First off - this man deserves nothing short of military prosecution. How dare he stand there and tell the world how honorable he is. Every damn one of us that have been in the military signed that bottom line and swore an oath to the United States of America. He can have any opinion he wants to have, but it is not up to him to decide if a war is legal or illegal.

This is proof that the country's blind hatered of President Bush is filtering down to places that it should not be. Bush is still the President. The Commander and Chief. Watada needs to follow orders or be dealt with. After all - HE DID VOLUNTEER!!!

Iraq is going to be a long, ugly thing. Just like what we went through in our own revolutionary war and civil war. Our democracy did not come to us for free. We paid for it. And we had foreign help that most people don't remember. The Canadians, french, etc. Iraq needs our help, too.

Kudos to our men and women who nailed Al-Zarqawi!!! Another step in the right direction.

First, this gentleman did volunteer and promised to "uphold AND obey the orders of the President of the United States and those appointed over him."

He signed on the dotted line. If he was going to pick and choose what is legal and what is not a legal war, then he should have read the fine print.

However, having been married to a Navy Veteran (him, 20 years in the Navy and me, married to the Navy), and after having seen every promise ever made to him by the Navy being broken, I have come to realize that our government has no qualms about breeching its contract with its soldiers and vets whenever it's convenient. So my opinion is, why are our military men and women held to a higher standard?

Bottom line here is, there were risks involved in signing on that dotted line, and he had to know that not all wars would be deemed "legal" by his standards. If you don't want to be in "illegal wars" then don't take the chance of being caught in one.

We DID have provocation for this war. How QUICKLY so many have forgotten. It may not have been WMDs, but they started it...Regardless of the pretense that we went to Iraq under, we are stuck there now and have to finsih what we started.

As much as I would like to see our soldiers come home, I would prefer that those who paid the ultimate price did not die in vain.
They died honorably, doing what they promised to do. Protect and defend the constitution of the United States.

So, Lt. Watada, if you truly believe this is an "illegal" war, then I suggest you go ahead and refuse to go...but, as a United States officer in the armed forces, if you are really that serious about it, then be willing to pay the consequences of your disobedience and be proud that you did. Then, no one will ever be able to call you a coward or deserter and you can hold your head up high knowing that you did in your heart, what was right.

One final thought: We did not declare war, tis too true. But Alqaeda DID by attacking innocent civilains in the cities of New York and Washington...not to mention the others on flight 93. Where was the true provocation in that?

I would like to state that 1st LT. Watada should be prosecuted to the full extent of military law. He signed up during a time of war and knew full well that his chances of going to Iraq were huge. I am a army wife and am ashamed to even say that he is part of the Army.

I also think he should pay back all the money he has earned as an officer with all the benefits he has used as an officer and all the money that was given to him for his education! He is a commissioned officer who is commissioned by the President of the United States. He signed on the dotted line voluntarily, no one forced him. Now he is being called to duty and refusing to go?!?! I think he is trying to capitalize on this by giving pressed conferences and stating that he is doing it for all the others that feel the same way as him. He signed up to join the military as an officer and to obey our Commander and Chief! Who is the President of the United States of America!

If every officer or enlisted questioned the orders given by a superior officer we would not have a military.
Lt. Watada volunteered for the military during a time of conflict. He took benefits from the military and American Taxpayers to further himself and his career during a time of war. How can he in good conscience now say that he refuses to fulfill his duty. Was this what he had in mind when he volunteered?
All someone has to do is look at the history of the United States and the conflicts we have been involved in to realize FREEDOM ISN'T FREE. Our Military has to stand up and fight for what Americans believe in, and I thank god that we have men and women in our military that believe in these values and lay their life in harms way to defend those beliefs.
Lt. Watada should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of Military Law and receive the severest punishment and penalty for his actions, and reimburse the government for everything he has received.

He's a deserter, plain and simple and he should be prosecuted for it. When he joined, he had to have known he could be sent to Iraq. He is so NOT a hero.

If everyone would refuse to engage in this horrible act, Lt. Watada would not be in trouble at all. I applaud his efforts. Stop killing people!

Hey Stopthemadness,
You are the kind of person that would love to see the United States fall to her knees. Kiss my ___. Grow up and use your head. And while you're at it. pull out your history books and start reading. You are treasoness to our country, and as far as I am concerned, with your attitude, get out if you don't like us. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You can thank all of the soldiers who have died for that. They all had way more "who-ha's" than you. This country would go real far without a military. Obviously you are as much of an enemy to the United States as any other terrorist. Just keep talking that way and see how many veterans jump all over you.

I have one question. Do you stand and remove your hat when the national anthem plays, or stand and remove your hat when the vets march by you in a parade? Probably not!!! Punk

("If everyone would refuse to engage in this horrible act, Lt. Watada would not be in trouble at all. I applaud his efforts. Stop killing people!")

You'd be the first person a crazed Islamo-monkey would behead...snivelling coward!

USN Veteran
Bremerton

("If everyone would refuse to engage in this horrible act, Lt. Watada would not be in trouble at all. I applaud his efforts. Stop killing people!")

Just keep on applauding all the way to Iran or somewhere. Oviously you have no love for our country. What the hell is wrong with you???

Wow, I am amazed at the vehement replies to the one person who expressed agreement with Lt. Watada. For the record, I think he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

By his own admission he is not a conscientious objector. Furthermore, by his own admission he willingly signed up to serve and took the oath. I agree with previous writers that unless it is an illegal order, (Nuremburg and other examples do give soldiers the right to refuse orders) he has to serve. Contrary to those who oppose the war but have not researched it in depth, the war is legal. I disagree with the decison to go to war in Iraq but the Constitutional process was followed.

However, I am equally surprised by the ridiculous attacks on those who agree with the Lt. Dissent has a long history in our country starting with our Founding Fathers. Almost every conflict had those who dissented. The only difference was the number and intensity of dissenters.

While I may agree with those who feel the Lt. should be prosecuted and admire those who serve to protect our freedoms, I also recognize that without the opportunity for dissent then we are not America and those admirable servicemen and women are serving in vain.

Lt. Watada is a quisling, pure and simple.

He has, (by willfully disobeying a direct order during a time of war), dishonored the Armed Forces, the Officer Corps, and those who proudly wear (and wore) the crossed rifles of the Army Infantry.

His most contemptible act was deserting those he was entrusted to lead and protect.

His actions are those of a coward, and as such he deserves nothing more than a hangman's noose.

Paul Aker,
This is your chance to take a look at exactly how veterans and current military personnel and true patriots feel about the likes of Lt. Watada. The man is shameful to all of us and does not deserve ANY media attention whatsoever. Listen to the people. Start talking about the GOOD ones instead of the BAD ones.

Eastern WA Veteran

Our military is now part of the political problem in Iraq, not the solution. No wonder there are fewer people signing up to the Reserves. George Bush's war is wrong: it's illegal to attack a sovereign nation without provocation, illegal to attack a country without first declaring war, and also illegal to make the case for war action using lies and falsified intelligence. However, with all that being said, Mr. Watada is the sorry sucker to have signed up. Sign up he willingly did, and deploy to Iraq he must. That's just too damn bad; he can't just change his mind about going now. So he just needs to button his lip and join the slaughter.
When I was in my 30s, I briefly thought about joining the Navy for officer training too, but didn't because I knew that something illegal, immoral, and shameful would eventually come of the US dealings with the Middle East, and I also would wind up over there stuck in some stupid quagmire.

My husband joined the U.S.C.G. in August of 1991. He is now a BMC. My family has sacrificed much in the name of the United States of America. I am shocked by you 1st LT. Watada. How dare you sign up and then let us all down. You have received your education at the cost of us and then refuse to defend us. Over the years I have not always agreed with the decision democracy makes. However I respect the principle of democracy and support it 100%. If the whole of us agree to elect people to speak for us and those people say we fight for any cause then we fight. Especially if we signed up to be the ones doing the fighting. 1st LT. Watada you signed up knowing this war was going on and thought you would slide under the radar. Now you have been called and you’re freaking out. I understand that. I will tell you this though; if you continue on this path it will haunt you for a very long time. I hurt for you knowing that you are scared and did not think it would ever come to you having to go to Iraqi. However your honor and the honor of this country is what you must base your decision on. If you do not go with a heart that knows it must then you are not a man of honor. You do not have to agree. Honestly I do not know if I agree with this war. It is about supporting what you signed up for… That is democracy!!!! And The United States of America!!!! You agreed to fight for it….Be the man your mama made and fight!!!! Weather you agree with the war or not is irrelevant. The question you must ask is do you believe in democracy???? If you do you must go. The people of this country voted, when we voted we put our trust in the people who made the decision to fight this war. We must back them. I have to add that the bulk of us do not know all that is involved with decisions being made. Our government officials are not trying to deceive us. It is unsafe for them to tell us all that they know. We voted and now we must trust. If our vote was not the popular vote we must then turn our trust to the democracy this country is built on…. Lastly, if you go my prayers and applauds are with you. I will honor you and hold you as a hero. As will many!!!! 1st LT. Watada please search your heart. This decision is going to follow you for a very long time….

I am very curious. These guys like beloblog..... What are they, frickin' attorneys??? What exactly do you base all of these legaleties on? From your own writings, you are a spineless wimp that was too afraid to join the military. So unless you have something to base all of your accusations on, don't preach to us about your own dishonor. You are in a room full of veterans and their families.

Normally I don't attack a fellow blogger personally, but guys like him really tick me off. But, at the same time, I do want to thank him for telling LT. Watada what he still needs to do.

The United States does not need to declare war to go to war with another country. Iraq was anything but a soverign nation. Viet Nam was anything but a soverign nation, North Korea was anything but a soverign nation. They were all soverign people being squashed by tyrany. But that is another story for later.

I do wish KING5 would blog these questions.

I take solice in knowing that everytime I see a protestor on the streets against this war, that our military is doing its job. Without them (our military) these protestors would not be able to do just that.

By the way...to all of you veterans...thank you for serving our country. My father was a WWII veteran and I never thanked him for his service because I never really understood the importance. Now I do. Thank you all from the very bottom of my heart!

Yea yea I hear about how "freedom isn't free" and blah blah blah, but is the United States fighting for OUR freedom? NO! We are under no threat here, the only thing they can do to us is petty terrorist acts like 9/11. We aren't going to be invaded lets be realistic here. We are over there to secure our OIL investments, plain and simple. When did the US become WORLD POLICE? Do we give a darn about the people dying in Uganda? Or China or Russia? Why care so much about the Middle East? Hmmm maybe because our entire economy is based upon oil and were running out. And I think Watada has every right to not be brainwashed by our military. Guess what, FREEDOM MEANS FREE! Haha!

AP,
I don't think this is the place you want to call 9/11 a petty terrorist attack. Maybe the next terrorist attack on our soil (GOD forbid) will be right under your ass with an attitude like that.
Blah blah blah - punk!!!

Topic Watada and the Bush war.
Watada Volunteered, Accepted Education, Training, Pay check and a commission as an officer in the United States Army, all of which costs a lot of money (Your Tax money). After 26 years in the military, (taking my turn in combat), 10 of which with a commission I know of no one who accepted a commission that did not know what would be required of them.
Sorry Watada, I am not buying your justification I believe your motivation comes from elsewhere which in time you will show us. The UCMJ has handled people like you before and is able to deal with you. It is very clear in how to deal with individuals like you.

I like many others voted for our Top government leaders in our National elections. Some got what they wanted and some did not. That’s just the way it is. On 9/11 George Bush was not attacked nor was New York. The United States was attacked along with what we stand for. It amazes me when people can divorce themselves from any responsibility using statements like “George Bush’s War”. Think about it!

I get tired of answering jack-ass-ery

(George Bush's war is wrong)

Ok then...you can quit your citizenship, leave America and live with those Pedophile loving Dutch who are being slowly choked out of democracy by the Islamo-fascists.

(it's illegal to attack a sovereign nation without provocation,)

Saddam Hussain violated 13 UN mandates from 1992 till 2003. The United Nations was made inept and weak just like Hitler did to the League of Nations before World War II. You liberal couch monkies worship at the foot of Kofie Annan and a worthless world body.

(illegal to attack a country without first declaring war)

September 14th 2001 Congressional authorization, read it idiot. We don't need a Declaration of War
to take punitive military measures to ensure national survival.

(and also illegal to make the case for war action using lies and falsified intelligence)

So we wait till a mushroom cloud kills a few thousand people before we act? Go to hell liberal.

(It amazes me when people can divorce themselves from any responsibility using statements like “George Bush’s War”. Think about it!)

This is also Bill Clinton's war, since it was his inept handling of Iraq that stoked Osama Bin Laden's radicalism. Few of these crying couch monkey liberals have read Bin Laden's 1998 Fatwah which justified war on America because of Iraq. The UN waged war criminalism and sanctions in support of Saddam, they paid him money. Clinton kept Saddam in power by refusing twice to support coup de etats against him.

Liberals just want the military to sit on its butt at home so fat creeps like Norm Dicks can grow fat off of government contracts and back stab our troops when he feels like it.

I say annex the whole state of Washington to Saudi Arabia and let the religious police go to work with their head chopping swords.

I see John Kerry has pulled a Norm Dicks. Why can't these nazi hugging Democrats just come right out and admit their treason, quit their office and go run to join Osama Bin Laden's gang of dirtbags?

It's obvious the Democrats of the Senate Intel Committee have been leaking sensitive information to the media. Why don't you scumbags just hand everything to the Islamo-monkies?

Liberals can't see the global scope of Islamo-fascism because they're too busy applauding pedophiles like Mary Kay LaTernhoe or clapping for their kids pathetic WASL math test scores or giggling like a bunch of sheep over the latest winner on American a-hole!

They'll keep laughing too, until one of our local malls gets raised to the ground by a home grown Islamic terrorist backed with money from the fascists in Teheran.

THIS IS AMERICA Love and support her or get out

Way to go Dan Rush!!!! Maybe they need some explanation of what would result if we pulled out of Iraq now. The'll never get it. They don't want to understand the truth.

You can't explain it to the nazi huggers in Seattle, nor can they explain the fact that Jim McDermott received 5 grand from an Iraqi business man in Chicago before his anti-war (treason) visit to Bagdhad before the invasion. The Democratic Party is in league with vermin. FDR wouldn't put up with these traitors.

Islamo-fascism is a global war against Democracy because only in a Democracy can you have the right to live and worship as YOU SEE FIT!! These Islamo-monkies would quicker cut the head off a fruitcake gay-loving liberal than they will a religious conservative, they want a one world empire dominated by Islam, do you want to kiss a rug 5 times a day?

This is a different style of war than World War II but the demonic religious-like zelotry that extolled the Japanese Army and German SS to commit vile crimes of mass murdery are no different than the islamo-monkies cutting the heads off of people or shooting woman and girls because they were wearing make-up. Islam is infected with killers as Bushido extolled Kamikaze. Only violent, brutal, murdering force can eventually change the course of Islam before it destroys millions of Arab peoples, there is no other option left but to fight to win and exterminate Wahabi nazi Islam once and for all.

(Yea yea I hear about how "freedom isn't free" and blah blah blah, but is the United States fighting for OUR freedom? NO! We are under no threat here, the only thing they can do to us is petty terrorist acts like 9/11.)

So allowing the Islamo-fascist to continue to kill people around the globe to satisfy their mad religious zeliotry is ok? Here's another freak who would have been with the anti-Churchill camp when he was warning about the global danger of Adolf Hitler.

Islamic terrorist have a global reach and no moral compensation for the destruction they would cause in the name of Allah. They have a world wide political agenda, a world-wide network and the means and ways to slowly carry out what they wish. They can certainly do far more damage than you take them for.

Supreme ignorance is equally supreme racism and the left is the leader in racist thinking of other peoples, this is why they think the Islamist can't do what they've been doing for the past 40 years.

Dan,

You might want to refresh your memory on the military code. We are not engaged in a legitimate war. For the first time in US History, we unilaterally invaded a sovereign nation without cause. That makes this an illegal war, and the order to go an illegal order, which no officer is required to follow.

You might also try learning something about Iraq. There isn't now, and never has been, any connection between Iraq and the terrorists that attacked us on 9/11. Additionally, not only did Saddam not have weapons of mass destruction, he lacked the capacity to produce them. These are facts that are known now and were known at the time we invaded.

One last point, calling people names does not strengthen your argument, it weakens it.

I think Watada has guts for standing up for what he believes in. The Government and Bush seem to do as they please whenever it's convenient for them. I see no reason to follow a leader who has lied from the outset. Why should I be held to a higher standard than the Commander in Chief? Ever heard of Lead by example? I don't see a military jacket on our fearless leader. I don't see him volunteering up his daughters to serve their country. Tell you what, I'll start following orders when the Commander in Chief does. Until then, I encourage soldiers to think for themselves instead of blindly following orders. I agree that they should follow orders without question as long as they are legal orders. But when a soldier is doubting the legality of those orders it IS their responsibility to stop and question.

Dan,

(You might want to refresh your memory on the military code. We are not engaged in a legitimate war.)

September 14th 2001 Congressional authorization giving the Commander in Chief his full war authority to act as he deems fit to defend the united states from Islamic inspired acts of agression, which includes steps which could change the Middle East towards rejecting the nazi wahabist way of thinking that inspires these maniacs in their midst. Read jackass.

(For the first time in US History, we unilaterally invaded a sovereign nation without cause.)

After 13 years of defying United Nations mandates (13 of them) and now with new evidence found that proves Saddam had restarted his WMD programs as was believed by Bill Clinton and the Democrats who in 1998 helped to send the Iraq Liberation Bill into Law, a law which President Bush acted upon. Your so called "Illegalism" is a pile of bull crap.

(That makes this an illegal war)

So was bombing Serbia libertard.

(You might also try learning something about Iraq.)

Have you ever been there fool? I doubt it, unless it was on the coat tails of Jimmy traitor McDermott. Ask Jimmy why he got 5,000 dollars from an Iraqi agent of Saddam Hussain in Chicago before his trip to Bagdhad.

(I think Watada has guts for standing up for what he believes in.)

He is a coward who abandoned his men.

(The Government and Bush seem to do as they please whenever it's convenient for them.)

So long as you can sit on your fat lazy ass and pass judgement on them huh liberal? Should send you to Iran so you can live with your fellow rug kissers.

(I see no reason to follow a leader who has lied from the outset.)

So....Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and all the Democrats who preached WMD's in the 1990's to justify UN war crimes in the name of food for oil and sanctions that aided Saddam's stay in power were liars too! Yup, we need to send the Army to Washington and arrest all those traitors!

(Why should I be held to a higher standard than the Commander in Chief?)

Because the first part of your oath is to the Constitution's defense and the survival of the nation against all enemies foreign and domestic.

(Ever heard of Lead by example?)

Yeah Clinton, how's monica?

(I don't see a military jacket on our fearless leader.)

So you hate every U.S. President then huh? I see him doing more for this country while you sit and think of your selfishness.

(I don't see him volunteering up his daughters to serve their country.)

Hey jerk...that's their choice ok pal? I don't see any liberals encouraging their kids to defend their freedoms from the baby killer Islamo-fascists.

(Tell you what, I'll start following orders when the Commander in Chief does. Until then, I encourage soldiers to think for themselves instead of blindly following orders.)

Inciting Sedition....I know you're not in the service.

(I agree that they should follow orders without question as long as they are legal orders. But when a soldier is doubting the legality of those orders it IS their responsibility to stop and question.)

In this case...Watada should face a firing squad of his peers. The men he's abandoned with his mistrust of their skills.

Not even a good try Dan, and you're flat wrong to boot.

(September 14th 2001 Congressional authorization giving the Commander in Chief his full war authority to act as he deems fit to defend the united states from Islamic inspired acts of agression, which includes steps which could change the Middle East towards rejecting the nazi wahabist way of thinking that inspires these maniacs in their midst. .)

Iraq, was not and is not a threat to the US, nor did Saddam have anything to do whith any attacks on the US. You really should get your facts straight.

(After 13 years of defying United Nations mandates (13 of them) and now with new evidence found that proves Saddam had restarted his WMD programs as was believed by Bill Clinton and the Democrats who in 1998 helped to send the Iraq Liberation Bill into Law, a law which President Bush acted upon. Your so called "Illegalism" is a pile of bull crap.)

You might check the record. In fact, the "information" believed by Bill Clinton was also used by Bill Clinton to eliminate the threat via air strikes against targets in Iraq. Every intelligence agency in this country agreed that those strikes eliminated the threat, yet Bush used that same outdated data to justify invading Iraq.

(So was bombing Serbia libertard.)

Irrelevant. The discussion here is about an officer refusing to obey an illegal order in Iraq. Try reading a book on critical thinking.

(Have you ever been there fool? )

Meaningless attack, not valid argument.

(I doubt it, unless it was on the coat tails of Jimmy traitor McDermott. Ask Jimmy why he got 5,000 dollars from an Iraqi agent of Saddam Hussain in Chicago before his trip to Bagdhad. )

If you have information that indicates anyone is in league with terrorists try sending it to the Justice Department. I'm sure they would like to know about it. Otherwise, don't waste our time with ignorant baseless conspiracy theory. It doesn't substantiate anything you say, doesn't address the topic at hand, and makes you look bad.

(jackass,pile of bull crap,libertard,rug kissers,jerk,rug kissers,...)

Possibly you missed my earlier point about name calling. These are examples so it will be more clear to you. Unfortunately this kind of juvenile ranting only suggest that you have no real basis for your points of view. Possibly you feel insecure in your own beliefs or you hope to intimidate others into agreeing with you. It doesn't work like that. Sorry.

(Not even a good try Dan, and you're flat wrong to boot.)

Far from wrong. Not so with you liber-tards.

(Iraq, was not and is not a threat to the US, nor did Saddam have anything}

Iraq and the failure of Clinton's foreign policies was what aided Osama Bin Laden to inspire the latest world wide Islamo-fascist jihad against Western Democracy. Read Bin Laden's 1998 Fatwah. Oh I'm sorry, most liberals are too emotional to comprehend reading. Goes right along with the pathetic math scores so typical of liberal run educational systems in this country.

(You might check the record. In fact, the "information" believed by Bill Clinton was also used by Bill Clinton to eliminate the threat via air strikes against targets in Iraq.)

Check your facts again idiot. The intent of Clinton's 1998 Operation Fox, I was in Saudi Arabia by the way for the 7th time thanks to mister Blue Dress, was to get UN weapons inspectors back into Iraq after Saddam failed to comply with another broken UN mandate. The weapons inspectors were gone from Iraq from 1998 to 2003, plenty of time for the regime to bury the booty. Saddam truely believed, thanks to you idiots on the left, that America would not attack him in 2003. Wrong answer fat boy.

{Irrelevant.}

Not irrelevant. Bombing Serbia was an illegal act which aided Islamic militants in Kosovo in another expanding land grab in Europe. How is it that the Democraps would vote for the liberation of Iraq then renig on the law they signed?

So typical of the racist left.

(Meaningless attack, not valid argument.}

Have you ever been to Iraq? Yes or no. Typical leftist, run from the questions, no guts, no balls, no morals, no concern for their fellow man, so easy to side with tyrants, terrorists, Palestinian killers and Islamic Hitlers.

Watada is a coward and that's all he will be for the rest of his life, just like all his liberal islamo-fascist hugging buddies.

Dan,

I'm not going to respond to you after this because you have nothing to say. Clearly your opinion of yourself is second only to your opinion of yourself.

The fact that you were in Saudi Arabia has absolutely no bearing on the correctness of your information. You can be, and are, just as wrong in your beliefs and assumptions.

Whether or not I have been in Iraq has no bearing on the correctness of my information. It is based on matters of public record and statements of people involved both then and now.

The intent of Clinton's strikes against Saddam's weapons program is irrelevant to my point, the result is what matters. The intel showed a threat, the threat was eliminated, Bush used the same intel, ignoring the fact that the threat was gone, to justify an invasion. That's wrong, pure and simple.

You have had ample opportunity here to engage in reasonable debate, and provide basis and justification for your points. You have instead ranted like a lunatic, called everyone childish names, and made yourself out to be a raving bafoon. Your voice is a pointless noise in an otherwise intelligent forum.

OK OK If some you and Lt Watada are so sure the war is wrong then go there and help defend against the invasion by the US, or are you just cowards...

I served 30 years in the Navy. A veteran of Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desrt Storm and in my last tour before I retired, Iraqi Freedom. I am outraged by the cowardice of this young officer. He signed up, voluntarily - knows the right thing to do and instead seeks BS means to avoid combat and the possibility of giving his life for his country. No one wants to die, no one wants to die in combat, but is is implicited understood when you sign on the dotted line and take the Oath. It's been a good ride in the US Army - for him - up until the point of deploying into combat "In support and defense of the constitution of the United States" remember those words Lt? your really setting the example for your men! but that's okay someone else that is just as afraid will step up to the plate and take your place and lead those other brave young men into combat and home again, God willing.

WOW!!!!! I leave town for a couple of weeks and you guys just go crazy. First off - the argument here is not about the facts of the WAR on terrorism. The argument is about Lt Watada disobeying orders. To all of you that support Watada, (like BB and Chad), you are supporting the demise of the United States Military. If you use your heads, you will see that supporting military personnel who disobey orders is a very bad thing.

All of you left wing, do-right, never been in the military, do-gooders are destroying the very fabric of this country. You all seem to make more of a plea for the enemy than our own people. In my eyes, that makes all of you traitors. Get some backbone and stand up for YOUR country and what is REALLY right. I am asking you to take a good long look at what you are saying. If Lt Watada gets away with this then who will be next? And then who after that? And then what will happen to the rank and file structure of the most powerful military in the world. And then what? Here comes all of these third world ass holes that want to kill YOU! And believe me they will.

You people are falling right into their hands and doing exactly what they want you to do. Showing weakness and turning tail and running. All the while they are laughing at us. Is that what you want??? Because that is what is happening. BB - you talk about all this knowledge you have. Now why don't you be smart enough to use it wisely. Or do you want to hide behind your convictions while these Arabic ass holes keep killing our people??? Do you think we should win or run and hide like whiny little children??? There are the facts for you. I have my facts straight.

Any person that joins the military is subject to orders from higher ranking superiors. All the way up to the President of the United States of America. No matter who that President may be or whether a person likes them or agrees with their politics. And those orders may be to go to war and possibly die. He/she signed the bottom line and made a contract to do so whether he/she agrees with it or not. Lt Watada made that contract and should be made an example of to make sure that no other military personnel try this and destroy our great military structure. Send him to Leavenworth.

Dale - Eastern WA Vet

By the way. Dan Rush and Dave are right in their way of thinking on this matter. You see, it is an honor thing. Something you other guys obviously don't understand nor will never understand with you having never been in the military. Things like this deal with Watada piss off guys like Dan and Dave and me. AND WE HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO FEEL THAT WAY WITH OUR HONORABLE DISCHARGES. PERIOD!!!!

And if you want to get down to it, I am very proud of President Bush for having balls enogh to stand up and say we've had enough of this terrorism crap. If the rest of you want to play your little rhetoric games, go ahead. Not only does he have to face the enemy in Iraq, he has to face the enemy like the likes of you, too, here at home.

On 9/11 we were attacked by terrorists. On 9/12 everyone was screaming go kill the enemy. Now everyone is screaming kill the president for going to war with these guys????

What a bunch of whining punks!!!! Go to Iran or somewhere. You should be ashamed to call yourselves Americans. I sure am sorry for you.

Oh by the way. Watch out for guys like AP. He'll run into you walking down the street because he isn't wearing his dark glasses and carrying his white cane.

Dale, explains the overall strategy and tactics of our enemy very well. The first mistake in any combat scenario is to NEVER underestimate his ability. This is exactly what the left wing liberals do all the time, as long as it is quite and they ar4e lulled into a false sense of security whie someone on the front lines is paying the check for it, they are fine. Have another major terroist attacks and they blame the militray and the leadership (President).

The Military is NOT a democratic society. You give up that right when you accept the terms of the contract and take the oath of office (for Officers)part of that oath says that you will "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office I am about to enter". Lt scaredcrapless - has forgetten that part or choses to ignore it. The militray is and can be a wonderful career with many benefits, the down side is you can die doing it. There are no atheists in foxholes and anyone who has been in combat and faced the possibility of never coming home again - is scared, we have all been scared (vets) but you face it, with honor, integrity and flat out guts.Lt scaredcrapless is a coward, plain and simple and for displaying cowardice in the face of the enemey by refusing to fight, he should be court martialed, found guilty stripped of his commission and whatever else as the UCMJ permits. (firing squad?)

Ya know I was just a punk kid with no direction in life, I enlisted and after some troubled times I "got it" and advanced from E-1 to 0-4 and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. I was proud to "support and defend the constitution of the united states against all enemmies foriegn and domestic" and I "obeyed the orders of the officers appointed over me and the president of the united states" without ever a question. My recommendation to Lt scaredcrapless is that he do the same - or bring me back in and I will do it for him.

Ya know, it's too bad that Lt Scaredcrapless does not use his intelligence (in figuring out that this is an illegal war) in doing his primary job, that of being a leader and keeping his men alive! but some senior NCO or another junior officer has already taken his place and is doing that for him (and unscrewing the heads of those that he undoubtedly screwed up while he was in charge) While he pours in countless hours, days and weeks over news articles, books etc to prove his case, while getting paid, housed, and fed for it! courtesy of all of us.

Dave, and Dale,

Let me be clear, I do not condone any soldier disobeying a legal order. I fully understand the requirements for chain of command and discipline as a necessity for a strong military. That is not the point here. Convince me that this war is leagal and I'll take back all support for Watada.

You might also keep in mind that it is not the fact that we have a strong military that makes this country great, it is how we use that military. I too love this country, and it angers me to see this great country disgraced by the misuse and abuse of our military power.

Before you accuse me, or anyone else, of being weak because we don't support this phony "war on terrorism", think about whether or not the military is the right solution. Ask yourself why Israel is still bombing Palestine after all these years. Why can't their military wipe out those terrorists? Why haven't we found Bin Laden? Why are we still in Afganistan? Why are we still in Iraq? Why is it that so many military strategists and experts agree that the military will never stop terrorism?

Terrorism is not the same thing as Nazi Germany, it is a form of criminal activity that requires police work, significant intelligence, and cooperation from all governments around the globe. You do not get these things by invading countries. You get them through diplomacy and legitimate foreign policy, neither of which the Bush administration has ever tried.

If terrorism was as easy to solve as you seem to think, we would have stopped it long ago, and the Middle East would be a mecca for peace.

Simple soulutions do not solve complex problems, they often make the problem worse.

Ya know, there was a guy on the other King5 blog about Watada that called 9/11 a petty thing. It's that kind of mentality that I'll stand against every time. He may be free to have his opinion, but I am free to have mine, also. It's people like that that I get a little raged at.

Although it is fun to have a page like this to opine with others. Wouldn't you agree?

BB,

I agree with your points and Dale makes good ones too! every life of an american soldier that is lost in Iraqi saddens me greatly. I was there at the kick off - Operation Iragi Freedom - and albeit involved in carrier strike ops, I can tell you we pounded them unmercifically for weeks, aniliating Iraqi troops and hundreds of strategic tagets. Shock and Awe. This was as you know to demonstarte our will and strength, and it was a mere sampling of our real capability, yet to this day the insurgents continue to fight us. It does ring of days of old ...Vietnam...we could win this fight - any fight - if we totally unleashed our entire firepower, but what would that get us peace? or WWIII? as we would be labeled as "barbarians" ... as a vet I am proud of my fellow vets and Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. But I must admit there are days when I have to ask myself - what are we getting for all of this loss of life? terrorism continues, albeit it is mre difficult for them now with increased security at home etc. But ... I just don't know, I would like to know that every death of an american buys us something...that life is remembered as a commitment to life itself and freedom. But does it? or are we fighting a scewed, culturistic, unwinable (in conventional means) money / oil war? for the rich to get richer at the means of young american lives? I know Saddam was a "must do" I have no problem with that...but I begin to wane on the war itself now. War in itself is ugly as we all know and you raised some very good points, why can't we find Bin Laden? etc...using the mighty hand of the military in this unconventional war - is it right? or do we need to really think out of the box to beat the terrosits at thier own game.
As for Lt Scaredcrapless - in the meantime, he may have a point, and it is made, unfortunately (for him) he is serving at the pleasure of the president of the United States via his Commission as an Officer and must obey the orders of those appointed over him. Agree with the war or not, he can protest in writing - then go pack his bags.

BB,

I agree with your points and Dale makes good ones too! every life of an american soldier that is lost in Iraqi saddens me greatly. I was there at the kick off - Operation Iragi Freedom - and albeit involved in carrier strike ops, I can tell you we pounded them unmercifically for weeks, aniliating Iraqi troops and hundreds of strategic tagets. Shock and Awe. This was as you know to demonstarte our will and strength, and it was a mere sampling of our real capability, yet to this day the insurgents continue to fight us. It does ring of days of old ...Vietnam...we could win this fight - any fight - if we totally unleashed our entire firepower, but what would that get us peace? or WWIII? as we would be labeled as "barbarians" ... as a vet I am proud of my fellow vets and Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. But I must admit there are days when I have to ask myself - what are we getting for all of this loss of life? terrorism continues, albeit it is mre difficult for them now with increased security at home etc. But ... I just don't know, I would like to know that every death of an american buys us something...that life is remembered as a commitment to life itself and freedom. But does it? or are we fighting a scewed, culturistic, unwinable (in conventional means) money / oil war? for the rich to get richer at the means of young american lives? I know Saddam was a "must do" I have no problem with that...but I begin to wane on the war itself now. War in itself is ugly as we all know and you raised some very good points, why can't we find Bin Laden? etc...using the mighty hand of the military in this unconventional war - is it right? or do we need to really think out of the box to beat the terrosits at thier own game.
As for Lt Scaredcrapless - in the meantime, he may have a point, and it is made, unfortunately (for him) he is serving at the pleasure of the president of the United States via his Commission as an Officer and must obey the orders of those appointed over him. Agree with the war or not, he can protest in writing - then go pack his bags.

This coward is trying to hide his cowardice within the constitution saying it is his duty to refuse to go. BS! he signed up, knew what he was getting into and once it got hot - (combat imminent) he sought other alternatives. I don't necesarily agree with the war in Iraq nor the way we fight it, but this butterbar coward needs to to be taught a stern lesson in military discipline. I wonder if he ever thinks about the other Officers and Enlisted men whom also "don't want to go" but they do....they face it, and that is called courage and honor - 2 words this junior officer knows nothing of. I hope they give him the maximum penalty allowable under the UCMJ and that he has a nice long visit to Leavenworth (not the one your thinking of) he will be surely "welcomed".

As I said on July 5, 2006

"As for Lt Scaredcrapless - in the meantime, he may have a point, and it is made, unfortunately (for him) he is serving at the pleasure of the president of the United States via his Commission as an Officer and must obey the orders of those appointed over him. Agree with the war or not, he can protest in writing - then go pack his bags."

oh btw for all of you peace supporters of scaredcrapless, (taxpayers) you have been paying him for doing nothing for over 6 months. Except to cause dissention and demoraliztion of our troops. As an Officer he is supposed to lead by example and "well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office he is aout to enter" that is a direct quote from the oath he swore upon commissioning. Which he has obsecenely scewed to serve his own desires, i.e. save his own skin.

LCDR Dave Christopherson, US Navy Ret.