Lt. Ehren Watada's Speech: "Soldiers Can Choose to Stop Fighting" Veterans for Peace Convention
August 12, 2006
A Film by Sari Gelzer
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"In Seattle at the Veterans for Peace Convention, Lt. Ehren Watada, the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to Iraq, spoke about what he calls a 'change of strategy' for the peace movement. Watada said: 'Today, I speak with you about a radical idea.... The idea is this: that to stop an illegal and unjust war, the soldiers can choose to stop fighting it.' He received overwhelming support from the crowd, and members of Iraq Veterans Against the War lined the stage in solidarity. His speech came five days before his August 17 pre-trial hearing for refusing deployment to Iraq."
Click here to watch video of speech.
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- Lt. Watada's Mother: My Son Needs Your Support
- UPDATE: Ft. Lewis soldier defends anti-war stance in hearing
Technorati tags: Lt. Ehren Watada, Veterans for Peace, Iraq War, Peace Movement, Protest, news, video, activism
3 comments:
Thanks for the heads-up on Dexter, Mfsomom. Great story. I will look into what I can do to support Dexter.
Peace.
I am the daughter, sister, wife and mother of war veterans and I hope to not be the grandmother of war veterans. Especially veterans who are ordered to die for a lie. Lt. Watada is following not only his conscience, but US and military law. His bravery demonstrates the highest level of patriotism, something sorely lacking in Congress.
I am the child of a World War II vet, the spouse of a Viet Nam vet, the sibling of a conscientious objector (and later draft counselor), and parent of a draft counselor and anti-war protester. Our first grandchild was born 5 months ago. I dream that she and my children can grow up in a world where problems are no longer settled by wars.
I agree with you, Mfsomom, 150%.
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