Pacific Citizen interviews Ehren Watada

Pacific Citizen has an in-depth interview with 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, the U.S. Army soldier who refused to deploy to Iraq on the grounds that the war is illegal. Here's a powerful excerpt:

PC: You could now possibly face prison time if you are convicted of the charges. How are you dealing with this possibility?

EW: I knew joining the Army, whether it was fighting in a foreign war or now fighting for the rights of soldiers, meant sacrifice. In combat, you may lose a limb, bodily functions, or your life. Speaking out against an authoritarian government and refusing to obey their unlawful orders may mean loss of liberty and other less than pleasant things. These are both sacrifices and commitments made to the American people as an American soldier. I gave my life to protect freedom and democracy — a sacrifice I am willing to make by doing the right thing.

In a way I’m already free. Physically they can lock me up, throw away the key, leave me to rot and contemplate my “crimes.” For a long time I was in turmoil. I felt compelled to fulfill the terms of my contract despite what I knew to be utterly wrong. Only when I realized that I served not men and institutions but the people of this country, did I believe there was another answer. That choice was to do what is right and just.