Courage to Resist needs your support
By Jeff Paterson, Courage to Resist. November 15, 2010
It’s been quite a ride the last four months since we took up the
defense of accused WikiLeaks whistle-blower Bradley Manning. Since then,
we helped form the Bradley Manning Support Network, established a
defense fund, and have already paid over half of Bradley’s total
$100,000 in estimated legal expenses.
Now, I’m asking for your support of Courage to Resist so that we can
continue to support not only Bradley, but the scores of other troops who
are coming into conflict with military authorities due to reasons of
conscience.
“Soldiers sworn oath is to defend and
support the Constitution. Bradley
Manning has been defending and
supporting our Constitution.”
—Dan Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers whistle-blower
Iraq War over? Afghanistan occupation winding down? Not from what we
see. Please take a look at, “Soldier Jeff Hanks refuses deployment,
seeks PTSD help” in our December newsletter. Jeff’s situation is not
isolated. Actually, his story is only unique in that he has chosen to
share it with us in the hopes that it may result in some change. Jeff’s
case also illustrates the importance of Iraq Veterans Against the War’s
new “Operation Recovery” campaign which calls for an end to the
deployment of traumatized troops.
Most of the folks who call us for help continue to be effected by
Stoploss, a program that involuntarily extends enlistments (despite Army
promises of its demise), or the Individual Ready Reserve which recalls
thousands of former Soldiers and Marines quarterly from civilian life.
Another example of our efforts is Kyle Wesolowski. After returning
from Iraq, Kyle submitted an application for a conscientious objector
discharge based on his Buddhist faith. Kyle explains, “My experience of
physical threats, religious persecution, and general abuse seems to
speak of a system that appears to be broken.... It appears that I have
no other recourse but to now refuse all duties that prepare myself for
war or aid in any way shape or form to other soldiers in conditioning
them to go to war.” We believe he shouldn’t have to walk this path
alone.
Sincerely,
Jeff Paterson
Project Director, Courage to Resist
First US military service member to refuse to fight in Iraq
P.S. I’m asking that you consider a contribution of $50 or more, or
possibly becoming a sustainer at $15 a month. Of course, now is also a
perfect time to make a end of year tax-deductible donation. Thanks again
for your support!
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