iraq Veterans Against The War

To those Businessmen and women holding seats in Congress,
To the Highest Court of America,
To every Department within the U.S. government,
To the President’s Cabinet,
To the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
To the Vice President and President of the United States of America:

My name is James Circello. I am sure some of you already know who I am now that wiretaps and spying on American citizens has been approved.

Or maybe you’ve heard of me when you saw my name on a comprehensive list of Anti-War activists.

Or maybe you just know of me because I was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served as an Airborne Infantryman for six years, went to Iraq in March 2003 and served until March 2004, remained in the Army a little longer before refusing to take part in the Occupation of the Middle East and went AWOL.

I am writing you today, not asking for forgiveness for what I decided to do, but to give you an idea of what brought me to that decision to leave the Army and speak out against the Occupation. Though some will claim I left for other reasons and will try to force the discussion away from the facts and at the same time attempt to assassinate my character with half truths and out right lies, these are the facts. If later we wish to get into more of my personal life, we can do that: I have no fear of it ...

http://rinf.com/alt-news/war-terrorism/open-letter-to-the-government-from-an-awol-soldier/1523/

[monktonman]

1. Thanks for posting that. n/t

[robinlynne]

2. k&r. worth reading the entire letter. pretty amazing. may make you cry.

[gateley]

3. K&R and I agree - read the entire letter. nt

[DeSwiss]

4. Fifth K&R!!!!

You tell it soldier!

[druidity33]

5. K&R nt

[Summer93]

6. Read the letter

it provides hope

[Triana]

7. This part...

"Dissent isn’t Un-American, it is what Patriotism means.
Patriotism is not blindly following a Flag waver, it is Direct Action."

Is quite well-said. WHAT a quote that makes. I'm saving that and passing this letter along.

K & R.

[bonito]

8. Recommended for all to see

:thumbsup:

[MaggieSwanson]

9. Oh, the closing lines...

"The People are United and I know that attempts will be made to have me appear a fool and soon you will have my grade school photographs, my coloring books, a list of every library book I have ever checked out, and whatever other records these incredibly large and over-funded Secret Agencies compile on Activists in America, but I do not fear you.

You have no moral authority over me.
Or any authority at all.
I do not fear you.
Any of you.

We The People,
United within The Struggle,

James Circello; Iraq Veterans Against The War"



If you click on nothing else today, I hope you take a moment, read the whole letter.


Peace,

Maggie