CONSCIENCE AND CIRCUMSTANCES A RECONCILING ATTEMPT IN THE FIRST LT. EHREN WATADA DILEMMA

By Rev. Paul M. Nagano

Our human pilgrimage through life is a constant struggle between conscience and circumstances. No matter what our situation in our life's journey may be we are constantly making decisions according to the values we hold to be right. This does not mean we all make the right decisions, but it does mean we are constantly confronted with decisions and we all make our choices according to the values we deem proper and right. Unfortunately, much of the circumstances of living impede what we consider proper and right. A good example of that is the evacuation and internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast during the war between the United States and Japan. With the exception of a few who courageously objected, most of us had to make our decisions according to the Executive Order 9066 that was admittedly unconstitutional but considered expedient due to the war with Japan. The government made the decision for all Japanese Americans without exception against conscience and human rights for what was considered an action for the good of the nation.

Statement of Support for 1st Lt. Ehren Watada - July 27, 2006 - On June 7, 2006 1st Lt. Watada of the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA, called a press conference to announce his opposition to the War in Iraq. In protest against a war he considers unjust and unlawful, he has attempted to resign his commission. The Army has refused to accept.

We of the Women’s Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i want to issue a statement of support not only for 1st Lt. Watada, but for the thousands of men and women doing their best to serve their nation in the armed forces of the United States. They do their very best for us in Iraq and throughout the world.

Resolution of support for Lt. Ehren Watada

January 18, 2007

WHEREAS, The war and occupation in Iraq have cost billions of US taxpayers' dollars.

WHEREAS, over 3000 US troops have been killed in Iraq and tens of thousands more have been wounded.

Statement in Support of Lt. Ehren Watada’s Decision of Conscience - The JACL Hawai'i, Honolulu Chapter supports Lt. Ehren Watada's thoughtful and deliberate act of conscience.  We believe Lt. Watada’s refusal to participate in a war that violates the U.S. Constitution and international law is a principled act of patriotism. (i)

"Our government is making a mistake again today with the war in Iraq. NCRR commends Lt. Ehren Watada, a commissioned officer, for making the difficult decision to speak out against this illegal war, putting his obligation to the Constitution above his duty to follow orders..."

The National Japanese American United Methodist Caucus stands with Lt. Ehren Watada in his public refusal to support the illegal and immoral Iraq War. We applaud United Methodist Bishops Roy I. Sano, Robert T. Hoshibata, and Mary Ann Swenson, who have communicated to Lt. Watada and his family their support of his belief in doing what is right over the need to do what others expect.

Watada's sacrifice could bring a nation to its senses (August 24, 2006)  Lt. Watada offers the American people some badly needed exercise in moral reasoning, if only the media will give his case the hearing it deserves. Is the Iraq war a mistake? Is it immoral? Is it unjust? Is it illegal? As the U.S. national security state slogs with greater and greater difficulty into a 21st century that is beginning to resemble the Big Muddy, and the big fool says to push on, more and more Americans will be struggling with these questions. Lt. Watada has thought through them and come to clear conclusions.

Thank you sir for standing up against this war and helping bring light to what's really going on. An active duty MP

Iraq war veterans speak
out for Lt. Watada 

In 1990, I was commander of an Air Force Combat Communication Squadron deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. At the time of the deployment, I was opposed to the war because it was obvious that the true reason was not the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq, but the protection of American oil interests in the Persian Gulf.

HONOLULU - Although their 11-year old radio program is devoted to traditional Hawaiian music, local producers/co-hosts Keith & Carmen Haugen feature a recording of Keith's 1988 "Cease Fire" song in a medley with Bobby Darin's 1968 hit, "Simple Song of Freedom" (MP3) in every show. And, every Sunday, they dedicate the song to U.S. Army Lt. Ehren Watada, who refused to go to Iraq with his unit.  Watada said he believes that Iraq war is illegal.

Lt. Watada: I read your story on Yahoo, and I think you are an amazing and brave person for doing what you did. A few of my friends and myself are all in the Canadian Navy, and we fully support your actions, and we regret that not more people have the courage to stand up and say it like it is. Good luck!

As a father of a recently commissioned 2nd Lt. of Marines (currently undergoing desert warfare training at Twentynine Palms in anticipation of probable deployment to Iraq in September) I wish to thank and commend you for your courageous actions. 

Hopefully this officer will set an example for other officers to follow. While many military officers are self-serving cowards, this LT had the courage to stand up in the face of adversity and do the right thing instead of following the herd and doing the easy wrong. This is what courage and ethics looks like.

I am encouraged by your wisdom in refusing to obey illegal orders. I hope that your courage inspires many others in the U. S. military (including those higher in the chain of command) to follow your lead. Hopefully they will remember that the Nuremberg trials definitively demonstrated that simply following orders does not absolve one of the responsibility of one's actions. You are truly providing moral leadership in these difficult times.

Right On! The massacres of Fallujah and the hideous use of firepower by the US is turning good American boys into monsters! Thank you Mr Watada you are a true patriot.

I fully support Lt. Watada's rufusal to participate in an illegal war, and I applaud both his courage and his patriotism.  Our country has been shamed by the actions of the men who have forced the United States into the invasion of Iraq.  I look forward to the day when men such as Lt. Watada are fully recognized for their integrity, and men who lied in order to lead us into this illegal military action are held fully responsible.

I salute the Lt. for having the courage to obey his duty to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. His alliance to the constitution of the United States preempts his subordination to the Commander in Chief when the Commander in Chief and any other senior officer issue an unconstitutional order.

Lt. Watada, being a Vietnam-era veteran myself, and the son of a career (30 year) military officer, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my salute to you Sir, for the courage and bravery that you are showing to your fellow Americans and to the rest of the world, in the face of overwhelming odds, in your effort to resist serving a corrupt regime in an illegal and immoral war of choice, not necessity, poorly justified with lies and misinformation.

As a retired US Army lieutenant who served in the first Gulf War I applaud Lt Watada's courage and decision to not deploy to Iraq.  I only wish I exhibited that same courage before my deployment in December 1990.  We need to bring our troops home IMMEDIATELY and get the heck out of Iraq and the Middle East altogether.  Our dependence on oil (especially foreign sources) has tainted the judgment of our leadership for far too long.  Time to transition to renewables such as solar/wind/biofuels, etc. and wean ourselves off of coal, oil and natural gas.  We are indeed a nation of addicts who are in complete denial.  We need leadership to wake up and move in a better direction.

President, Conservation Solutions, LLC

Lt. Watada's courage and steadfastness is supporting all others who have refused (or who will refuse) to serve in an enterprise which is the antithesis of American ideals. Those of us on the Left, and those of us who take our faith seriously have objected to these unconstitutional and illegal actions at home and abroad since 9/11 and before. Sooner or later, truth will prevail.  History's judge of America will surely include how long it takes us to right our path.