Veterans Call to Conscience     Comments, Feedback & Reports

March 2003

Mar. 31, 2003

Hello:     My brothers are on active military duty : one is currently overseas , engaged in Iraq/Afghanistan. The other one will be deployed in the next couple of months, even though he is recovering from 2 surgeries.     What are the legal ramifications for becoming a Conscientious Objector, is it possible to do this? I want them to be made aware of the political realities and their choices as human beings. My one brother, who is waiting to be sent , already has served in the Gulf twice (post Gulf-War) ; and suffered noticeable medical abnormalities when he returned to the States. I am convinced it is because of his time served there.     What more can I do for them? I am trying to make them aware of the realities of this war , and the agenda of the Bush Administration and their greedy corporate allies/puppeteers.     Thank you,    KM    Los Angeles, CA Hello,     Please take this money I gratefully offer and use it to help soldiers and Iraqi peoples lives with the great work you are doing.     I have always been against war. When I was very young during the Vietnam war I was against soldiers. Unfortunately I didn't understand how our society teaches young men to be aggressive and crave power. I didn't understand that many were forced to go, others honestly believed they were helping their country and many Black and Brown vets were there because of poor job opportunities. Many wanted money for college. Age does make you wiser and more understanding.     Now when I pray, march, write letters etc I do it for the war victims and soldiers who may also be victim to death, disability, effects of uranium and irresponsibly used medications and poison "antidotes".     Thanks for really trying to help and country and the victims of our country.    Elaine Rose The Soldier It is the soldier, not the poet, who gives us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the reporter, who gives us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to protest. It is the soldier who serves beneath the flag, who salutes the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the demonstrator the right to burn the flag Think about it. Hello Americans,     Thank God there are a few of you out there who understand what human dignity is all about in these times of strife and misinformation from mainstream western media.     I come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi. (And I am not a Muslim, please note, I am a Zoroastrian, the smallest minority in the world.) There is enough violence in my country today for me to realize how far we have strayed from the noble man's ideals. But despite having been at the receiving end of the worst kind of terrorism for years on end, we have shown enough restraint over the years not to be drawn into a full scare war. Even our belligerently rightist government recognises what horrors a war is fraught with.     Yet what I see today in the poster land of liberty pains me beyond all measure. Here's a nation and its citizens too scared to face facts, too arrogant to heed popular international opinion, too narrow minded to think beyond its own self-serving interests.     A nation which never tires of shouting itself hoarse about freedom of speech and then, at the drop of a hat bans every semblance of dissent from its sanest commentators. (The banning of Al Jazeera news channel being the latest in the line of such bigoted decisions.) And some body please convince me otherwise about the sanity of the so called Patriot's Act!     America America! Where have all your Martin Luthers, Abraham Lincolns, Thomas Paines, Bob Dylans and Mohd Ali's (remember the Vietnam draft?) disappeared? Where are your real leaders? Where are those noble values through which you inspired so much awe and respect (not shock and awe of the Bush, Rumsfeld kind) throughout this planet for a large part of the last century?     This is not a war, as most opinion leaders have rightly pointed out, this is an unprovoked, vulgar and shameless attack on a defenseless enemy. Don't ever delude yourself about that. Saddam might be evil, the communists might be evil as well, but what is happening out there under the supposedly benign eye of a democratically elected government is nothing short of a crying shame. Which is why I am thankful to God for the few of you'll who choose to be on the right side of humanity.    Vistasp Hodiwala    Mumbai, India BUMPER STICKER WAR-IRAQ    The American public's division over Iraq, a preemptive strike on a whole country to punish one man Saddam, has shown how difficult it is for words to express feelings about the war. In the current milieu the two sides have resorted to bumper sticker length slogans and arguments that can fit on picket signs or that suit talk radio. Love it or Leave it. Not in my Name. Support the troops. No Blood for Oil. Find and Destroy WMD. Impeach Bush. I guess this should surprise no one. We now have bumper sticker news, bumper sticker religion and bumper sticker therapists. Opinion poll questions are being worded with bumper sticker phrases to skew the results in favor of the war.    The war was started by the President who was incapable of judging others except in categories of black and white. "You are either with us or against us-show your hand." Weapons of Mass Destruction have proven elusive to find so Bush simply changed their slogan to liberate Iraq.    To say you are for the war means you want victory over Saddam but it also means you accept the deaths, both civilian and military, inflicted by that war. But most can't follow this argument. In their minds American soldiers are bullet proof and only the enemy will be punished. Yet on close analysis those who favor the war are masochists since they surely will read of the deaths and dismemberment of their own sons and daughters. To be in favor of a pretty little war where your side only inflicts punishment and your soldiers are bullet proof is insanity. Those favoring the war are incapable of sympathy for the deaths of both the innocent and guilty Iraqi sons and daughters.    Those who oppose and promote the war realize the vast advantage America's first rate military has over a third rate army of Saddam. Those who oppose assert that this is not a war but a massacre, a slaughter, a killing field.    Those favoring this bumper sticker war cannot bring themselves to agree that another person can both support the troops and disavow the war-what, in fact the troops are engaged in-killing. The argument that the troops should be brought home to spare them their own death doesn't register. Deep within, the war supporters accept the death and destruction of war-the same way they enjoy a good war movie. In fact this bumper sticker war is another TV movie for most. War news is now being used to sell Campbell's soup, Whipped Cream, ladies makeup and don't forget the Viagra.    The trouble with the gung-ho acceptance of this war, "Semper Fi-always faithful," is two fold: 1st, if Bush gets away with this one-who's next? 2nd, what happened to the slogans "love those who despitefully use you," and "thou shalt not kill?" Sorry this piece doesn't fit on a bumper sticker but it is hard to argue using bumper sticker slogans even though this is a bumper sticker war.    Eugene Goheen     Congratulations, veterans, on your wake-up call. Your final paragraph goes straight to the heart of individual responsibility:     "If the people of the world are ever to be free, there must come a time when being a citizen of the world takes precedence over being the soldier of a nation. Now is that time. "     Indeed it has been the time for more than half a century.     The deaths of millions of brave and decent people around the world in 1939-45 led to the moment of truth: Nuremburg.     Here is what Supreme Court Justice Robert L. Jackson, chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg war crimes trials, proclaimed on behalf of all of us at that time:     To those who give the orders: "We must make clear to the Germans that the wrong for which their fallen leaders are on trial is not that they lost the war, but that they started it. And we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into a trial of the causes of the war, for our position is that no grievances or policies will justify resort to aggressive war. It is utterly renounced and condemned as an instrument of policy."     To those who choose to obey them: "The very essence of the Nuremberg charter is that individuals have international duties which transcend national obligations of obedience imposed by the state."     It is to all those wonderful people, who were ready to give all that they had and all that they hoped for so that aggression can't prevail, that we must extend our support. We must refuse to defile their achievement by committing the crime of military aggression for which German and Japanese criminals were hanged and for which Iraq itself was severely punished a decade ago. The oil isn't worth it. Nothing is worth it.     The first lesson: war crimes don't have to be committed by foreigners to be war crimes, and aggression to seize control of another country's government and resources is a war crime no matter who commits it and what tissue of lies is used for a pretext.    Dion Giles    Western Australia    The war in Iraq is many things, but the most important thing is that it is a crime. A crime being committed by the Bush Administration and for that matter every member of Congress and every American citizen who is "going along to get along". It is the duty of the troops to stand down because they are being given unlawful orders. It is time for War Crimes tribunals to be kicked into action and impeachment proceedings to begin. Crimes of this magnitude, pre-meditated mass murder with our tax dollars and against the U.S. Constitution must be stopped immediately. We need a battery of attorneys to represent those among us who are the true patriots of this country. It appears to me that our troops are no more than paid mercenaries for U.S./Multi-national corporations seeking land grabs for political and corporate hegemony. The whole thing stinks to high Heavens. The time has come to create a legal machine to take on those in our government who are guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors.     Charlene Richards    FREEDOM: This is what America is all about. You have the freedom to dissent when you disagree with our Leaders. You have the freedom to stand lawfully on the sidewalk and display placards of anti-American slogans. I say anti-American because we live in a democracy where the vast majority of Americans are behind our President and our military. Yes, our military has made mistakes and individual solders have been less than honorable on the battlefield. You bring these up in your statement. How sad it must be for you to think that this is our military policy to condone horrible acts. The hate in your heart is festering and interfering with your logical thought. As a Viet Nam Vet I would like to tell you something you already know. The vast majority of veterans our not with you. Japan, Germany, Italy and many other countries have been occupied by our troops because of conflict only to rise up and become great contributors to this world. The people of Iraq will be part of a future world that will be at peace . Sitting back and praying that Hitler would just go away was something the French did. We Americans will not suffer the same fate. At what point would you agree to a war? If we were attacked, right. Well we were attacked- 9-11. Times have changed and we will have to go after countries who support terror. I will not sit back like France and pray we never have another 9=11. We must take the fight to them and pray that in the end we can all live in peace without fear of another 9-11. Please pray for our troops and the people of Iraq that this war will end very soon.    Don Vine    I am concerned about the numbers of young parents who enlisted in the guard as a way to help support a young family only to find that BOTH mother and father are sent to active duty, leaving young children, even newborns, behind. Unknown 'victims' of this war will be US babies without parents, even if only for a few months (we hope and pray!) There should be a law against that.    I'm concerned about a local soldier, enlisted in the guard, who found out his young daughter had colon cancer right before deploying. His employer immediately canceled his health insurance and now the insurance company will not provide the needed surgery for the daughter. His wife has always been a stay at home mom and since the soldier was a white collar professional, there's no way this mother can afford the bills and to pay the insurance company premiums. The employer only has to promise the soldier a job when and if he returns - not to pay the health insurance for the stranded family. Maybe his daughter is going to be an "unknown victim" of this war. Anyway, the employers should be forced to pay the health insurance premiums as well.    RG K-Love The Iraq War is illegal and immoral; I want my President Gore back where he belongs! He is a Viet Nam veteran, too!    Kathleen Boyd, Army 1974-1974 & 1984-1989 The present administration / defense organization is becoming exactly what Eisenhower / Washington / Jefferson warned us of undue influence in our foreign policy by people who place their personal welfare / interests ahead of those of our nation. Our country has never been in greater danger than it is in today - and the threat is internal, not external.    Gerald A. Steele    Army 1970-1972 Drafted during illegal & unnecessary Korean War    Dale Nesbitt    Army 1953-1955 As I write to you, I'm listening to Democracy Now on the radio. They're talking about Psy Ops in Iraq. This took me back to a day in 1967. I was with the 12th Marines A Battery, we were at Con Thien in the D.M.Z. in Vietnam The word came down that a NVA Psy Ops team was set up in a village. The response was a time on target, using six batteries from 8 inch to 4.2 mortars. I was in fire direction, we calculated time on target which put all the shells hitting eth target at the same time. After we fired the word came back that the target had been destroyed. Since then, I haven't been able to stop wondering how horrifying it must have been for the people in that village. My heart aches as we do this again in another part of the world. Will it ever stop?    I support the Call to Conscience. I was to stress to the troops that whatever happens to them, they're screwed. They only scars I carry from the war are in my heart and mind. You will never be the same person after your combat experience and no matter how hard you try you can't change that. The veterans administration will do all it can to avoid giving you any help. When I filed a claim for PTSD in 1999, I was denied. I discovered after talking to other vets that this is what they do to all claims. Then I had to see a counselor in order to prove that what I had been living with for almost 30 years was real. After 3 years of counseling and shrinks, they finally admitted they were responsible for fucking up my life. The VA's hope is that we'll either die or get frustrated and give up. To all vets - never give up. Anything you can get out of the US is less that can be used to wage more wars. For years I felt that I never wanted their blood money, but I came to realize that anything I can get would be less for them to use for more blood letting. I'm 56 now. I have spent most of my life angry and bitter. I don't want to see anymore like me.    Never give up.    Thanks    Jim Keyser

Mar. 28, 2003

I am also a veteran. While I respect your opinion at www.calltoconscience.net, I feel you have made great errors in your judgment as presented on your site. War is an ugly and abhorrent thing that man has created for himself. However, there are times when men of honor must stand up and STRENGTHEN our world by ENFORCING international law and rule. I know you feel that the war is itself a breach of international law by the US, this is not true. International law has been categorically and undeniably violated for over 12 years by Saddam and his Regime. The UN has stood by and made itself completely illegitimate over this issue, something Bush is not allowing (Remember, even Clinton felt Saddam required military confrontation, the UN failed him also). This is about disarmament, this is about a terrorist friendly regime, this is about UN and US legitimacy. War is avoidable, and should always be so, unless you are dealing with men and government leaders like Saddam, Hitler, and others. Men with this mindset are warmongers and do not learn until punished and removed. It sounds childish and immature to deal with men in this manner, yet unavoidable because of the very nature of the men.     Bush may even have other interests in what we are doing, but his interests are undeniably our own interests as the American population. Our gas is currently overpriced and below quality, this is not good for a nation who relies on oil for it's economic function. Once this war is completed and the Iraqi oil we, as a nation have grown to depend on, will flow freely into our economy. This oil from Iraq will then rebuild a strong and friendly democracy instead of building palaces, statues and commissioned paintings of a tyrant in his attempt to be a god.     As Americans, and more importantly as American soldiers, we have a responsibility to lead the world and keep it in a place that ensures our longevity as a country. Do not lose sight of this charge. We are the only country with the economic, military, and religious power to satisfy the duties set before us. We can no longer ignore governments, groups, or religions that physically and philosophically threaten our stability. If you choose to become an isolationist, relying on abstract diplomacy efforts and big business compromise to govern the world, you are a facilitator of anarchy. Remember, geo-political issues are more complicated than a bumper sticker that says: "No War for Oil!", or "Not in my Name". You must first see the big picture and think rationally before informing the public. If you distort and divide the public, you will become illegitimate as a voice.     I hope this message receives you well and is accepted into your mind as an optional way of thinking you can explore in your own search for the truth. Just as I have done with your website.     Steven Young     Sacramento, CA And you call yourself veterans, I am a veteran and am awed and ashamed To know that you have turned against your service, your country and our leadership, This is a disgrace, to all who served and are now serving     McDonald James F GS-07 AFOATS/SDCS The path for those who want to create a better world is clear.         -A world ruled by international law, not force.         -An atmosphere of peace.         -Understanding between people.     The very powerful (in a restricted sense) Bush-administration is working against this on all accounts and must be stopped. The only right way to stop them is through the goodness of the American people, they alone can stop the US military on this path. These Veterans lead this cause and I salute them. Take a look at www.mfso.org if you are not familiar with it.     Clark This website is inspiring, and has many valid points in which a lot of U.S. citizens and soldiers likely won't believe until they see the destruction, and moral decay of the U.S. troops and leaders during this war.     There have been many veterans of war from the U.S. that have told of seeing other U.S. soldiers murdering, raping, mutilating people and innocent civilians of the countries they were apparently trying to "defend" or "liberate".     The fact that people will not believe that the U.S. sold the chemical and biological warfare, along with weapons of mass destruction to Iraq as well as other countries and terrorist groups is ridiculous. As long as the U.S. is making money, it was find fof Saddam to have these weapons, but, as soon as they weren't they decided to wage war.     The U.S. also has the second largest amount of weapons of mass destruction, which they had said would be destroyed by 2004, oddly enough they start a war in 2003. I doubt that they will not destroy the weapons since they will say they need it for "defense".     I feel horrible that many U.S. citizens and soldiers do not believe that the U.S. government has performed experiments of weapons on their own troops throughout history. Agent Orange being one of them, and a class action suit proved to award the destroyed troops and their families nothing. There are still children being born with horrible disabilities in Vietnam and the U.S. from the effects of this chemical warfare used by the U.S.     I hope that the war stops soon, without any more people dying. The U.S. soldiers will likely die from friendly fire, or another malfunction in their air craft (it is an odd percentage of that happening in this war). But, of course, the U.S. government will not admit that the Iraqi forces were able to kill their troops, or take them as prisoners, or take down their aircraft, so we will never know the truth. There will be families who will not receive a body of a soldier, being told he was lost in battle.     Also, the U.S. government has lied to it's people and to Canada about our troops not participating. They have been during the whole war. Escorting the U.S. into Kuwait waters, being on the front line. They are at risk, Peacekeepers without bullets.     And now the Canadian government has sent over 100 million dollars to the Iraqis in hopes of helping civilians who are being brutally maimed, and murdered. Children are in hospitals that are barely functioning due to attacks from the U.S. And this is liberation? There will be no one in Iraq left to liberate. They will all be dead, and I'm sure that is what Bush is aiming for. There will be U.S. occupation in Iraq, and they WILL get oil, since that is what Bush is gunning for. Dear colleagues of Call to Conscience,     I have read with great interest your courageous appeal to US soldiers to refuse to fight in Iraq, and I am deeply moved.     On behalf of Yesh Gvul ("There's a Limit !") I wish to heartily endorse and support your efforts to foster resistance from within the army. Here in Israel, nearly 1100 soldiers and reservists are committed to refusal to serve in the occupied territories or take part in the repression of the Palestinian population. If we compare populations, that is the equivalent of 50,000 US soldiers committed to a similar refusal. Here, that declaration has been backed up with deeds. Many hundreds of Israeli soldiers and reservists have already refused, since the beginning of the present intifada over 200 have been jailed for their defiance, following in the footsteps of over 500 penalized in previous campaigns (Lebanon, the first intifada).     Yesh Gvul is the most veteran of the refusal groups. We pursue a consistent campaign of education directed at soldiers and persons of military age, with leafleting of military bases and transportation centers, vigils at military prisons, public support events to back up our refuseniks.     Please accept our best wishes in your endeavors. We look forward to hearing of the progress of your campaign.     Peretz Kidron     www.yesh-gvul.org While I will defend your right to have this site and voice your opinion as loud as you desire, I have several problems with it.     This is about the 8th anti-war site that I have visited. Not one has given instructions on your most important right and OBLIGATION! Voting!     Vote every chance you get! This is by far the most important way that you can make a meaning full change in our government.     My vote does not matter! WRONG, look at local elections, often won by under 100 votes. Cities under 5,000. If you feel that strongly about this, get 100 of your closest friend and walk down and VOTE! If have not done that, sit down and shut up. You are along for a free ride and have not done your duty as an American.     If you have voted, please feel free to express your opinion as loud and as long as you like. That is you right and duty as an American. Question authority! If not they will take you to the cleaners as quickly and efficiently as they can!     The other problem that I have with this site is to compare the Military now with the military in Vietnam is wrong. The military is not drafted anymore. All are volunteers. They swear to follow the President of the United States of America( a duly elected official, that vote thing again).     Last but not least, to think that desert storm and this war are the same is the biggest injustice that you could bestow upon the Kuwaitis. During desert storm we went and liberated a country that had been taken over by Saddam, he was raping the country and people for everything that was not nailed down(and some things that where). Those goals where cut and dry. On the other hand Saddam complained to the U.N. that the Kuwaitis where slant oil well drilling into his fields in 1978. The U.N. did nothing(that vote thing again), so he took it upon himself to right that injustice. He just forgot that Bush wanted to be re-elected in 2 years. Oh that dam "vote" thing again. One question, what world do you live in? It is obviously one that blinds you from the reality outside. The world is not a friendly place, and I will not attempt to educate you on the current state of affairs for I doubt you would even be able to understand it. World Peace is a theory - hope - wish - that, although a grand idea, will not come to pass in our lifetime, if ever.     I can't express how thankful I am that you are now Veterans and not actively serving our country. For if you were, we would surely be doomed.     The choice to take action was done so by a popular vote and if you think we can stop now, your ignorance has pulled the world over your eyes.     Although I believe in the freedom of speech, your dissention is un-American and ill informed. If possible, take the time to educate yourself before making such bold statements in the future. I could go on, for I have taken the time to educate myself before stating my opinions, but will stop here, for I doubt - as blind as you are - that it would do any good. I read this on the Russian Iraq war site     Padraic J. Cohee, Army 1953-1955 I feel that we should still continue efforts to stop this travesty and to remove those persons in power who initiated and support this war.     James F. hatcher, Jr Air Force 1968-1972

Mar. 26, 2003

I ask all the pro-war people is why attack Iraq now? Let me explain my opinion. Although, these are not really "liberal" opinions but are really facts. The only opinion part of it is "why now".     I listened to the speech, given by Bush about Saddam Hussein and Iraq. The speech seems to have the effect on many people such as this..."Boy this guy never seems to learn, we have to take care of him now once and for all". Now let's hold this thought while I then ask some questions. First let's first try to make sense of something before we believe it.     If you first are at least somewhat knowledgeable about Iraq's history during the last 15 years or so it would be of great help here also. These speeches that Bush had given to the American people are not given to educate people about Saddam and Iraq. They are designed only to sell a war to the public.     In the speech given by Bush he tells about Saddam gassing his own people, killing opponents etc, etc. First of all the people that he allegedly gassed were the Kurds, who during the Iran-Iraq war sided with Iran, so that is a little deceptive just to give one example. And all of these bad things that Bush talks about that Saddam allegedly did did NOT happen recently. All of these things happened in the 80's. And the funny thing about it is the United States government was good friends with Saddam when all of these things were going on.     There is only one thing Bush could bring up that would be good propaganda against Saddam and it would also be true. But he NEVER once mentioned it in any of his speeches. That is Saddam's fighter jets once bombed an American Navy ship, the USS Stark back in the late 80's during the Iran-Iraq war and KILLED 37 US sailors. If this would of happened recently it would be a VERY good argument for going to war. Back at the time Saddam claimed it was an accident. I guess they believed Saddam back then because that did not trigger war.     You must ask yourself...why didn't Bush ever mention this in any of his speeches about Saddam? I know...because if he did he knows the American people would say..." well, why didn't we do anything about that then." Also Bush says that Saddam has links to Al Qaeda. The funny thing here too is that the CIA says there is NO evidence of this. The CIA says there is No evidence relating Iraq to 911, although Bush makes sure he never misses a chance of relating Saddam to 911 in everyone of his speeches, capitalizing off the tragedy of about 3000 innocent people. And you must ask yourself...what is defined as a link (to Al Qaeda)...if a member of Al Qaeda flies from Afghanistan to Japan and has a 1/2 layover in Baghdad, would this be a link? Bush would probably make it sound like it is. So you have to QUESTION every remark Bush makes or else you could be very fooled. I heard the Iraq military is only about 1/3 the size it was prior to the Gulf War. Iraq has never threatened United States. Iraq has not invaded or threatened any of it's neighbors since the Gulf War. None of his neighbors really feel threatened by Iraq. The UN inspectors said they have NOT, repeat NOT found any biological/chemical or nuclear weapons. And I heard if any of these weapons (chemical/biological) were left over from the early 90's, they would be useless by now anyway. So the big question is ...what has Saddam and his government did "RECENTLY" to warrant a war NOW? The things that happened in the 80's are over and done with. Iraq was punished for invading Kuwait, which by the way they claimed was really part of Iraq at one time. The Resolution by the UN for Iraq not to posses Weapons of Mass Destruction, it is not about anything else, like how bad Saddam is or what he did 15 years ago. So what is so important that we need to send young men and women in harms way to fight for and waste tens, maybe hundreds of billions of YOUR TAX MONEY at a time when we have a very huge budget deficit? And we are reminded almost every minute of every day about how bad Saddam Hussein is etc. and that "Bush says" he has links to Al Qaeda, what we are not reminded of every day are the links that top members of the Bush Administration have to oil. Cheney, Bush and Condoleeza all have links to oil. Bush and Cheney were trying to get the rights to drill for oil in Alaska about a year ago or so and then off the coast of Florida, all of which got shot down. I don't know how other people think but to me this sounds like they are looking for an oil supply. Now they turned their attention to Iraq. Iraq has the second largest of oil reserves in the world. This oil is also a high quality oil which is cheap to refine.     And on 60 minutes about a month ago they had a man on who was an oil strategist who said that oil IS part of the reason for an attack on Iraq. All of this I mentioned are facts and NOT "liberal propaganda". So many of you still might say oil has nothing to do with it? I will either except it does or it is a BIG coincidence then...one of the two. This is one of the most poignant (spelling?) well articulated statements on the war I have heard. My Father (85)earned the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross during WWII. .he opposes this war. My brother in Maine was in Vietnam with the Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit. he wears and hands out black arm bands .I will send both this statement     I was recently in Israel/Palestine listening to veterans appeal to youth to refuse to serve in the Occupied Territories and hearing about 18 year olds in isolation in army prisons on hunger strikes. I talked with many Israeli soldiers about standards of international human rights and encouraging them to see the Palestinians as more than stereotyped 'terrorists". One Israeli soldier at a military checkpoint on Christmas Eve turned to me after agreeing to release a Palestinian standing in the rain " do you think Santa Claus will come tonight?". Most soldiers are simply kids who have to be taught how to demonize The Enemy.     I wish you so well and let me know if there is anything I can do to help out your effort.     Ridgely Fuller Greetings,     I have sent a check for $25.00 to the Seattle address in response for funding for an ad in the USA Today. I really believe in the Call to Conscience and think that it could help to change public opinion, if distributed broadly. Are you also printing broadsides of the Call? Is there a PDF file available on the web? Will you let people know the progress of this campaign to publish the Call?     Sincerely,     Rob Morris     herbndev@execpc.com     Green Bay, WI To whom it may concern:     I appreciate your heartfelt desire to oppose a war you feel is unjust. The corner stone of our freedom, indeed freedom, relies upon informed _expression. That is why I cannot support your cause.     I served in the U.S. Navy as a Fire control man from 1994-1999 and am about to be commissioned as an Ensign. I have never been ordered to fire on a civilian target nor has anyone with whom I have every spoken. I do not for a second believe that we have ever been or ever will be perfectly precise in hitting only our targets. That being said, I enlisted in the military to safeguard our civil liberties and to help those in other parts of the world. I work toward this by applying deeply rooted ethical behavior and integrity to my duties.     I believe the it is vital to our freedom that the military is run by elected (or ratified by elected) civilian leadership. We in the military do not pick our fights directly. That would lead to the failure of any military to act usefully. I urge everyone who is opposed to this war to use legal and ethical means to convince the elected politicians to act in congress and in the White House.     I for one will answer the call to arms all the while praying for peace.     Sincerely,     C. McCurry Just a little note from a person with 19 years of service... You people must have cheated on your 'Asvab' test, or at least failed your psyche tests. The total ignorance that permeates your 'organization is simply astounding. Where were you when Clinton bombed Kosovo, or Sudan? Labeling you people traitors doesn't encompass the loathing I have for you. I'd bet to a man/woman, that you're all Democrats, socialists, or even anarchists. To have served our country in uniform, and to be used and manipulated by those on the 'Luny Left" must make you feel like the self-loathing traitors that you truly are. Please, do us, and yourselves a favor, emigrate to Iraq, and as an experiment, voice some dissent against the current regime....better hurry though, time is short...you sniveling, yellow bellied cowards.     Dave Hi there !     I'm a Portuguese girl and I've read your Call to Conscience. It's frightening what can happen in a war. We've seen it here decades ago in our former colonies in Africa when they started to fight for independence. There was a dictatorial regime in Portugal at that time and it was inside our Armed Forces, a group of brave captains, that a revolution started, the regime changed and our troops came back home. I wish I could have seen that April morning in 1974 when everyone in Lisbon came out into the streets to cheer and support those captains and the only thing you saw on the gun barrels were red carnations. So I do think we can change things. Most of the times, at least. Sometimes I kind of despair that we can really make a difference. Anyway, the real reason why I'm writing is because I've been wanting to do something and I saw you had some translations of the Call into other languages and, if you want it and find it useful, I wouldn't mind translating it into Portuguese.     Thank you for your courage and for helping me to believe. I need these kind of reminders every once and a while     Carla America, you are a great country why, why, why you are acting now so small? Bring peace to the world, no war.Remove the plague of aids in Africa YOU can do that Strengthen with all your might the UN     You can make or break her     greetings from Holland     Frans Zwitser brothers and sisters,     I am a Vietnam vet who has signed the statement. I also read it publicly at a demonstration in Hartford ct on march 23. The recent email mentioned all the speakers except myself. they fear the credibility if combat veterans. I am available and willing to speak. I enlisted in 1969 and volunteered for Nam, serving 1970-71 with the 23rd Inf at Chu Lai as a medic.     dave ionno live in the United Kingdom and once served in the British Army on the Rhine and being 'of an age' I am now a pensioner but I want to make a small financial contribution. Can I do it on line or shall I send a cheque and where do I send it?     Jim Hynes I was is the Nuclear, Thermo Nuclear, and Neutron Bomb/s in Europe also certified Ordnance on the ICBM Minuteman @ the Cape, firing down range, No telling what I was exposed to, Now at my age, the Military tells me I have no records, there were no career field/s (AFSC), Army (MOS)However the gentleman I spoke with at VA in West Palm stated that he had 16 files in his drawer of Vets that claim to have been involved in the same weaponry, and the AF denies them benefits also by claiming there were no career field that they were claiming. I beg the young men and Ladies serving throughout the world being used to murder innocent people acting as Soldiers for hire, and allowing the OWO to use you, they will do you the same way. If you don't think they have plans for you, why have they (OWO) built Crematories there where you are at? Why do you think Slick Willie Bill Clinton sign the Exe. order tom have in excess of 20,000,000 Twenty Million body bags built, just laying there waiting to place corpse into them? My Brother, and Sisters, please get the hell out of there, don't be afraid to say NO, I AM NOT GOING NO FUTHER IN THIS DEATH MARCH. Address: P.O.Box 2408 City: VB State: Florida Country: USA Zip: 32960 Phone: 772 299 3243 Email: jimmylee@stis.net I wasn't maked my Duty by US-Army, but by German Bundeswehr. I hope it isn't a problem, cause i was not a member in US - Army. I worked from1986-1990 by 3rd CEC USAEUR in Karlsruhe Neureut as a civilian worker by US-Army, during this time, i maked my duty in the German- Bundeswehr!     Alexander, Gerhard Schmidt, Army Reserve, 1987 - 1988 The worst years of my life - and my country's. Until now.     David Peevers, Navy , 1965-1967 This war is a crime against humanity     Charles Scarlott, Army , 3/53-12/54 The military is turning our children into mercenaries and international thugs     Tony Kosloski, Navy, aug 63 thru Jan 67 I won't stand quietly by while this happens in our world.     Bethanie Beauchem Johnson     Army 1988- 1992 As an American, I worry about our troops who once again may be called for the ultimate sacrifice for a questionable war. How sad that people like your group and folks like myself are portrayed as unpatriotic when in fact our motives are based on concern over the well being of AMERICANS. Ironically, many of the vets who fought previous wars are immune to the diatribe and hollow cries for war and wizened to policies that just don't seem to make sense. Case in point. The President asked for 74 billion for the war effort. Of that 62 billion goes to the war effort, 4 billion for homeland security and 7.8 BILLION more for Israel and 1 BILLION for Turkey.     So lets see AMERICAN homeland security gets 1/2 of Israelis stash and is only 4 times what we are giving the Turks. In the meantime AMERICAN fighting men's families ( whom have seen aid cut in many programs) go without! You know the families who fathers, sons or mothers or daughters are on the ground in Iraq fighting this war. AMERICANS! How sad, and un AMERICAN for our government to send money to FOREIN nations when they fail to take care of AMERICAN vets and fighting men's families. It is this kind of outrage that organizations like this must raise cane to make it right. In other words, take care of AMERICANS first for a change instead of foreigners.     In closing, I salute all of you vets whom are looking out for AMERICAN lives and interests. We AMERICANS are indebted to all of you vets and the armed forces of today. God Bless AMERICA!

Mar. 21, 2003

THANK YOU for being a voice of AWARENESS! Sadly, people who listen to what the major media reports, not real-eyesing the connections between corporate ownership and biased reporting, often think all protesters are idealist flower children. Thank you for helping to shatter this stereotype.     Many people aren't open minded enough to dissect the real REASONS that people are against this war.     If anyone is for peace, they are obviously against Hussein and his disgusting government. In the violent society we grow up in, we're conditioned to think in short term phrases of power and strength. "GO GET 'EM!!! (and whoever else might be living nearby if they or their water / sewage treatment infrastructure are in OUR way) YEEAAHH!!" If one opens their minds a bit, one will real-eyes that violence only breeds more violence, that it is up to the Iraqi people to oust their own government, and the US can be of great help in this, but we are going about it backwards.     You are showing that military people are not the violent machines that many people may stereotype them to be. (Some commentors on this site, however . . I won't digress to 6th grade, though) Thank you for trying to encourage the troops to think for themselves. You're not trying to "command them" (strange phrase, isn't it?). You're encouraging them to get in touch with the conscience we all have inside us. And to dissect the information for themselves.     On that note, I want to mention a few helpful websites. **ANYONE IN SUPPORT OF THIS WAR: PLEASE, PLEASE, FOR the sake of your own selves as much as this country, LOOK AT VARYING SOURCES OF INFORMATION, WITH OPEN MINDS, and THEN MAKE UP YOUR MINDS. If it is a well thought out, educated opinion, than it is certainly valid, even if I or the folks from this website may disagree.     Did you know that CBS is owned by Westinghouse, and NBC is owned by GE, the largest NUCLEAR manufacturers? I don't know exactly who owns the others, but take a look at how much time they give to intelligent, educated discussion of both sides. And it is a fact by now that reporters who ask difficult questions are not called on again at press conferences.     **www.the-rule-of-law.com Statement from 315 law professors about how this war is not only illegal, but also will make the world far less secure     ** lcnp.org/global/iraqletter.htm Lawyers aware of the danger of nuclear power, and the illegality of this war     **hwcn.org/link/hasc/letter_cf.html Canadian statement to troops. Illustrates which laws the Bush administration is breaking.     **also, FAIR.ORG Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting     One more comment- seems to be off the topic but its really not -- READ THE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR FOOD and educate yourselves about what they are!! (what does this have to do with war??) It has to do with BELIEVING things at face value. **Thinking critically.** It saddens me that parents feed artificial colors, hydrogenated oils (similar to plastic and highly toxic), genetically engineered food, and hormone & antibiotic laced, barbarically produced meat, eggs and dairy to their children (and themselves!) without THINKING CRITICALLY. The box says "low fat no cholesterol!", that's all we need to know . . . It saddens me that so many people believe exactly what Bush says . . that we are launching this war in the name of peace and freedom and liberation . . . without connecting all the obvious self interests of oil and NOT ONLY OIL . . . the conservative think tanks have documents from before 9-11 about plans to influence, govern, and profit from much of the world. **Where a dictator is brutal to his people and it does not interest the US selfishness to stop him, we don't do anything.**     Please give these words serious consideration. Do your own research to form your own opinions. And stay healthy . . .     Sincerely,     A Concerned Citizen of the World YOUR VIEWS ARE VERY DISTORTED. I AM ASHAMED THAT PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE CHARGED WITH DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY. I SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS, BECAUSE I AM AN AMERICAN. IF YOU DON'T SUPPORT THEM, THEN PLEASE GO TO IRAQ AND BE A HUMAN SHIELD. THE ONLY REASON THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO PUBLICLY PROFESS YOUR VIEWS IS BECAUSE MANY BRAVE AMERICANS GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR FREEDOM. DON'T YOU THINK THAT THE IRAQI PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO GIVE THEIR OPINIONS WITHOUT AN OPRESSIVE DICTATOR KILLING THEM? AMERICA.......LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT. Thank you for your wonderful site and the publication of "Veterans Call to Conscience". I just read a few days ago that Bush decreased the funding for veterans in this upcoming budget. Just in time to ignore the needs of the "support out troops" chants. When will we wake-up in this country. This isn't about supporting our troops. We only "support our troops" when we send them out to do the bidding of politicians. When they come home, broken, bruised, and battered.....the "support our troops" chanters are silent. If people want to support our troops, this is my suggestion for them: Stop and talk with any number of homeless men on the street today...these are our former troops. I was very happy when I found this side and I hope a lot of people will read it. Especially soldiers that should get the brave by reading it to refuse joining this war. If there is any possibility how to help trying to convince people in this direction, I would be very glad to do so and would want you to send me some information how to do so. I am a teacher in Spain and I want you to know in my country most of the people, 90% are against this war, in spite of our government's support. Reading your statement I thank God for I can see the Americans are not all a gang of brainless people. The conscience of being citizens of the world is most important that being citizen of a country is growing everywhere. That's maybe the beginning of a real change. I received your Call to Conscience statement at an anti-war rally today in Seattle. It is a very clear, concise, and strong statement against the war, and I support it wholeheartedly. I have never served in the military myself, although I grew up in the Navy and spent my childhood on military bases. I recognize that military personnel do not have the freedom I have to openly oppose the decisions and actions of our government, even if any should want to. Does anyone remember that phrase from the Vietnam War era, "Suppose they called a war and nobody came?" I have the deepest admiration for anyone in the military who has the courage to refuse to fight an unjust war, yet I do not blame those that feel they cannot take that step. I hope your statement is being distributed at military recruiting sites, so that potential recruits can thoughtfully weigh the possible consequences of joining the military.    Veterans have borne the brunt of our past wars. You have a unique moral authority and are an invaluable part of the anti-war movement. Thank you for continuing to serve the people of your country.     Beth Peterson     Seattle, WA If this is the way you feel, why not just leave the country?    But no, don't get me wrong. I am opposed to this "operation free Iraq" (is that what they are calling it) as well. However, I don't see myself as being able to do much about it. The voice of the people is clearly and blatantly ignored. My family came to this country eight years ago, seeking all the American Ideals. What we found happening in the last few years was worse than a betrayal. But who listens? So why not just move? As long as we are staying here, our voices are ignored, and we are told (in much the same way a pouting child would be) that we are being protected, that this is all for our own good. As long as we stay here, buy American goods, pay American taxes, we might as well be supporting the war. As long as we stay here, they will keep on saying "We are protecting you." As long as we stay here, the men and women who are sent to commit murder oversees will believe they are doing it for us. It has recently come to my attention that, perhaps, the strongest way to make our statement heard, the most powerful way to show how we feel about what is happening, and the most effective way to release our soldiers from their duty to us would be to leave.    And no, I am not saying Get your family and get out of here. I know there are many reasons this would be impossible for the majority of people. And it is true that they should be allowed to stay and live in this great nation, but the point is fast approaching when this nation is great in name only, and where all the ideals it was founded on are being pushed aside in the interest of a wealthy few.     So, I guess what I am saying, is simply that if this continues, I can guarantee that the USA will have at least one citizen less to hide their true goals behind; one less person to "defend" Dear Sir, or Maddam ;     I am a soldier serving in the US Armed Forces overseas. I am a Gulf War vet as well as a vet from 3 other Deployments 2 of them being Peacekeeping duties . I have been a soldier for almost 12 Years and I am half Jewish and half German. My grandfather died in the Jewish concentration camps and my other grandpa died in WWII fighting against the Americans ... (get the Hint) .. ok I am right now serving in the Balkans on another Peace keeping mission. I have been away from my 2 beautiful children for over 6 months and my wife (who is a German Catholic)... my wife called me upset because she found a flier on the car window from your organization and she read it to me and gave me this address to write to.. First of all , I don't know what you did in the war if you all are vets like you say you are.. and yes war is not good and nobody likes war.. But what kind of coward puts fliers on the car of a wife and the kids (ages to young to know the diff) of a soldier who is on PEACE KEEPIN G MISSIONS ... It is I the soldier who gives you this freedom of speech! It is I the soldier that gives you the right to march down the streets in protest.. and you cant even support me!!!!. LET ME COME HOME AND SOMEONE SPIT ON ME .. GET THE POINT    ...SERVING PROUDLY     SGT MICHAEL     U.S.ARMY My father was a young resistant in occupied France in 1944. He is profoundly grateful to all young American soldiers who fought on our soil to free Europe from the abominable Nazi imperialism. I myself went to visit those terrible killing fields of Normandy to pay my respect and offer friendly memory to those who died with my fellow citizens. I wanted to tell you that your very courageous position against that war in Iraq is for me in the true spirit of these Americans of 1944. I thank you and want you to know that the majority of French people will always feel friendly towards the American people, hoping that the dissensions of our government will not gloom our mutual understanding    Best regards    Catherine Legna    Antispam adress. Remove " Killspam"    legna.catherineKillspam@wanadoo.fr I just wanted to express my admiration and support for your Call to Conscience. I intend to show it to my 18-year old son when he gets home from school. He yearns, as I do, for evidence that there are people out there who see the urgent need for a global civic awareness.     Yours very sincerely,     Peggy Mason     (Former Canadian Ambassador for Disarmament)     Ottawa, Canada Don't let them "order" you to commit deeds you know are wrong. Come home alive. Be safe.     Autumn Montgomery, Branch: Air Force 1992-1994

Mar. 18, 2003

I am a Muslim Arab girl I have no thing to do for Iraq except this words: no more blood ,no more war ,no more suffering infants shaimaa khirate Hello,     While I DO support the war against Hussein, I will give you some appreciation for your logic.     The oath of the US fighting man is very clearly to the "Constitution," not any other source of authority. Anyone who disagrees with that is flatly wrong - no discussion, just wrong. Where the discussion enters is whether or not the threat at hand is actually a threat to the Constitution, and the liberties it recognizes. I believe Saddam Hussein is a threat to US rights, and that is why I support the use of our troops in Iraq. Although I would to say that I support them for the purposes of "spreading Democracy" or "Freedom for the Iraqi people," that would be an illegitimate use of our force. It would be an abuse by the CINC of his soldiers. As long as he is developing the capabilities to put himself on par with the US militarily (nukes), combined with his known penchant for invading anyone he wants, he remains a threat to the US Constitution - therefore, the removal of him with US forces is legal and legitimate.     Chris I would like to take some of my very precious time, to inform all who are connected with this site that you are in violation of federal law, and as such, you should be punished by the laws of treason. I am embarrassed that I served in the United States Marine Corps to defend the freedom of people like you. If it is really that bad here in the United States, get your ass out! Move to Iraq, France, Russia, China, Korea, and take your poor excuse of a family with you.     On your way out of the country stop by New York and talk to the children who's parents lives were taken on 9/11 by the very people you choose to support and defend. Who knows, perhaps it will be you or your children next that are exposed to some bio virus, and you can watch them die slowly and suffer with pain and disfigurement, all the while reflect on the life you took for granted in the cruel country known as the United States of America.     Im not affraid to die to defend my country. Im not affraid to suffer economic hardship to defend my country because I love where I live and you, or anyone else is not going to threaten that. If you or they do, be prepared to die for what you believe in. God Bless the Unites States of America. May god have mercy for your soul.     Ron Flatford If you listen to their lying they will con you in to dying     Greg Kleven Marine Corps 1966-1968     Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam It's encouraging to see veterans voice their opposition.     Great site! Thomas Canaday - Army 1991-1994 As a former member of DesRon 23 in Yankee Station I oppose this military action. I do support the troops, not the mission. I do not want the lies to take control as was with Operation Rolling Thunder and the Ellsberg's Pentagon papers. Look to Harkin oil today.     Eric R. Wolfe, Navy 19790-1974 "Marine" was/is for me a metaphor for the noble warrior, the righteous defender of life and the right to life. "Semper Fidelis" was/is my code, pledging to be "always faithful" to duty - and the duty being to defend the living at risk, at the risk of my own life. When a call to war is predicated on perpetrating indiscriminant suffering, injury, and death on a weaker group or population, with reckless endangerment of civilians and children, it is not self-defense, it is aggression. It is not measured protection of life, it is imperialism. It is, therefore, dishonorable, immoral, and unjust. It is a destruction of life that is unprincipled and criminal. It violates the very foundations of morality and ethical justice. The "Bush War" is the bastardization of the American Ideal, transmuting the good intentions of American defenders into the moral treachery of thuggery and villainy.     Carl Hitchens, Marine Corps 1967-1969

Mar. 17, 2003

Irag is only the beginning for these neocons bent on controlling the new world order     Thomas J. Connolly, Army 1965-67 Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another    --Greg Tull Navy Reserve 1975-1981 As a Navy Nurse caring for Marines and sailors, I saw the devastation of war first-hand. Anyone who, through whatever means, avoided having to see and be changed by it, has no right to send you to fight and die in an unjust war..     Carole Farris, Navy Reserve 1966-1970 I am a Gulf War Veteran, I hope that you will make a choice which I did not.     Daniel Craig, Army 1981-1993 Did not serve to empower a government which is anti-Democratic to its core.     Gary Andrews, Army, 1962-1967 A just and moral military is the greatest force for peace. Mr. Bush please Think.     Charles W Raines, Army 1980-1984 this war is about redrawing the map of the middle east and taking out Iraq for the Israelis and those chosen few in the new world order gang who will be lining their pockets at the expense of America ,its people and troops.     Joe Amarone Jr., Army 1974-1976 R.A. I am a Vietnam war widow. I am a small part of the universal broken heart caused by the violence of war. Don't think that your injury or death or the death and injury of those you call your enemy will bring anything but more heartbreak to this world.     April Burns for William C Burns Naval corpsman killed in Vietnam in Sept 1967. Two Westpac cruises on the USS Kitty hawk during the Vietnam War. I was lied to by my government.     Terry Bown, Navy 1969-1973 I enlisted at seventeen, took on the government, and got out as a CO at nineteen     Cliff Moore I am proud of my service and am usually proud of my country. I am not opposed to all military action in any circumstance, but I am opposed to serious misadventures and needless aggression, of which this particular fight is both. Peace should prevail     Charles H. Bogino Army 1981-1986 Ashamed to admit service until VFP was born.     Betty Byrd , Navy Reserve 1968-70 I am almost ashamed to be an American.     Steve Springer, : Army 7/67-7/70 Young Men Fight For Your Constitution, Not For Internationalists Currently In Power.     Tim Richards, Air Force Reserve 1970-1973 I am an ex-British Soldier, Diplomat, and Intelligence Operative     Neil Howard King 1984-1998 The army used me and 185 men in my battery to test the results of ionization at atomic proving ground Yucca Flats, Nevada. Many died from cancer, many were sterilized.     David B. Gardner Army Feb 1953 - Nov 1955 1st and foremost, I am NOT opposed to this war on Iraq. Where were you at on Sept 11th 2001?? Do you want to see that happen again? well do you? President Bush is thinking very clearly about this war. Kill the snake now before he bites later. I made an oath when I enlisted, I swore to obey the orders of the officers appointed over me, and that includes the President of the United States. Let me ask you this, You say that you stand behind the Soldiers that will not obey an order from there Commanding officers, funny you will not be there when they are locked up in confinement, when they are given an Article 15 for dereliction of duty. Who are you people? let me guess you all have a red star on your chest, huh? ya'll are a bunch of commie's. I AM PROUD OF BEING A SOLDIER, 1st TEAM. "Ride to the sound of the guns."     SGT Shawn DeRaps, 1st Cavalry Division I support our military men and women with all my heart. I want you to come home and not fight this war. Iraq is "no threat" to the United States of America. It was Osama bin Laden who attacked the U.S., not Iraq but Bush can't find him so he wants to use Iraq as the "scapegoat", so that he will look good. NO WAR....please come home now!     Airforce 1951-1955 this war is over oil! It had nothing to with 911     David Eytcheson, Army 1965-1971 W AR IS NOT NOW NOR HAS IT EVER BEEN AN ANSWER TO WORLD PROBLEMS. THIS WAR IS ESPECIALLY UNJUST AND U NNECESSARY. OUR MILITARY SHOULD NOT BE A PARTY TO AGGRESSIVE, ILLEGAL ACTION THAT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY LEAD US INTO WWIII.     HOWARD L. CRARY Navy SEP 62 TO SEP 92 We support you and do not want to see you die or be injured for the war of the "Rightwing" backers of Bush     Lee Magnuson Navy Reserve 1956-1962 It is the soldier's duty never to obey an immoral or illegal order!`     Richard M Zaner, Air Force 1951-1958 Courts martial await you if you do what this letter tells you. As an American, it is your moral responsibility to be courageous enough to stand up against injustice. Your commitment to the constitution will not be forgotten. Please consider honoring your families by standing up against the directions coming from those who tell you to fire upon those who have not shown hostility to you.     Stacy Adams Navy June 98 to Mar 02 I am for our troops aganist the war     Lee Abrams, Marine Corps 1963-1967 I served in the USAF NC in Vietnam and I know clearly what war does to people. This war is morally, ethically and legally wrong. It goes against everyhting our Constitution stands for. I beg you to resist! War is never the answer. Education is the answer to awaken the truth in all of us that we have to live in harmony and understanding.     William R Thompson, Marine Corps 1964-1968

Mar. 16, 2003

How can any of you call your self veterans when you dis-honor your self by saying what you did was wrong, but you did nothing about it? I am an active duty corpsman, I will fight and die to protect my marines and sailors. I will kill any one who would try and hurt them. I will do what ever it takes to bring my men home.     Before you say that I'm just a young kid who doesn't know what he is talking about, your wrong. I have stared into eyes that hate me to the core. People who I try and help even after they have killed fellow corpsman. They would kill me if they could, but I stay vigilant.     This war is not about oil. It is about staying with one's convictions. If you told a kid to do his homework and study or you'd punish him, and when he didn't do what he was told you let him go, he'd have no respect for you. Well the U.N. not just the U.S. set down guide lines that saddam broke. We cannot let him go, he must be made to follow the rules, forced to. I know what this would do to thousands of young troops, I would go in there place if I could. I have courage, honor, and I know how to do my duty. Most of you should never have been part of the armed forces. You did not have the conviction to carry things out to the end. If you thought your war was wrong go ask the starving north Koreans how good communism is.     Doc One thing the military taught me is that there is always that 10 percent that causes the problems. I have studied that theory since 1971 and it has never been more true than now. 10 percent of this country is getting 90 percent of the media attention and that is their goal. Any service man or woman that would participate in this is not a true patriot and should be sitting behind a desk somewhere trying to out think themselves or re-invent the wheel. Get real and find a real way of helping humanity, use your massive brains to figure out a way we can live together in peace. Can't do it can you? It is impossible, there will always be war and we will always depend on our military to fight these wars for us. My thoughts are with all the military and their families, but for some reason we keep having to think about that 10 percent.     Larry McNutt As musician this is my point of view about Mr Bush´s obsession for wars, and about the consequences of his acts in the whole world. Maybe we don't have the chance to stop him, but of course the chance and must to tell him what the entire world thinks about this matter.     Cómo músico este es mi punto de vista respecto de la obsesión del Señor Bush por las guerras y las consecuencias de sus actos. Tal vez no tengamos el poder para detenerlo, pero si la posibilidad y obligación de decirle que piensa el mundo entero.     Peut etre nous n´avons pas la posibilite de arreter avec l´obsession de bush par les guerres et ses consecuences, mais on peux le dire tout ce qu on pensons. peut etre nous n´avons pas le pouvoir pour arreter cette follie, mais, je crois qu on a la chance pour dire ce que le monde pense a ce moment la.     to listen www.radiolagos.com.ar/Audios/hey,%20you%20mr%20president.mp3 or www.kiara-cd.com.ar/Hey.mp3 HEY YOU MR PRESIDENT     ( DON'T BUSH US INTO YOUR CRIMES ) You sir     Would you stop for a while     What goes around comes around     Don't push us into your crimes     If you bite them, they'll bite you back     And all of us, will end up hurt     My Friend     God gave you a brain     If you use it, we've got chance     If you don't, we will all dance     Help your neighbors with their people     And they'll help you with yours     Use your money to feed your children     Keep them growing in good shape Come with me look through this door     You will see where we all go     Famine, murder, rapes and pain     If we don't stop this train     Big war     Let s stop it     Right now     Before it s starts you sir     your duty     it s     the world´s peace JORGE DAGER     Singer and composer     May Suyai     www.kiara-cd.com.ar Thank you for your wonderful stance and powerful message. It is so reassuring to have this type of material to offset the propaganda and wickedness promoted by these warmongering rulers we have.     I admire your willingness to print the pro war messages which have been sent to you and I include all these poor misguided souls in my prayers. I may be misquoting this but the biblical phrase comes to mind "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do".     We must visualise and pray for peace by sending love. I believe that love is the most powerful antidote to the whole mess, because it can only be happening because love is lacking.     Keep up all the good work. Love and Peace, Kate. (also from Spain). God bless you and everyone. Thank you for what you are doing. We must stand together and take an action against this immoral government and put an end to senseless and inhumane killing of millions of people. You have our full support. We the people must unite and demand our government follow the will of the people, as it is their duty of office, under our Constitution. We are including our sentiments regarding this immoral, illegal and inhumane war. God Bless everyone and may God be with you. After the rain After the rain The birds out loudly singing After the rain The children out playing and shouting After the rain You know there will be no birds singing There will be no children playing or shouting After George Bush's reign Reign of terror Nothing but murderous reign He claims he is a man of peace And where do we see peace today They always cry wolf And claim their game I think we all know they cry enough And we understand their game He wants to send our children To die and kill others So he can be The King of his game He reminds me of no other History will demonstrate that America is the aggressor And today, repeats the terror that only evil can bring Peace first for the Palestinian's, Israeli's and the region No, to the two million American Jewish Who are ready to move to Israel today If you really take a good look You can see him naked as a hook He reminds me Khan Who disregarded all mankind And filled his pocket with filth I know now more than ever He is not a peaceful man as he claims to be And that's all we hear today And I quote "No massacre" Like Luanda on my watch And on who's watch Jenin in Palestine Was destroyed and butchered And we all know how you spent your days You do not have to tell me You are a loving and peaceful man That is for me and others to judge Master George I say     And now you tell me you love me Next to God as well I do not need you to love me While America's children are hungry To pay for your miserable Hell You are dividing our country And the world as well Personally, your actions do not remind me of any circumstance Nor have you justified your cause Allow me to show the world what I see God Bless us all Mr. President No matter who we are From the race of a human being But if you are otherwise Prove to us You are human And sit down And negotiate for peace The ball is now in your hands God only rewarded good-hearted And what God and His Prophets Have given them to teach Hear us Hear us Hear the world Shouting the song of peace Democracy: 1. Government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives; rule by the ruled 2. a country, state, community, etc. with such government 3. majority rule 4. the acceptance and practice of the principle and equality of rights, opportunity, and treatment; lack of snobbery     Freedom: 1. The state or quality of being free: especially, a) exemption or liberation from the control of some other person or some arbitrary power; liberty; independence b) exemption from arbitrary restrictions on a specified civil right; political liberty c) exemption or immunity from a specified obligation, discomfort, etc. d) exemption or release from imprisonment e) a being able to act, move, use, etc. without hindrance or restraint f) a being able of itself to chose or determine action freely g) ease of movement or performance; facility h) a being free from the usual rules, patterns, etc. i) frankness; straightforwardness j) an excessive frankness or familiarity 2. a privilege held by a city, corporation, etc.     Terrorism: 1. a terrorizing; use of terror and violence to intimidate, subjugate, etc., especially as a political weapon or policy 2. intimidation and subjugation produced in this way     I challenge all to review these definitions as taken from Webster's New World Dictionary. I challenge all to examine the world events today and ask if democracy and freedom exist in the United States. Our government is willing to spend billions of dollars (the peoples money) and sacrifice millions of lives (our countrymen and women and countless other innocent) for their beliefs. Their beliefs that they supposedly need to save another country and instill their values and beliefs on them. How can they bring democracy to another county when it does not truly exist in ours? How can they bring freedom when it truly does not exist for us? How can they end terrorism when terrorism in our country is a constant? Everyday children are molested, women are raped and violent crimes are committed. What has our government done to save us from these tragedies? Yet, they are determined to solve another countries problems and supposedly save them from their government without solving our issues right here at home. I ask who is going to save us?     In a country that is supposed to be the land of the free and represent a true democracy, we are a far cry from this reality. A true democracy would require a vote of the people on all laws enacted, including declarations authorizing war. Nonetheless, day after day, our government decides our fate for us, passing laws, which dictate how this country is ran, effecting each and every one of us. Many of these laws are passed through the urging of powerful lobbyists on behalf of wealthy corporations. As a citizen, try meeting with your public elected officials. While few succeed, many do not. We have a government who can vote their selves a pay raise. I ask, how many of you are able to accomplish this feat with your employer? True democratic values ensure citizens more access to their elected officials, more control how our community money is spent in developing and maintaining our country. We live in a country, which for most requires two incomes for families to survive, leaving our children to be raised by baby-sitters and daycares. The days of the "Beaver Clever" family is near extinction. Families live off of jobs paying $6.75 an hour. Thousands are unemployed. Thousands go without healthcare. Thousands are hungry and thousands live in poverty. Here in our country, these travesties go ignored. Makeshift bills and laws are introduced to help change these circumstances, but I ask you, what has changed? When funds are tight, they cut the social programs, but the military never stops spending.     Examine our nation as a whole. Our government criticizes other countries stating they oppress women. In our county, women are exploited. Half naked woman is the norm in Hollywood. Our country glamorizes women as sexual objects. Girls raise their shirts showing their breasts and this is acceptable, but if a woman breastfeeds her baby in public, it creates great controversy. Why? Breastfeeding is humane and nature at work. Looking at a woman flaunting and exposing her body is indecent and immoral, but yet it is permissible and encouraged. Anorexics and bulimics are breed in our society. Everywhere you turn, sexual innuendos exist. I ask, is this liberation of woman or demoralization?     We live in a country where our government cannot or chooses not to control child pornography, and disgusting acts that inflict years of pain and torment on the victim. Our prisons and jails are full of robbers, rapists, molesters and murderers, while they are not full of wealthy corporate officers who rob millions of people. They are not full of elected officials who abuse their power and fail to fulfill their duties to serve the people and protect our nation in accordance with national and international laws. Each passing day, the leaders of the corporations become richer while citizens become poorer and our values of our tomorrows, our youths, diminished. Our education system is unfair and biased. Unequal opportunities exist among our public schools; higher education is only available to those who can afford to pay the outrageous tuition, provided they are accepted. Why must a student be accepted? If the applicant can afford this costly expense, why should they be denied to better themselves?     We, the citizens, pay billions of dollars in taxes. Yet, there is never enough to fund the programs important to the citizens. Our dollars are spent at the discretion of a few, and those few will chose to pay to drop a B-52 wreaking havoc and destruction over caring for, feeding and educating our children, over providing equal access to medical care and over caring for our senior citizens. Why and how can our government continue to ignore where we are headed? And, when will they listen to the people verses the lobbyists, or worse yet, their own self-greed? When will our government learn to be as critical of their selves as they are of their proclaimed national enemies?     How can we as a nation expect another country to disarm while we are building and testing new nuclear weaponry daily? Are we not a threat to other nations? Or, are other nations supposed to trust our intent? What makes our beliefs so righteous and others so immoral? I ask our government to answer all of these questions. How many lives around the world must be lost? How many innocent do they kill for the sake of humanity? And is war, for any reason, an act of humanity?     God is our creator, not our government. Search deep in your heart and soul. Look to find the answers within yourselves as to what is right and what is wrong. Regardless of your religious beliefs, if you believe in God, ask God if war is the answer. Ask Him the way He would expect us to resolve our differences. Does war truly agree with the honest morals and values that God bestowed upon us? Have we as a society gone astray from God's intent for us?     We the people, yes, we the people, must speak loud and clear and make our beliefs known, just as those around the world. If our government chooses not to listen and they continue to stand behind their mockery of delusional statements and media-hype, then they should be held accountable for their actions under our Constitution and what it stands for. I ask all to speak, speak out and speak loud. Let it be known they serve us, and we are not at their mercy. Their obligation of office is to listen to the will of the people and should they not, then they should be removed from office and we should take back our country from these greedy martyrs. FYI: Heard of your site through C-Span coverage of D.C. rally speeches and the Vietnam Vet who spoke on behalf of 'Not In Our Name'. Vets are SUCH a crucial voice against war on Iraq. If we need armies at all, they must be true armies of the people. The power of your voices in the face of the attempts to frame the anti-war swelling (yeah!), as anti-troop, is obvious. Reaching for wielding the wisdom of elders to truly arm the U.S. troops - now THAT'S heartening and speaks to the aspirations of the planet's population. I salute you! I've passed on your site to my Dad and Brother-in-Law, the Vets I know well.     Peace,     Janet If people didn't question orders we'd all be in German concentration camps. What is it you people don't understand about terrorism? Do you see Sadahm handing out check's to suicide bombers on TV...have you heard of the curds being gassed...have you heard of HIS OWN people being gassed? Are you afraid to help people...are you afraid to defend our country? Or is this your means of financial security? I don't own a vest and i spent 10 years in the military serving my country. Although i did not experience a war...i still understand what is RIGHT and what is WRONG! Middle east terrorism is wrong!! It's not US policy that has them upset at us. Why are you afraid to tackle the problem? It will NOT go away with sanctions.....it will not go away with cowards holding up peace signs. You cant hide behind a peace sign because your afraid to fight for what's right. Thank god our founding fathers didn't feel like you. I feel bad for the ones who died for freedom...they didn't realize this country would be the home of monsters like yourself. I imagine your all for abortion...your all for free sex and drugs. I bet your for hiring quota's not for hiring the best person to do the job. I bet you think this country owes you something also? If you don't believe in freedom...why don't you just leave....go live with the Iraq people you think have it so wonderful...the ones you think we want to murder. How ignorant can you possibly be? There's a lot of crooked people in this world and a lot of crooked politicians. But when you have a murderer running a country...he has to be removed. Go to the doctor and have a checkup...tell him you think your spine is missing. because your a very scared and cowardly person. I'm very upset with all this...maybe in different ways than the rest of the people here are. Maybe if they would target your children for murder next time you'd see it different. I know you would! Husein is evil in its purest form. He has to be dealt with now with force so he doesn't murder millions like Hitler did. It was the same kind of people back then that caused our service members death in pearl harbor and millions of Europeans in world war 2. The ones who said "well...we really shouldn't get involved, war is wrong". We can not afford to be cowards again! Every word spoken here is Anti-American and ridiculous. If Saddam and Iraq are not seen as a threat people are blind. When chemical or biological weapons are covertly brought into our country by terrorists and millions die will you see the threat is real then? If that time comes I will protect you even though I loathe you. Why? Because that is my job and I am proud to call myself an American and give my life for freedom. This Marine will do his part to make sure that the freedoms of those who damn their country instead of serve it are protected. Freedom is a beautiful thing sleep well, we will stand guard.     Jeff I served in the British Army, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as bodyguard to the British Ambassador to Sudan (1989-1990), I further served within British Intelligence until 1998. Since 1998 I have committed myself to the freedom of humanity from the tyrannical global regime in place today, of which I was once an active participant. This latest action planned against Iraq being the latest manifestation of this agenda. But today, there is hope, for now people are waking up to the fact that we have ALL been party to the limits that are placed upon our freedoms. WE are the soldiers, airmen and sailors that deliver the weapons, that kill each other...that work in the factories building these weapons...that transport them...that ARE THE ENTIRE SYSTEM OF OPPRESSION AGAINST OURSELVES!!!     This is where the hope lies. WE ARE THE POWER, NOT BUSH, BLAIR, CHENEY, RUMSFELD, RICE...     All the best to you and your organization, MAKE NO MISTAKE WE ARE HAVING AN EFFECT!!! Never before has a "so-called democratic" regime been so opposed by the people of the nation it is supposed to preside over!!!     What we are doing has never been done before!!! Millions of people across the world are demonstrating the power of the human spirit, in many forms, including this forum you're witnessing here.     THE HUMAN SPIRIT, THAT POWER WHICH NO SCIENCE CAN QUANTIFY OR EXPLAIN, THAT NO RELIGION CAN CLAIM AS IT'S OWN...THE HUMAN SPIRIT-THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE OF ALL CREATION CANNOT BE DEFEATED, THIS IS OUR TIME TO CELEBRATE LIFE-HAVE NO FEAR!!!     I salute all of you who have found yourself reading these words.     Neil Howard King

Mar. 14, 2003

I'm from Spain and our President is supporting this war. All my people (90%) say NOT IN OUR NAME. We know that Mr. Bush will go to the war and we know the reason, PETROL. I'm sorry for the citizens of Iraq, they will be "collateral damages". Pls try to stop it.     Marisa Sahun This website is a disgrace to all veterans who served. You know you are right, with the exception of ending slavery, fascism, communism, tyranny, war never solved anything. Lets just kill Mr. Saddam with Kindness. Go to flowers.com and send him a bouquet courtesy of the Veterans Call To Conscience. You vets are slaves to your pro-communist pacifist captors. You are suffering from Stockholm syndrome while the real vets live with PTSD. Hooah!    Bill    Disabled Gulf War Veteran I am a Gulf War veteran and I am 40% disabled. If I had to do it all over again and defend my countries honor, I would do it. If you hate America so much why don't you go to Baghdad and suck up the gas. Hey all you vets, What makes the grass green? What makes the grass grow? You know what I am talking about, you went to Bayonet training just like I did.(Hypocrites)     It is obvious that the people here are just playing on your emotions so if you have any wits about you, you would not buy this.     Oh, by the way, does this website state that we volunteered for service in the Armed forces? If you disagreed with "Supporting and Defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and Domestic", then why did you sign the friggin contract and raise your hand the SECOND time. By raising your hand the SECOND time you stated that you will put your life on the line for this country.     You have your right to your opinion just as I. I agree that war is hell. I was in Basra, I had scud missile's blown up over me. I live that war every day of my life. It was Sadaam's choice not ours. The cease fire agreement stated that Iraq gets rid of all its weapons and once that is accomplished then all Sanctions will be lifted. If Sadaam's would have lived up to his end of the deal (we quit kicking his ass if he disarms) we could be still at peace. (we quit kicking his ass, has he disarmed?) It was his choice to starve his people, It was his choice to go into Kuwait and kill the Kuwaiti people. You are a part of the insignificant 20% of the population anyway so just prepare yourselves for a free liberated Iraq.     All you Vietnam vets out there I do understand your position you were forced to mop up for the French and president Johnson screwed you over, but do you want to be on the same side as Jane Fonda? Think about it.    Mark Grier

Mar. 13, 2003

Thursday, 13.03.03     Dear friends,     if you remind, I've sent you a mail about my Letter to President Bush in February. Now for that I think it is time again more to move the American population again-st the war plans.     For days I've got an idea, but it will be too difficult for me to realize it from here. So I thought, I tell you about and you can decide if you can do anything with it.     Since years and years I felt a big pain in my body and no doctor could help me or find the right reasons; also I've got asthma since I was a child.     When now the war preparations had begun I started to run, here trough the forest. In the beginning it was very hard for me. So I told to me: I run against my pain, I run against the war and I run for love and peace! And so I could run every day a little bit farer, my hurt and Bush's plans get every day a little bit smaller and peace will become a little bit bigger part now.     And this are the words I want to sent to you:     Run again-st war; Love again-st war; Sing again-st war.     There are some other words for example:     Beat, Dance, Decide, Doubt, Dream, Draw, Fight, Feed, Help, Kiss, Laugh, Learn, Light, Meddle, Move, Play, Play, Rock, Raise, Rise, Turn, Vote, Walk a.s.o.     At last, I'm with you and hope peace will get his chance in our beautiful world.     With greetings, Claudia Mandt I do NOT oppose this war and I personally feel it's shameful for you to try and get active duty military and reservists to get out of the military because they may not agree with what their job calls them to do! HOW DARE you do this in front of a military installation!!!! Is this what YOU did to get out of going to NAM??? Wouldn't surprise me if you did. My Husband serves proudly in the military. He may or may not agree with policy but he does his JOB!!!!!! And he does it with pride, pride in his country, pride in his heritage, and pride for his fellow countrymen! He signed the dotted line.....knowing full well what that entailed when he did so....for him to try to retire early or get out early would make him a coward in my eyes. What you are doing and encouraging military members to do is cowardly in my eyes. You have the right to your opinions, our constitution gives you that right....but when you encourage others or try to get others to believe the way you do in this....well it makes you lower than spit in my opinion. My father served in Nam...and yes he had nightmares....the difference between you and him...HE wouldn't encourage military members to try to get out of the military because they don't like what's going on with Iraq. HE would look at you with shame for what you are doing. I've read some of the posts, and obviously he and I aren't the only ones who do this. If you believe that Saddam is not a threat to not only the U.S. then go live there. You won't tho, because you KNOW what the man is capable of, what he does to his own people. YOU don't want to be subjected to that..but you condemn the people and the people of the world to him. You are a disgrace to our nation! In my opinion, you do not deserve the HONOR of being called an AMERICAN!     Does all of this mean that I WANT war? NO! but clearly Saddam is not going to do what HE AGREED to do 12 years ago. He hands out little token gestures, and some countries accept them. I do not. And MY PRESIDENT does not. I bet you and your organization supported ex president Clinton also didn't you. Would not surprise me if you did, to be quite honest. He, afterall, did everything he could to get rid of our military forces.     Shirly     An Honorable American Military Spouse. The Bush regime's interest in Iraq has nothing to do with disarmament or terrorism. It has to do with creating a situation in which the US government will dominate the Middle East and its oil reserves. "Whatever you do, it won't seem like much, but it's very important that you do it." -Gandhi     Daryl Henegar     Air Force     1977-1996 I was called up before but I actually was demobilized. That will not last very long. I have tried to get a discharge in the past by going awol in training but I just got a article 15. So I am trying to transfer Into the inactive reserves but they have stopped all transfers in the military. I also skipped drill and basically threatened my inactive reserves paperwork. To be honest I would rather have a discharge.     I have thought about going awol with anarchists out west or somewhere. But I do not want to run from the law all my life. I want to go to school and have a life so I have decided not to desert unless I can have that. JS I have comments and questions about your Call to Conscience.     While I agree this war effort is misguided, I have a hard time believing that a veteran of military service would encourage a soldier to question his orders. I've never been in uniform, but my understanding of the military experience is that one does not offer comment about the orders one receives. One follows. The time for questioning the moral rectitude of these orders is before or after service.     One of the responses on this website is from a female Marine who admitted she didn't understand until she was well into her service that when she signed the contract, she gave up her right to free speech. Maybe you were in the same boat, but while they're in uniform, enticing these people to further endanger their lives by resisting orders is inconsiderate and self-serving on your parts.     I have two questions about the statistics you cite. What are your sources for the statements about how many Gulf War veterans are disabled and how many Vietnam veterans have killed themselves. They're plausible statements, but I've never heard them and I'd like to know your source.     It's not that I don't share your views of GWB's enthusiasm for war, I do, I protested the Vietnam war. But I'm older now, and I don't make big purchases, fall in love, or join causes as impetuously as I once did.     Mary Henrich Hello,     I am a member of the Interfaith Peace With Justice Network in Tampa, Florida. We hold weekly vigils in front of the federal building in downtown Tampa on Fridays at noon. The media have faithfully attended these vigils, and last week were asking for someone to interview with a family member in the military. At the time, I was the best we could come up with, since I have a nephew who is career military. However, the connection was not close enough to make a good story. I am looking for someone in the Tampa area who is either a veteran, or a family member of someone currently in the military who could attend our vigil on Friday and speak to the press or TV cameras. In the event that the U.S. attacks, the vigil will be held at noon on the day of the attack, or the next day at noon if the attack took place in the afternoon.     If you could connect me with someone in the Tampa area, I would greatly appreciate it. My telephone number is 813-988-0056, and my cell phone is 813-215-3403.     Thank you.     Melva Underbakke

Mar. 6, 2003

After reading your webpage's comments, I am ashamed to be called a member of the US military. These calls to active duty personnel to not fight are doing absolutely NOTHING to help them. Your comments demean and destroy moral. I would think that Vietnam veterans would realize the importance of standing behind the men and women of the military, but apparently I am living in an illusion.     Respectfully,     Cpl. Snyder, USMC My husband is deployed to Kuwait and neither one of us belive in this war. My husband has been in the military for 10 years now and had just re enlisted for 6 years this past October. In 10 years he still does not make over $30,000.The medical care I as a spouse recieve is shame I have had bad pap test in the past and the military tells me I can wait 3 years between getting one and will not give me a referal to go off base to get one. Also the Army will not even give my husband a dental appoiment, he has not had one since 1997 they make him the appoiments and cancle and will not pay for him to go off post. So there is a lot about the military that suck including the fact that the people that died on 911 are all called heros and our goverment is giving them a millon dollars and paying for there kids college, What will I get when my husband dies in this war? $250,000 before tax's of insurance money that he has paid for each month since he has been in the military and his death will go un noticed and he will not be called a hero. And from your web page it looks like you will be calling him a murder and might even say he deserved it. All my husband is doing is his job that he cannot quit and walk away from if he wants to take care of his family and stay out of jail. My husband is kind and loving and I pray to God that he will not see anything or do anything that will effect him for the rest of his life. And I pray when he comes home he is not treated as the Vietnam vets were treated for doing what the United States had them do. The United States is a big mess and then what's next North Korea? (This is just my opion)     Debbie Dear Veterans,     As a former German soldier I must thank you for your "Call to Conscience from Veterans to Active Duty Troops and Reservists". I am very deeply impressed from it. And it is very important and hopefully for me, to know that there is existing another America than Bush´s Amercia, which want to "solve" the problems with war. Thank you!     You can find your statement in German language on the website of our organisation Lebenshaus Schwäbische Alb e.V. (http://www.lebenshaus-alb.de/mt/archives/000077.html).     Yours     Michael Schmid (Gammertingen - Germany) You are completely wrong on this issue.     I am a Gulf war veteran and I supported the President of the United States then and I support the President now.     You support a tyranical bully named Saddam Hussein.     Nunya Business I am a 7th grade student working on a National History Day report. The theme this year is Rights and Responsibilities in history. My topic is the protesters of the Vietnam War's rights to free speech and free assembly and the government's responsibility to protect those rights. I am looking for someone to interview. I need a veteran and someone who grew up during that time period.     If you can help, please contact me at rhelm102@juno.com     Thank you!     Rachel Helm Hello, my name is Irucka Embry. I have talked with the editor of the campus newspaper, "The Daily Beacon," at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, about printing the statement, the Call to Conscience. He has informed me that he needs permission from the creators of the statement before he can print it. I feel that that statement should be printed in the newspapers around the country/world as it is important.     Irucka Ajani Embry can be reached at iembry@utk.edu and is interested in hearing how you think we can stop this and all other wars. Thank-you.

Mar. 3, 2003

I was reading the posted comments for the first time just now, and I am disappointed to see so many sadly ignorant comments from people speaking against the Call To Conscience statement, which is an awesome work. I was hoping for better than this but, with the way information is controlled in the US these days, people are seriously misinformed unless they take the trouble to look at alternative and foreign press and see the night-and-day difference in the news. Rumsfeld has flat-out said the government will tell outright lies (look up "Office of Strategic Influence" and his related comments), and the media are happy to regurgitate them.     My father, a WWII vet, had me sign him up to the statement early on, and he keeps asking me why more people have not signed the statement yet. Now after reading the comments posted, I see what we are up against. Here is some pertinent reading material:     "A Duty to Disobey All Unlawful Orders: An Advisory to US Troops" by Lawrence Mosqueda 2/27/03     "The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) 809.ART.90 (20), makes it clear that military personnel need to obey the "lawful command of his superior officer," 891.ART.91 (2), the "lawful order of a warrant officer", 892.ART.92 (1) the "lawful general order", 892.ART.92 (2) "lawful order". In each case, military personnel have an obligation and a duty to only obey Lawful orders and indeed have an obligation to disobey Unlawful orders, including orders by the president that do not comply with the UCMJ. The moral and legal obligation is to the U.S. Constitution and not to those who would issue unlawful orders, especially if those orders are in direct violation of the Constitution and the UCMJ.     ...During the Iran-Contra hearings of 1987, Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a decorated World War II veteran and hero, told Lt. Col. Oliver North that North was breaking his oath when he blindly followed the commands of Ronald Reagan. As Inouye stated, "The uniform code makes it abundantly clear that it must be the Lawful orders of a superior officer. In fact it says, 'Members of the military have an obligation to disobey unlawful orders.' This principle was considered so important that we-we, the government of the United States, proposed that it be internationally applied in the Nuremberg trials." (Bill Moyers, "The Secret Government", Seven Locks Press; also in the PBS 1987 documentary, "The Secret Government: The Constitution in Crisis")     Senator Inouye was referring to the Nuremberg trials in the post WW II era, when the U.S. tried Nazi war criminals and did not allow them to use the reason or excuse that they were only "following orders" as a defense for their war crimes which resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent men, women, and children. "In 1953, the Department of Defense adopted the principles of the Nuremberg Code as official policy" of the United States. (Hasting Center Report, March-April 1991)     Over the past year there have been literally thousands of articles written about the impact of the coming war with Iraq. Many are based on politics and the wisdom of engaging in an international war against a country that has not attacked the U.S. and the legality of engaging in what Bush and Rumsfield call "preemptive war." World opinion at the highest levels, and among the general population, is that a U.S. first strike on Iraq would be wrong, both politically and morally. There is also considerable evidence that Bush's plans are fundamentally illegal, from both an international and domestic perspective. If the war is indeed illegal, members of the armed forces have a legal and moral obligation to resist illegal orders, according to their oath of induction.     -- there is a lot more to this article, which you can read at: http://www.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=240848     People, please turn off that tv! Look into the alternative media for your news.     Soula Culver

Mar. 2, 2003

The Lord bless and multiply your messages of truth a billion fold and thank you, dear truthful and conscientious veterans for having real courage in exposing this lying and deceitful government. Your voices will be sorely needed in the near future in our next(Desert Storm II) adventure! The ominous thing is though, we and our future generations are beginning to "reap" what our government has "sown" over the last 150-200 years(Sept.11,2001) May your website attract millions to the real truth spoken by those who were there and have seen first hand what criminal politicians have ordered us to do!     -Arno, ex USMC The flight my husband piloted from Camp Lejeune to Frankfurt over a week ago on United Airlines went as scheduled. My husband did not get the packet of information for the "Call to Conscience" in anyone's hands. He said it was too risky for him to do, that the people were all in a mode of 'military mindset' and that it was too late to do anything.     Sorry for having to report this. Hopefully there are lots of military personnel waking up to the crazy agenda set forth by the Bush Admin.     Thanks for your work. We all must do what seems most appropriate. Praying for peace is something everyone can do continually.     Yours,     Boulder, CO What a disgusting web site! As a Navy veteran and former Navy Flight Surgeon in Operation Desert Storm, I can't believe how short-sighted your ideas are. Are you willing to suffer massive destruction in the coming years after Saddam develops even stronger weapons? Is it not better to take care of a known problem now, while we still have the ability to win quickly and with a minimum of destruction?     You do a disservice to our country with your misinformation and, fortunately, from what I can see, speak for a very small minority of reasonable people.     David Cink, M.D. I am deeply concerned about our soldiers going to Iraq. According to veteran and reservist Major Doug Rokke the use of depleted uranium in anti tank shells has impacted up to one third of the soldiers stationed in/near Iraq in 1991, many of whom are dead or severely disabled today ( as of course are countless Iraqi's, many children are still dying of cancer).     The US is planning to use these weapons, and others similar again. Please inform yourself. http://www.futurenet.org/25environmentandhealth/rokke.htm and www.traprockpeace.org. I was joyful, when I read your Call to Conscience in an Austrian newspaper of Peace Workers. This war never would be legal or human. To fight with all the money and resources, which are used for war, against hunger, for Healthy, for justice - that would be a real human fight. I hope all the people round the world, who are demonstrating for peace and against war, will be successful. I have been in Vienna at 15th of February and it is good to feel, that you say these clear words in a time of worldwide propaganda for war. Thank you - Regards from Austria.     Mag. Wagner Hermann The Lord bless and multiply your messages of truth a billion fold and thank you, dear truthful and conscientious veterans for having real courage in exposing this lying and deceitful government. Your voices will be sorely needed in the near future in our next (Desert Storm II) adventure! The ominous thing is though, we and our future generations are beginning to "reap" what our government has "sown" over the last 150-200 years (Sept.11, 2001) May your website attract millions to the real truth spoken by those who were there and have seen first hand what criminal politicians have ordered us to do!     -Arno, ex USMC I'd call but my cell phone doesn't get a signal where I'm at. So anyways, I've always been opposed to war and things alike. I started talking to a Marine recruiter near the end of my senior year and before long he had me actually considering joining. At that point I was going to do reserves, if anything. During the summer though I blew it off and didn't do anything, and he showed up at my house on Sept. 10th. At that point I knew I had to take initiative and go to school or do something, as all my friends had just left for school. After being at my house for a couple of hours, he (and one of my friends who had already enlisted, who was with the recruiter) stirred up my interest again and I decided to join that day. I still think it's kind of strange, as does everyone else I know, that I joined the military, especially the Marines, having the view points I have. I decided on the military though mainly for the education, and also to better myself through the extreme discipline. Another thing was, the challenge; I wanted to prove to myself and others that I could make it (a lot of people told me I couldn't do it, even my friends).     So I enlisted in October 2001 and left for boot camp in May 2002. I finished boot camp in August 2002, went home for 10 days, and then left again for MCT (Marine Combat Training). I finished MCT five weeks later and instead of going straight to my MOS school like everyone else does, I was sent home with 10 days of emergency leave. This is where it gets interesting.     In November 2001, my mother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Of course she was often ill and unhappy because of chemotherapy and being in a doctor's office almost every day, but there was still a good outlook that she would overcome the cancer. When I left for boot camp, she was doing alright and I wasn't too worried about it, because I thought she would get better. While I was at boot camp, my father always told me in his letters that she was doing well and the outlook was still good, when in actuality she was rapidly getting much worse. He did this so that I wouldn't be distracted and want to quit. I learned this while I was home on "boot leave." Needless to say, my mother's condition went downhill even faster while I was at MCT. While I was at MCT, I had received three Red Cross messages from my father, the first of which I had a very open chance to go home. All of my NCO's were telling me to go home but I talked to my father and he said she wasn't as bad as she was when he called the red cross earlier that day, so I wanted to stay and finish the last week and a half of training that I had. Early in the next week I had received two more messages, and my command said that they would send me home a few days early having finished the training. When the day came that I was going to go home, I was told "sorry kid, the two guys on the base that can do that are gone for the weekend." This obviously infuriated me. But I just stuck it out and waited a few days and I was sent home. A couple days after I got home, I started contacting the recruiters and the local reserve station so that I could work at the reserve station for a few months while I take care of things at home. I got my necessary paper work and faxed it to the reserve station but it never made it to the right people. I was told not to worry about reporting to my MOS school, just to get the paperwork in. My mother passed away two days after I was supposed to report to my MOS school. The idea was for me to "stay home and help my family" while my mother was sick, but I wanted to stay home for at least a couple months to deal with the loss. A couple weeks went by and I didn't hear anything from the reserve station. By this point I was beginning to believe they forgot about me, but I continued to stay home anyways, because I was starting to question what I wanted to do.     I was sure that I wouldn't learn as much as I wanted to in the Marines, and I knew that I hate military life. So I wanted out. I decided to just stay UA for a while and deal with whatever punishment I might get. Finally, about three weeks ago, I decided to turn myself in and get it over with, my punishment that is. I called the recruiters and they didn't really know what to do, so I called the reserve station. They didn't know what to do either but they had a phone number for a "desertion branch." They called, and were told to send me to MCB Quantico. I packed my stuff and headed down here to Quantico, and I've been here two weeks as of today. I knew I wasn't going to jail, and I pretty much knew what I was going to be doing here, but it's actually a lot more laid back than what I thought it would be. All of the deserters in the Marines come here, to this platoon. We are treated just like other Marines, and live just like them too. The only difference is, we're on restriction, so we have to be in the barracks from 10pm to 5am and we can't leave the base.     During the week, from 7 to 4, we just hang around at the MP barracks and do various work for whoever needs it, (cleaning, landscaping, shoveling snow). It's really easy, and I actually don't mind it. Everyone that comes to this platoon stays here for a couple months until they are court-martialed. Most receive a bad conduct discharge, unless they want to stay in the military. Those who are retained usually are sent to a short MP training course and come back here to work as an MP on this base. I'm hoping for a discharge though because I really don't like military life and it's hard for me to deal with it when I'm completely opposed to this "war on terrorism" and the current mobilization to Iraq. Especially now, with an invasion of Iraq looking very imminent and almost inevitable. I hope to use the fact that I basically qualify as a conscientious objector in my statement in my court martial to help provoke a discharge.     Rhys

Mar. 1, 2003

Thank you for this very beautifully articulated anti-war statement.     Andrea Actualy, I DO NOT SUPPORT the Veterans Call to Conscience. Take your Propaganda and be gone. How dare you all send this trash to those of us in the Military! I noticed that most of the so called Vets only served 2-3 years, funny how that worked out.     As for that idiot at your rally, the reservist that got out.. Good for him to get out. I personally would like to see him pulled back into service for a Court-Martial for treason. It is the cowards like him that make my brothers in the Army feel hated.     Take your Iraqi Propaganda and shove it.     Josh Hunt This site makes me ill. You guys call yourselves veterans, honorable. Bull CRAP. You may be veterans of the of the land of wimps, and most definitely not honorable. You all need to be charged and put in prison, better yet, put on the next plane to Iraq and dropped off and see how long you last then. (OH YOU'LL BE CRYING FOR OUR MILITARY TO COME SAVE YOU THEN). And you know what? My son is 18 years old, just graduated from special forces would still come save you sorry ass. He lives and breaths the motto he trained for "SO OTHERS MAY LIVE" He is more than willing to put is life on the line to save his country and make this a better place for his children (provided he makes it back to have them) however he is still willing to take the risk of not having a family of his own to make your family safe from any future terrorists attacks. You all don't even have all the facts as so much of the information is classified. Bush is a good Christian man and would not do this without good reason. You are dishonoring your country greatly but yet to claim a military back ground. I question why you went in the military in the first place, lack of family love, values etc, was it your escape? You all are the biggest YELLOW BELLY HIPOCRITES I have ever seen. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!     fosgate1624@aol.com Those are not signatures of honorable military people. Those are signatures of people that whet in the military for all the wrong reasons. Their blood is not read white or blue, it is yellow. Nothing but a bunch of cowards. They enjoy the freedom we have but do not have the back bone to stand up for it. What were they doing during the wars they were in, hiding under their bunks. And 99.9% of the statements in this site were false and not accurate. The US does not hurt innocent people. We are striving to save our freedom. These cowards need to either believe in their country of if they continue to be cowards just keep their mouths shut.     ksteve8975@aol.com Well boys lets let this war begin! And when you come home this loving grateful country is going to turn their backs on you so quickly you'll wish had not served. The Veterans Administration is going to deny your claim for benefits you'll die twenty years before you should from cancer, your children will have gross deformities, and your marriage will be wrecked. And when you go to the V.A hospital for Antidepressants meds they do not have any funding for that. Preference for a government job will not be honored. Besides that this is a really good deal for you all.     Best of luck!     Mark Allison I have also noticed the short amount of time most of the "Veterans" on the list have served. I'm assuming many were draftees and couldn't flee the country in time. Of course many others could have just been made up by the creators of this site to try and dupe the uneducated.     To Those Who Support This Group: Why don't you just leave? If you are that opposed to the United States government and it's policies, find another country to live in. We won't mind. Our officials are elected through democratic processes and respond to the will of the people. If you don't like what is happening, take it up with your Congressman. Better yet - leave. Move to Iraq and live happily ever after. Yeah, I thought so. Just like all of the Hollywood stars that were going to flee to Europe if President Bush got elected. I see their home of record, USA, hasn't changed.     To Those True Americans Who Can't Believe A Site Like This Exists: Amazingly, the very rights that we service men and women volunteer to protect are the very ones that allow the creators and supporters of this site to express their opinion's. That is part of what makes this country so grand. Individuals can express their opinion's against this government without the fear of facing incarceration or in some countries, death. Fear not! The message they carry is falling on deaf ears. I have been in the Army going on 13 years now (both as enlisted and an officer) and have never been more proud of the troops I serve with. While so many are very young, they are the most intelligent, dedeicated and well informed soldiers that have ever served. Yes, they will "do as they are told" but only because they believe in their mission and their leaders. They are not mindless robots without conscience as this site would have you believe. We are proud. We are determined. We cannot be influenced by twisted facts or questionable signatures on treasonous petitions. So to the true American Veterans that find such awe in the basis of this site - rest well. Those of us still serving are your true "Brothers At Arms" and you are ours. We will continue to carry forward the honor and duty to this great Country that you helped establish and maintain. I thank you for your service!!     God bless America and those her serve Her.     Still Serving