Lt. Ehren Watada is the first commissioned officer to refuse deployment to the Iraq war and occupation.
Lt. Watada spoke at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Seattle, Washington, on January 27th, 2007.
"In opposition to my position, the argument will be made that soldiers don't have a right to pick and choose their wars. I would respond that it is not only our right but our constitutional and moral duty."
"Many seem to forget that service members swear loyalty not to one man or an institution but to this country and its people. We don't swear to fight in wars or just do our job, nor blindly obey orders, but to protect the promise, principles and laws of this country at all costs."
"Our country has been led in the wrong direction, an illegal and immoral direction. But to know our country was sent to war and devastated another civilization over falsehoods is something I will never stand for."
For updates on Lt. Watada, please visit:
www.thankyoult.org
www.couragetoresist.org
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