Norman Soloman: Making An Example Of Ehren Watada ("Kangaroo Court")

[Hissyspit]

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/020607A.shtml

Making an Example of Ehren Watada
By Norman Solomon
t r u t h o u t | Guest Contributor

Tuesday 06 February 2007

The people running the Iraq War are eager to make an example of Ehren Watada. They've convened a kangaroo court-martial. But the man on trial is setting a profound example of conscience - helping to undermine the war that the Pentagon's top officials are so eager to protect.

- snip -

While the judge was hopping through the military's hoops at Fort Lewis in Washington State, an outpouring of support for Watada at the gates reflected just how broad and deep the opposition to this war has become.

The AP dispatch merely stated that "outside the base, a small group that included actor Sean Penn demonstrated in support of Watada." But several hundred people maintained an anti-war presence Monday at the gates, where a vigil and rally - led by Iraq War veterans and parents of those sent to kill and be killed in this horrific war - mirrored what is happening in communities across the United States.

- snip -

In direct resistance to the depravity of the Bush administration as it escalates this war, Lieutenant Watada is taking a clear and uplifting position. Citing international law and the US Constitution, he points out that the Iraq War is "manifestly illegal." And he adds: "As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse that order. It is my duty not to follow unlawful orders and not to participate in things I find morally reprehensible." Watada says: "My participation would make me party to war crimes."

- snip -

"When the Marines came to inform Arredondo of his son's death and stayed after he asked them to leave, he set their van on fire, burning over a quarter of his body in the process," the Boston Globe has reported. Carlos and his wife Melida Arredondo are now members of Military Families Speak Out.

MORE

[Tin Man]

1. That's the crux. Soldiers are subject to *both* military and civilian law.

Watada can declare illegality of war, and refuse to be complicit in an illegal action as determined under civil law; but as a soldier, he's still subject to military law. In that court, he doesn't have a case. Unfortunately for Watada, that's the way it is - he's between Iraq and a hard place.

[MasonJar]

2. A man of principle (Watada) against a man of arrogant, illiterate

power (Bush.) These idiots in the White House fail to see how this charade actually demeans them by demonstrating their inherent weaknesses and prejudices.

[driver8]

3. When I was in the military, we used to say you were "Guilty until proven innocent."

I'm sure not much has changed. The people that should be court martialed are the idiots who started this mess.

[Hissyspit]

4. .