Veterans Call to Conscience
    Comments, Feedback & Reports
April 2003
 
Apr. 11, 2003

  •     I was hoping to see my other comment put on your site, but I wasn't surprised that it wasn't. I still am sick at heart when I read the words in your flier, because although you have a right to say that war is murder, I don't think it is right to harass our soldiers. They have enough on their minds, enough worries without being told that they are going to be faced by people that hate them, and that they will be committing murder. Putting extra pressure on them won't make their jobs any easier, nor will it cause the good soldiers to quit. The fact that you are encouraging our soldiers to disobey orders is another thing that frightens me. I hope that you can sleep at night.

  •     I served four years in the Army Medical Corps, in Germany and stateside. I'm grateful for what the Army gave me: self-discipline, teamwork, a trade, money for college. Most of all I'm grateful that I didn't have to go to war - I had decided that if I were deployed to a combat zone I would do my job but refuse to carry a weapon. I feel great compassion and concern for people who are currently in the US military, and I totally support every effort to call on military personnel to listen to and follow their conscience. Please let me know how I can connect with like-minded veterans (especially GLBT vets) in San Francisco/the bay area. Thank you for your important work.
        Anthony Barreiro
        Army 1982 - 1986

Apr. 7, 2003

  •     Finally, some clarity in this madness. I am thrilled to see veterans speak out in opposition to a war that is so unfounded and insanely putting our men and women of the armed forces in peril. Thank you for giving me some hope in a country and world that has gone mad.
        And don't let some of these right-wing Pro-Bush idiots get you guys down. Some people refuse to see the truth and are brainwashed by Bush's spin-machine. The fact that you print their comments as well as people in support of our cause is honorable, and if you change one narrow mind and get them to see the whole picture without bias and rhetoric then you've done your job....God bless you, our troops and our country.

        SHAME ON YOU, MR. BUSH (NOT PRESIDENT....YOU'RE NOT MINE!)
        WWW.VOTETOIMPEACH.COM
        WWW.NOTINOURNAME.COM

  • Dear Friends,
        First, I want to thank you for an eloquent letter of calling to one's conscience that truly speaks strength from the heart.
        Next, I would like to ask those who oppose this war to see and sign the World-Wide Petition For Peace and Justice.
        This petition started on March 27, 2003 and already to minute has Over 56,497 signatures from AROUND THE WORLD - 213 Countries!

        Please consider joining me in adding your name to the following statement. Thousands of people have already done so, including Ezequiel Adamovsky, Vittorio Agnoletto, Michael Albert, Tariq Ali, Patrick Bond, Leslie Cagan, Noam Chomsky, Bill Fletcher, Eduardo Galeano, Susan George, Marta Harnecker, Boris Kagarlitsky, George Monbiot, Suren Moodlar, Hector Mondragon, Tanya Reinhart, Carola Reintjes, Arundhati Roy, Lydia Sargent and Howard Zinn.
        If, after reading it, you like what it has to say, take a few seconds to visit: www.zmag.org/wspj and add your name to the list of endorsers.
        The statement was released on March 27, 2003, and already more than 56,495 people have signed on from Around The World !!!!
        Please go to: www.zmag.org/wspj

        Thanks and Peace,
        Nicole

  • Boatswain's Mate 1976-1980, USS Proteus AS-19, USS Bristol County LST-1198.
        Let me start by saying that I am not particularly for this military action, but at this point and stage that issue is moot. If you noticed, I used the term of military action. Why? Because we have no formal Declaration of War. Our political leaders haven't got the courage to uphold the Constitution and declare a formal state of War. Instead they give the President the powers of a King to decide who and when we attack at his own discretion. Again, Why? Because the lack the moral character to take responsibility for their actions. If things go bad it is not their neck on the chopping block. But enough of this.
        WE are in a situation that is just like war. The soldiers bleed and die just like in war. They (the soldiers) took an oath. That oath commits them to protect the nation against all threats both foreign and domestic. To not honor that oath is the same as committing treason. It matters not one whittle whether you agree with what our leaders have gotten us into. It is the soldier who must get us out of it. And if you think for one minute that by us not taking any action will get us out of the threat against us, you need to pull your head out of the sand.
        My suggestion is this. If you do not love this nation, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, or the Flag, then perhaps you should catch the next flight out to the nation of your choice. While I myself am past the age where I can be accepted for military service again, I would do so if permitted. Why? Because this IS MY NATION. MY vote does count. And I above all else will do my duty. I took that oath many years ago, it is still just as valid today as it was in 1976. If needed I will defend my nation if I can.
        I may not like what is taking place, but by God I love my military personnel. I support them 110%. I pray for their safe return home. I didn't vote for Bush, but I pray for him too. I pray that he conducts this action in the best manner possible to ensure that the largest amount of military are able to return home alive.
        If you don't support the President, that's alright. But don't you dare dishonor our soldiers in my presence. The outcome will not be one of your liking.
        If you don't want us to be at war, all I can say is welcome to the club. Neither do I, and I am sure that I speak for the vast majority of the military, neither do they. THEY are the ones who will be paying the price. THEY are the ones in harm's way. THEY are the ones who keep you as safe as is possible.
        So cut the crap!

  •     I am a veteran of the USMC of seven years and I served in the 1st Gulf War. I am disgusted with your movement and your comments. It is your pacifist principles that have caused more death and suffering and war throughout the 20th century--not the actions of brave men and women defending our way of live. You should be ashamed of your veteran status--I am.
        Sincerely,
        Jonathan Hollands

  •     The anti war protestors were marching again this weekend to voice their opposition to the war in Iraq.
        While they certainly have the right to protest, a lot of people are wondering what it is they're trying to accomplish.
        I mean, think about it. What are the anti war protestors trying to do? What's their goal? What result do they want from their efforts?
        The obvious answer of course is to stop the war. But maybe they haven't noticed. The war is already underway.
        Are these anti war protestors really suggesting that we just stop fighting, that we just start leaving Iraq now, and just leave the Iraqi people to deal with what's left of the regime by themselves?
        Are they really suggesting that we just come home, that the coalition and civilian lives that have been lost not count for anything?
        Are they really suggesting that we just leave the people of Iraq, just get out of Baghdad and let the evil acts of Saddam Hussein resume?
        Obviously, it's way too late for that. And that's why some people get angry with anti war protestors. Instead of marching through the streets, how about putting some energy into something that would really make a difference, like sending money for humanitarian relief, or offering assistance to families with loved ones in the war?
        Instead, many of the anti war protestors act like a little kid who's lost an argument and everyone has moved on, but the kid sits in the corner with arms crossed and a scowl on his face just to show everyone he's still unhappy.
        You know what advice a kid like that would get? It's time to grow up and move on.
        Bill Reno