I returned home quite ill from the flu but, interestingly, bed rest gave me time to appreciate the scope and depth of support coming from many hands and many hearts. Without the dedication and organizational ability of my co-sponsors, my East Coast, West Coast, and Mid-West tours would not have been possible.  I was overwhelmed by how mainstream America embraced Lt. Watada’s message and came out in full force to fundraise and pledge their commitment to spreading the word. 

In addition, my thanks go to everyone in the Northwest and to those nationally and internationally whom I have never met.  People contributed in ways that resonated for them. Some circulated petitions, labored at the computers inputting data, participated in the 11th hour telephone banking, others labored over strategy and the website and still others stepped up to the plate to mobilize the Northwest and the country during the court martial. Many donated generously to the defense fund.

Thank you also to the organizers who painstaking put together the Citizen’s Tribunal. The proceedings of  this noteworthy undertaking made public the arguments Lt. Watada was prevented from making in a military court.  I also cannot forget those who began as strangers but who are now friends.  They literally fed, clothed, housed me and provided transportation in a city where I initially knew no one.  Their generosity knew no bounds.

And now, a word about where we are...the movement in support of Lt. Watada, the first US Army officer to refuse deployment to the illegal, immoral war in Iraq has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 8 months.  Due to the tireless effort of individuals and organizations (not just one or two but many), we have taken the ultimate step in communicating to the US military that Lt. Watada’s act of conscience is an act of courage that merits praise not punishment. 

But, the worst is not over, not by a long shot.  It remains to be seen what steps the convening authority, Commander James Dubick, will take.  Will he insist on re-trying the case by starting over?  What happens to the March 19th court martial date set by LTC Judge Head?  Does the double jeopardy clause apply to the case and will there be an appeal?  We will know within the next week or so.  Although the military’s decision determines our next step, please encourage people in your networks and beyond to sign on to the petition on the www.thankyoult.org website.  Currently, there are 21,000.  The aim is for 100,000.  Continue to write to Ft Lewis Commanding General James Dubik, the secretary of the Army, Francis Harvey and your congressional delegates.  Congress, the President and the military must know that Lt. Watada’s message is the voice of the majority and that he has their unconditional support.

We are in a critical phase.  Hence, I am appealing to you for your unrelenting support.  In a battle where the other side uses delay tactics and hopes that our momentum will fizzle, it is useful to remember the words of Bruce Lee, actor and martial artist:  “The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus.”  It is this focus that I ask you to maintain.  We will accept nothing less than for the military to accept Lt. Watada’s resignation and to drop all charges.  To this end, let us hold to this objective until it is achieved.

Yours in Peace and Solidarity,

Carolyn Ho