Support Your Troops

Today in Washington, DC a very courageous group of active duty military service members will petition Congress to end the war and occupation of Iraq. The signers of the Appeal For Redress are are Americans who volunteered to serve their country who believe that their service is being wasted in a spurious cause. Today's Washington Post has an >article about the organizers. The Nation also ran an article about the Appeal a few weeks ago.

As a veteran who served in an equally dubious conflict, I strongly support this effort. Nothing says NO! to war like service members speaking out. I still remember how proud I was to hear the news about Vietnam Veterans Against the War marching to protest the war in Operation Dewey Canyon III.

The service members who sign the Appeal are taking some real risks. It's a lot easier to speak up after you're discharged. Even though the Appeal is legal, the military can certainly make life difficult for active duty personnel who speak out. A similar effort during the Vietnam War, the Concerned Officers Movement, was a dramatic protest but quickly faded as the signers were forced out of the military.

I urge all my readers to support these fine Americans and to spread the word to any active duty service members you know. The Appeal's web site will remain open for signatures even after the presentation to Congress.