Mistrial Declared in Court Martial of Officer Who Refused Iraq Deployment
FORT LEWIS, Wash. — The judge overseeing the court martial of an Army lieutenant who refused to deploy to Iraq declared a mistrial Wednesday, saying the soldier did not fully understand a document he signed admitting to elements of the charges.
Military judge Lt. Col. John Head announced the decision after 1st Lt. Ehren Watada said he never intended to admit he had a duty to go to Iraq with his fellow soldiers — one element of the crime of missing troop movement.
So, we get to start all over again. Evidently, a couple of charges that were dropped will be reinstated. Perhaps his cowardice will be punished eventually.
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Ugh. I haven’t posted on this yet – busy at work not to mention the story makes me sick.
When others are sleeping in sewage over there, he ‘makes a statement’. Surely he was smart enough to understand the oath he took.
Comment by beth — February 7, 2007 @ 9:41
I find it amazing that there are people who sign on the dotted line, take the oath, and are surprised when they are called on to do the “job”. What kind of fool would think there was no chance of ever being called to war when you’re in the military. JEEEEEEZ! He should hide his head in shame!
Comment by olbroad — February 7, 2007 @ 10:13
OK not to agree with Lt. Watada, but less than fair to misrepresent his position. As I understand it, he believed the war to be illegal, and compliance with orders to serve there, also illegal. I don’t think recruits assume that violating law is part of the duty they swore to do. And it’s clear that “no chance of ever being called to war” has never been his outlook.
And is it really true that choosing to face a court-martial takes no guts?
Comment by Monte — February 11, 2007 @ 12:33