PUBLIC DISSENT BY U.S. SOLDIERS IS WRONG

Ed Shearer of the Associated Press reports some U.S. service personnel are going public with their opposition to the war in Iraq. They want Congress to end the war and bring U.S. soldiers back home. From a human standpoint, I know things are rough in Iraq, and I understand why anyone would want to get out of that situation. However, I am opposed to soldiers using a public platform to pressure the government into acquiescing to their demands.

To criticize U.S. war policy privately (within proper channels) or to write letters to one’s congressperson is one thing. To protest in a way that embarrasses our Commander in Chief, our leaders, and those service personnel committed to fulfilling their obligations is another thing. In the enemy forces, you have suicide bombers and fighters sacrificing their lives unquestioningly. In our ranks, we have soldiers who want out. What does that do for morale? How does the world characterize such behavior?

One of those asking for redress is Jonathan Hutto, a Navy seaman. According to Shearer’s report, Hutto says he obeys orders because he took an oath to defend the country. However, he disagrees with some of those orders, and thinks U.S. forces should leave Iraq right away. Apparently, Mr. Hutto forgot some of his basic training. The most elemental direction a soldier must learn is to obey the orders issued by superior officers. Unless your leader wants you to massacre innocent people or somehow disregard proper and accepted rules of engagement, you have to follow orders and do your best.

There is even a website for service personnel who feel like Mr. Hutto. The address is http://www.appealforredress.org. In January 2007, on Martin Luther King Jr. day, the organizers plan to deliver the collected appeals to members of Congress. Some of the sponsoring organizations are Iraq Veterans against the War, Military Families Speak Out, and Veterans for Peace.

Here is how the website words the appeal: “As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq. Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home.”

Whoever wrote the appeal expresses it as if the American people elected him or her to public office. There is no room for compromise or middle of the road solutions. Congress must support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq, not one quarter, one third, or one half, but all our forces. Close all bases too. Saying that “staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price” is a matter of judgment, and I do not think service personnel is in a position to make those kinds of policy decisions best. Certainly, we must leave those assessments to the people we elect to high office, and to the expert personnel advising them.

When joining our armed forces, our volunteer armed forces, service personnel sign a contract. They are to receive pay and benefits in return for the services they will render. In times of peace, nobody complains. In times of war, especially a difficult who-and-where-the-hell-is-the-enemy-and-what-are-they-doing kind of war, it is understandable for soldiers to want to get out. Let us get primitive here. Nobody wants to die or go home crippled, all patriotism aside. However, you cannot go back on your contract or your word. There is a conflict of interest in this situation. Does a soldier want the war to end because staying there is not good for our nation (a foreign policy decision) or because he or she does not want to die or go home crippled (a personal decision)?

Most our men and women have valiantly fought the enemy. A good number of them made the ultimate sacrifice. Many more must live the rest of their lives with serious handicaps. Among those who are still alive and well, all want to avoid becoming victims, I am sure. Some want to achieve that goal not by surviving combat duty, but by avoiding combat duty. I understand. It takes great courage and determination to witness and withstand the daily carnage in that country. Perhaps if I were there, I too would ask for the end of the war and the withdrawal of all troops.

I also feel empathy for the families of service personnel, the suffering and the uncertainty connected with having a loved one over there. However, let us remember we are fighting irrational and fanatical enemies. God forbid we ever find our nation in captivity to their kind. If that day ever comes, all is lost. That is the reason we must prevail. That is the reason we must front the enemy with strength. Any indecisiveness or show of weakness on our part only serves to fuel the ambition of our enemies. Therefore, U.S. soldier, if you must complain, please do so through private channels. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, and members of Congress, you all please listen and act decisively.

Recommended Reading: Ercian Testament - Part I, chapter 1 “Ground Zero.”