Reply #4: From recent press conference

[joefree1]

From the press conference invitation:

LeMoine has for some time been trying to get a discharge from the U.S. Army, but he has so far been unsuccessful. He has applied for “Conscientious Objector” status, because the U.S. military invasion and occupation of Iraq are against his religious beliefs; this application is still pending. Rather than release LeMoine, on March 4, 2005, the U.S. Army charged him with refusal to obey orders.

Statment of U.S. Army Specialist Blake Lemoine:

I have been hearing far too much about the American All Volunteer Army lately. It is true that the draft is not in effect. No one is forced to join the American Military, but it is very much like a roach motel. People check in but they can't check out. The enlistment contract is a slave contract and unfortunately I found this out far too late. The Thirteenth Amendment guarantees that no citizen of the United States will have to endure slavery or enforced servitude. I was speaking to a congressman's aide about this and was directly told that the UCMJ* (Uniform Code of Military Justice) overrides that amendment. It does not apply to soldiers. There are many men and women who would tender their two-weeks notice if they could. The consequence for quitting is several years in jail. The military claims that this is just them holding you to your contract. I can understand that the US military's contract must be different than civilian contracts. The difference is the fact that if one party wishes to terminate their contract the other party will use guns (i.e. the military police) to ensure otherwise. If someone can answer a question for me I will be greatly appreciative. If I am a volunteer, why do they need to hold a gun in my face to make me work?
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http://www.notinourname.net/troops/lemoine-28mar05.htm