Demonstration at Fort Lewis August 16

topic : Ehren Watada | Fort Lewis | Iraq occupation

Support Lt. Watada as he Faces Pre-Trial Hearing

On August 17, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada will face a pre-trial hearing for refusing to deploy to Iraq. "It is my conclusion as an officer of the armed forces that the war in Iraq is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. The war and what we're doing over there is illegal," explained the first military officer to publicly take such a stand.

On August 16, the day prior to the hearing, the national organization, Friends and Family of Lt. Ehren Watada, is calling for a "National Day of Education" on issues of national and international law. The group is encouraging people to gather to discuss the question, "Is the war illegal?"

The Army has formally charged Lt. Watada with two counts of making "contemptuous words" towards President Bush. One of these charges is likely due to Lt. Watada's statement that "our government led us into war based on misrepresentations and lies." This is the first known prosecution of this "criminal violation" (Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) since 1965. Could it be that because this opinion is so widely shared, it is so threatening?

The Army charges that these same words also constitute "conduct unbecoming and officer and a gentleman." As such, Lt. Watada now faces over five years in military prison for his opinions alone.

It is Lt. Watada's outspoken stand for truth that has most angered Army brass. Even before he refused to board an Iraq-bound aircraft on June 22 with the 3rd Stryker Brigade, he was already under investigation for expressing his opinions about the war.

In addition to education, people will also be taking action on August 16. At the I-5 Exit 119 bridge at the entrance to Fort Lewis (the Steilacoom exit), Washington supporters will gather at 4:00pm for a vigil, with a rally to follow at 6:00pm.

From Courage to Resist, http://www.couragetoresist.org . More information about Lt. Watada, and the August 16 demonstration at Ft. Lewis, at http://www.thankyoult.org .