Slog - Comments on Day One at the Watada Court-Martial

Comment by Brendan

Brendan — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 23:35:21 -0800

Generals speak out against our war policy and other military policies all the time, and they don't have to give up their commission to do so? Why is Watada prosecuted for that charge while others are not?

Comment by Fnarf

Fnarf — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:56:09 -0800

Retired generals do.

I'm still just shocked that the giant puppets can't save the Lieutenant.

Comment by konstantconsumer

konstantconsumer — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:03:08 -0800

i don't think it was the speaking out that got him in trouble initially. he got attention by refusing to go to iraq.

Comment by Monique

Monique — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:09:55 -0800

Part of the UCMJ (Uniformed Code of Military Justice) states clearly that officers cannot speak out against the government, commander in chief, or any other ranking offical. Officers learn this in the required OCS (Officer Candidicy School). And no, you can't just resign your commission. That's like saying, "why can't enlisted soldiers leave the military?" They sign a contract, and that stipulates how long they have to serve. Its extremely hard to get out of your military contract. So no, I don't think he should be allowed to "get out of it" or even serve 6 months in jail. He went AWOL, made public statements against the government, and made statements against his command.

And no. An officer does not have the right to an opinion. It sounds harsh, but he knew that when he signed up. There is a reason for that, and if you have not been in a command structure, then you would not understand the necessity. There is no sympathy on the obvious bus that has left stupid town.

Comment by Form of...a waste of skin

Form of...a waste of skin — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:13:11 -0800

Even Sean Penn being there to activate his Wonder Twin powers with the giant puppets can't save the Lieutenant. I'm positively floored.

Comment by Gomez

Gomez — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:12:27 -0800

Because Watada refused military orders. Those who speak out normally still go.

I think he's going to jail. The trump card: he enlisted AFTER we began war in Iraq. He had to know what he was signing up to do. If he had a problem with going to Iraq, then he shouldn't have enlisted. No one put a gun to his head and made him sign up, and that everyone here supports him in this little stunt speaks volumes about how fractured and simple-minded your dogma is, and why Republicans have run this country for the last several years.

Comment by Brian

Brian — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 12:05:01 -0800

It is required in court martial hearings that all members of the jury be higher ranking officers than the accused. A jury of your peers indeed.

That is the thing about the UCMJ. You give up certain civil rights when you enlist or accept a commission. One of those is the right to a jury of your peers. No reason to be snide about it. Sage.

It simply is what it is.

Comment by Grant Cogswell

Grant Cogswell — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:50:39 -0800

Watada is still the most honorable man whose words and convictions we have heard in a while, though. Good luck, and thanks to him.