Colonel Ann Wright, US Army (ret.)
Former US diplomat and author
What’s it going to take to end the illegal and unjust war and
occupation of Iraq? I believe a critical part of the answer is support for
the troops who refuse. That’s
why I’m asking you to support and contribute to Courage to
Resist. [donation
info]
I served 29 years in the US Army/Army Reserves. When my
government attacked Iraq, I was one of three US diplomats to resign in
protest. I resigned my career on principle. Today, I fully support US
military personnel who, in acts of conscience, refuse to fight in wars of
aggression.
As a retired US Army Colonel, I know very well that the
military depends on the obedience of its servicemembers. On the other hand,
I’ve spoken with many international law professors, attorneys, and
military personnel who have unequivocally concluded that our
government’s attack on Iraq—an oil-rich, Arab, Muslim country
that had not attacked the US—was illegal and unjustified. I agree.
Last year I testified in Iraq War objector Army
Lieutenant Ehren Watada’s Article 32 (pre-court-martial) proceeding.
I explained to the military hearing officer that our soldiers do have a
responsibility to refuse to participate in illegal actions, and a war of
aggression is an illegal action—in fact, it is a war crime. Any
soldier, sailor, airperson or marine who comes to this same conclusion most
certainly should have the right to refuse. By law and military regulation,
they are actually duty bound to refuse. It is this duty that is at the
heart of the actions taken by most resisters.
Some General officers on active duty during the Iraq
invasion and occupation have spoken out publicly—but after their
retirements. So far it’s been our younger servicepersons who have
risked their reputations, careers, and possibly their freedoms in
challenging illegal orders and policy. Taking a stand of conscience while
in the military requires courage and bravery. I believe we must
uphold—and dare I say, encourage—these acts.
Some resisters are speaking the truth while remaining
in the military. Others refuse to continue to participate in military
service altogether and face the consequences of that decision, whether it
be a court martial or living in another country away from family and
friends.
I have traveled to Canada several times to meet with
our war resisters who have sought sanctuary there. I know it means a lot to
them knowing that people back home support them as well.
I hope everyone who is against this war will support
Courage to Resist. It is an organization that provides crucial help to the
men and women of our military who resist illegal war, while also organizing
a powerful movement of civilian support for this resistance.
Ann
Wright March
5, 2008
P.S. In my new book “Dissent: Voices
of Conscience” I’m proud to feature profiles and
statements by a number of resisters with whom Courage to Resist has worked
closely, including Agustin Aguayo, Camilo Mejia, Katherine Jashinski, and
Brandon Hughey. Some of these people have become personal friends of
mine—all of them are an inspiration. For your
donation of $100 or more, you’ll get a copy of my new book if you
ask! |