I will not be what you make of me. I won't fit into your box, and I am not a conscientious objector. I have killed and I never hesitated when it came time to pull the trigger.
There are things that I will not forget. At the top of that list is my family. When they are lawful I follow my orders, and I accept responsibility for my actions.
I will remember the things I have done. Make no mistake about that point. I will remember. Sorrow is not something I ask for. Please don't spare it on me, there are many others more deserving, the Iraqis come to mind.
To quit, to walk away is to not see my family. That is a choice I am not willing to make.
27 comments:
What really bothers me from all of this is that this country has not seemed to learn the lesson from Vietnam. We're repeating the same damn mistake...
As far as CO, that's a decision only Zach can make. I know the guys who have went to Canada have not secured refugee status yet. That may change when we go to conscription, hopefully.
-roamer in mich
I am glad to know you wouldn't walk away. I think mass desertions would only get more people killed.
I am also glad to know you wouldn't give up on seeing your family again.
Not sure how much my opinion interests you.
The voters failed. Keep safe, some of us are trying to make it possible for everyone to come home now.
Alice Marshall
I am glad to know you wouldn't walk away. I think mass desertions would only get more people killed.
I am also glad to know you wouldn't give up on seeing your family again.
Not sure how much my opinion interests you.
The voters failed. Keep safe, some of us are trying to make it possible for everyone to come home now.
Alice Marshall
Stay strong Zack.
I thank God for heros like you!
Much Love and Prayers!
Who named you hurria anyway? Maybe you were an orphan?? Zach will come home safe to his family, leave no doubt about that! He's never said that he agrees with the orders given, but I'd rather have a soldier that defends his signature to the end over one who would rather be signing a passport to Canada! By hurry-er! Canada's waiting for you!
I support those service people who go to Canada as well as those who decide to go to Iraq. When a war is based on LIES, it becomes a personal choice as to whether or not to participate. Each service member must make the decision and I support waht ever decision they make.
- roamer in mich
The Only Good I........ Is A Dead I........
http://malakandsky.blogspot.com/
zach and his colleagues are all a bunch of chumps
"coalition" of the CHUMPS.
does that DU taste real good?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050619/ap_on_re_as/japan_nagasaki_a_bomb
''I understand how dangerous it is there,'' he said. ''I understand we've got kids in harm's way, and I worry about their families. And obviously, anytime there's a death, I grieve.'' Gorge Butch. like father, like son.
http://dailywarnews.blogspot.com/
ask the VA about their full service healthcare plan when your cough starts. ask a viet nam vet about VA support for agent orange sickness.
duh, fulfill your contract wif honor
http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/05/06/con05209.html
ush lied, and Americans died. And continue to die. But politically - at least so far - it has worked out well for Bush.
It was a lie of political expediency, with the war resolution carefully timed just before the 2002 elections to help the Republicans take back the Senate.
It was echoed and amplified and repeated over and over again to help him and other Republicans get elected in 2004.
It wasn't a war for oil - cheap oil was just a useful secondary benefit.
It wasn't a war against terrorism - that was just a convenient excuse.
It wasn't a war to enrich Bush's and Cheney's cronies - those were just pleasant by-products.
It wasn't a war to show Poppy Bush that Junior was more of a man than him - that was just a personal bonus for Dubya
It was, pure and simple, well planned years in advance, a war to solidify Bush and the Republican Party's political capital.
It was a war for political power. That had to be first. Everything else - oil, profits, ongoing PATRIOT Act powers, easy manipulation of the media - all could only come if political power was seized and held through at least two decisive election cycles.
The Bush administration lied us into an invasion to get and keep political power. It's that simple.
It's easy for rabid people on both sides to criticize, from the comfort of their homes.
If you feel strong enough about the war, take action - Pro-war; enlist. Against; bug your congressman.
Zach has been brave enough to give us his perspective on what he is going through. A very unique and courageous act.
Making an ass of yourself by jeering from a distance, only hurts your cause in the eyes of those who respect this man.
Zach, I have been reading for a while. I hope you come home to your wife and kids soon. Stay out of danger.
THANK YOU!
Zach's decision is for him alone to make and bear the consequences. But "only following orders" was no defence at Nuremburg, and soldiers have a right to refuse to obey illegal orders. In Israel there is a growing movement of soldiers who accept their duty to defend their country but refuse to join in the illegal and devastating occupation of Palestine, which their organisation Yesh Gvul describes as "a curse on both peoples", pointing out that "occupation is violence and it breeds terrorism". Here is their take on being a refusenik:
"Refuseniks do not duck the consequences of their challenge to legal authority: defiance of the military hierarchy is overt and direct, accepting the painful personal consequences. This willingness to pay the price imbues the refuseniks’ protest with a moral and political effect out of all proportion to their number." (see http://www.yeshgvul.org for more information on Yesh Gvul)
US and British soldiers have to decide for themselves whether they are able to demonstrate this kind of courage, facing the hostility of their own side instead of the bombs and bullets of their enemies, in order to end the occupation of Iraq. Wishing all of you a safe home-coming.
I posted something similar but I don't recall where, so I guess I'll just say it again:
In my opinion most people who join the armed forces do so knowing that one day they might have to defend THEIR COUNTRY. I don't believe that this is a war that can be justified as "defending our country" but as many others have stated already, Bush brainwashed the majority of people into believing that we had to invade to protect our country (still can't believe that so many people believed and still do believe this), but anyway. . . I can understand Hurria's frustration, but it's not logical to expect them to just pack up and quit. Now, if before they joined the army they had been aware that they'd be in this particular situation and they still joined, then sure, it would make more sense to be disappointed or angry with the soliders...but that's not what happened.
A soldier just can't quit - those who don't agree with what's going on have been screwed by the military. There are serious repercussions for just saying "No". For example, if the army won't even honor the contracts they made with their soldiers and keep them in PAST their contract dates, what makes you all think that it would be so easy to just protest the war? They are like property to the Army. Sure, there are extremes - go AWOL etc. But as Zach has stated, that comes with some serious consequences. If it's possible for a solider to do that and it works out for him or her, then I commend them for escaping the lies.
Also, I agree with some of the other comments - those of you who are so quick to criticize, it's so easy to SAY that one should do this, or one should do that - but I doubt any of you would have the balls (or ovaries) to actually do what you suggest that Zach should be doing. And, why aren't you risking your own futures, job security, etc. on the homefront?
So, it's just not as easy as it seems. We all have to take into account our loved ones, our families, and what effect our actions will have on them and our futures.
Everyone can have their own opinion of things, but unless you've been in this situation and have done what some of you suggest, then I don't think that anyone has the right to criticize or be nasty about the decsions that Zach makes.
I am really surprised and baffled by some of the comments I have been reading on his blog.
Zach, I was happy to see this last post from you. Hope that all is well with you and your family!
Possible good news-
U.S. Will Probably Begin Drawdown of Force in Iraq Next Year
Alice Marshall
Snag,
You are so "dead on" right. You say the things I think. Don't shut your mouth for the day, keep on talking! People need to hear it.
-roamer in mich
Zach,
First off, I believe that your posts and thoughts already make a difference for the better in this world.
You say that "to quit, to walk way is to not see my family." How is that so? (even assuming the admittedly heavy outcome of jail time or seeking refuge with your family in another country).
Does it make sense to remain in Iraq and risk killing or wounding Iraqis and continue to put yourself in danger given the current situation was provoked by an illegal invasion based upon lies and deceit? I think you do have a choice here, albeit a very difficult one given where you are physically, spiritually, and in terms of the power hierarchy.
Perhaps one step would be to gather additional information, speak to veterans who have faced similar dilemmas.
These sites could be places to start
http://www.calltoconscience.net/ (see CO resources link)
http://www.girights.org/
("For Active Duty & Reservists:
If you have questions or doubts about your role in the military (for any reason) or in this war, help is available. Contact the organization listed below. They can discuss your situation and concerns, give you information on your legal rights, and help you sort out your possible choices.")
I hope you can find a way to come home safe.
From this end, I think the public consciousness is shifting. Perhaps we'll one day have impeachment hearings in which the lies of BushCo will be fully exposed and they will be held accountable for their crimes:
-lying to Congress
-lying about ordering combat operations - by Oct. 2002, the Bush claimed that no decision for war had been taken, yet he had already ordered months of heavy duty (and illegal) bombing raids on Iraq
- lies before the U.N., lies about WMD
- lies about being forced into war when, in fact, Hussein had allowed the U.N. access; of course U.N. inspectors were withdrawn because of the imminent threat of the U.S. and British invasion. i.e., the U.N. withdrew the inspectors so they wouldn't be killed by American bombs.
- torture in Abu-Graib
-napalm-like weapons used
- tens and tens of thousands of Iraqis killed
- more than 1700 american soldiers killed (plus the hundreds of contractors, brits, and others)
The U.S. government has created a web of lies and deceit. I think that changes matters greatly in terms of the decisions you are entitled to make.
Sincerely,
Stephan Cohen
you rock zach..come home safe
Are we winning yet?: Someone is lying. You decide who.
Option A: Military officials who are on the ground in Iraq.
Option B: Scott McClellan, Bush and Cheney.
Everyone who keeps saying that the war is based on lies should talk to someone who's family member was in the World Trade Center, and didn't come home for dinner.
Terrorists will hide in Any country that will let them. And some that don't know or won't bother to check & see if they are hiding there. that is why we will have to go and get them, before they do it again.
If you think that I'm wrong here, next time there is a criminal running from the police, just let him in your house to hide and see if the police don't just come in and get him, warrant or not.
And don't think for one moment that Iraq under the saddam regime, would have been sympathetic to our cause. Remember "The Enemy of My Enemy" concept applies here.
And there is no great love lost for us among many, if not all of these Arab nations. Only when they realize we will not just lay there and take it, will they give up their "Holy War" against us.
As for the soldiers on the front, keep your mind right, do what you gotta do, and come home intact if you can. You'll have the rest of your life to reflect on what you had to do, in hopefully, a safe and free country.
God Bless.
@Vice:
Please re-read your own comment and then take a moment to contemplate how stupid it is.
None of the 9/11 hi-jackers were Iraqi. 17 of the 19 were Saudis. OBL is a Saudi.
Do you want to destroy every country in the world, on the off chance there might be 'terrorists' there?
The invasion *was* (and still is) based on lies. The fact that you cite 9/11 as justification proves the Bushists have been successful in duping you into thinking there is a connection....
...when what really happened is your esteemed leader cynically distorted the facts behind the death of ~3000 Americans in order to kill another ~2000 Americans.
And people like you shout "Support The Troops," oblivious to the fact that your idiocy is only helping to kill them.
Please try to wake up. The ignorance of people like you is one of the reasons we are in this mess.
Robert.
Yes Vice,
Put up or shut up. If you support Bunnypants and his Vietraq war, you need to enlist now. Back up your ranting with action. The Operation Yellow Elephant folks will help you get enlistment info, etc. Just Google them.
-roamer in mich
I am with you SGT.
HM2 Westre
lol Vice, you really got hammered here. If there's one thing this small community can agree on its to point out the absolutely obvious idiots.
Remember, Vice, that there are AMERICAN CITIZENS who are terrorists. Remember Timothy McVeigh? He was his whole life an American citizen, in the US, and he is most definately a terrorist. How about the two guys at Columbine? They, also, are terrorists. Since you don't seem to know, let me give you the definition of a terrorism:
"The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons."
Hmmm, doesn't THAT sound familiar! If we really want to have a war on terrorism, the very first place we should go, to get the absolute most powerful terrorist in the world hands-down, is the White House.
I'm also getting a little tired of all of this talk saying that one should be involved first-hand in this war in order to have a valid opinion. That is just plain ignorant. That's like saying one should be a politician before being allowed to vote.
ScottyB.
To All Of You BUSH HATERS,
Yes thats the way I see it. You are all just Haters. You all mean to tell me that Absolutely no Good has come out of the war, thats just preposterous! The news media will NOT report any good coming out of Iraq, and everyone knows the media tells the truth all the time right? (wink). So far not one of you has had anything good to say about the war, that might inspire some soldier who is there and perhaps reading this, to carry out his orders, fulfill his duty and come home to a people who might have some small measure of appreciation for his efforts. Way to go people, support only YOUR troops and forget about everyone else's sons & daughters.
ROBERT, I never said the 9/11 hi-jackers were Iraqi, You should re-read my comment before you try to bash me.
ALSO... To SNAG (Army Intelligence, what an oxymoron! you should have read further before bashing me, you would have known I was a Soldier, that plays video games.), ROAMER, And those who say I should put up or shut up... I've been putting up for 17 years in the Army National Guard, about two years before desert storm. I put my time in when my straw was drawn for homeland security. I was ready and willing and FULLY EXPECTED to go to Iraq, but was ordered to defend American assets here at home instead, so our soldiers would have something to come home to.
I have three friends and fellow soldiers over there Right now, and a fourth on the way. But I'm not going to hate and continually be negative. I won't tell them their wasting their time.
I'll leave that all up to you, to complain and whine. Such a great lesson to teach your children.
And if you all want to "Hammer" me again as Scotty.B suggests, just for being a little optimistic, then go right ahead. But I don't think I'm the idiot here.
VICE=Reality
Preach it, brother Snag! Dang you're good.
SNAG,
If thats as close as you will come to something positive about Iraq, then I guess it will have to do. It is obvious that not everyone will agree on every issue with the president, I sure don't. I guess what I'm trying to relate is that we are there. Yes it's horrible, but war is hell. We can't just leave, because they WILL attack us here again. So we should try and make the best out of a bad situation.
For example, General Patton; a great general. Always saw the bright side of things. When the Germans moved tankers in to fight them on one battlfield, most of the command officers would complain of how hard it would be now to fight them. But Patton knew the Germans would be vulnerable in their previously held positions, and ordered them to be attacked, sometimes against the wishes of the command officers. His tactics proved to be sound enough to help win the war.
I'm not saying we need more pattons today, that would be writing history all over again. But we could, if only occasionally, try to think of something positive to say here. Because our troops do read these kinds of forums.
As far as questioning orders, I have been called a "Barracks Lawyer" on more than 5 occassions, by four different squad leaders in my 17 years. So I have been "known for" questioning orders, at least thats what it said on my last NCOER. There would have been no Abhu-Graihb on my watch.
So, I agree with you that we should question questionable orders. As patton said "Fight Bad Orders". But there does come a time when we have to roll up our sleeves and "Get'er Done".
Thank you for hearing me out.
BTW SNAG,
Great choice of movies. Falling Down, & Oh Brother Where Art thou, were two of my favorites. More Falling Down though, cause he just wanted to see his daughter on her B-Day.
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