Iraq War Resistor: Ehrin Watada (From Honolulu)

[Dharma_Bum]

THANK YOU LT. WATADA!

Friends and Family of Lt. Ehren Watada
www.ThankYouLt.org


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ACTION ALERT
June 14, 2006

Contact Army to Demand:
“Drop Investigation into Lt. Watada's Protected Free Speech Against Illegal War”

On Wednesday, June 7th U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada became the first U.S. commissioned officer to publicly speak out in opposition to the Iraq War and occupation. Lt. Watada outlined why he believes the war to be illegal, and why he would have to refuse to obey any future order to participate in it.

The following day, Thursday, June 8th Lt. Watada's commanding officer moved to prosecute Lt. Watada for nothing more than his protected free speech. Lt. Watada was read his rights and declined to make a statement without a lawyer present. Although the Fort Lewis military public affairs officer has stated that Lt. Watada “hasn’t done anything wrong” so far, an official investigation into his public speech is underway.

When soldiers join the military they swear to uphold our Constitution. They do not give up their basic right to freedom of speech. Outlined in Department of Defense Directive 1325.6, members of the military have the right to say what they think and feel about the military, and even participate in peaceful demonstrations, as long as they are off-duty, out of uniform, off-base, and within the United States.

Please Write and Call:

"Dear Col Stephen Townsend; Please drop the investigation currently underway against First Lt. Ehren Watada of 3-2 SBCT for his protected free speech in opposition to the war in Iraq. Respectfully,"

TO:
Col Stephen Townsend
Commanding Officer
3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division
Fort Lewis WA 98433
[phone]

CC:
Lt Gen James Dubik
Fort Commander
Fort Lewis WA 98433


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For background information:

Military attempts to stop Lt. Watada from speaking against illegal war
http://www.thankyoult.org/go/100.html
By Friends and Family of Lt. Ehren Watada. June 9, 2006

When soldiers refuse to fight: Is the US Army trying to silence Lt. Watada?
http://www.thankyoult.org/go/101.html
By Sarah Olson, Truthout.com. June 14, 2006

For up-to-date and additional information:
http://www.ThankYouLt.org

[oasis]

1. Watada's dad was on "Hardball" tonight and got skewered by Norah

O'Donnell. (surprise, surprise)