Japanese American army lieutenant refuses to participate in Iraq War

06.29.06 - Posted by AsiansVote

The Nichi Bei Times and Indybay.com have run articles about a recent rally in support of Ehren Watada, the army lieutenant who recently refused a call to return to service in Iraq. The background, from Indybay.com:

"It is my conclusion as an officer of the Armed Forces that the war in Iraq is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. Although I have tried to resign out of protest, I am forced to participate in a war that is manifestly illegal. As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse that order.", said Lt. Ehren Watada in a video statement which was played before the national media on June 7, 2006.

The Nichi Bay Times quotes a number of Asian Americans about Watada's actions:

Yuri Kochiyama, noted civil rights activist and close friend of late human rights leader Malcolm X, was among Watada’s supporters present.

“I want to congratulate (Watada) for standing up for the right thing,” Kochiyama said. “I hope next time more people show up. We need ten times more people, especially Asians, especially Japanese Americans.”

“In the military’s atmosphere of conformity, (speaking out) takes special courage,” said former Asian American studies professor Bill Sato. “I think it’s great that it’s a Japanese American doing this.”

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06.29.06 | Issues , War