Under Fire

Even the VFW thinks the Marine Corps is over reacting to Adam Kokesh, a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War who participated in IVAW's Operation First Casualty in Washington, DC. I sure as hell think so. The Corps is also upset that, when informed by a Marine major that wearing a Marine uniform in a political activity violated rules, Kokesh responded with an obscenity. Probably not smart but as a combat veteran responding to an outrageous order, not surprising either. Today, the Marine Corps will decide to downgrade Kokesh's discharge and deprive him of benefits he earned risking his life in service to his country.

One of the things that Kokesh earned is the right to wear his uniform. He wore that uniform in Iraq. He fought in it. His friends died wearing that uniform. As far as I am concerned, if ANY veteran wants to wear his or her uniform in exercising First Amendment rights, they have that right. Today's hearing and subsequent legal actions will determine whether the nation agrees with me.

Of course, I have personal stake in the matter. I wear my jungle fatigue jacket--what's left of it--at demonstrations. By the major's interpretation, I guess I'm violating regulations. The nation has an even greater stake in the matter because the military's actions will prevent men and women who know first hand the experience of war from telling their fellow citizens about war. Operation First Casualty is dramatic, startling and brutally effective in demonstrating the nature of occupation to civilians who never see the daily reality of war.

IVAW launched a second Operation First Casualty in Manhattan on Memorial Day. The video is street theater at its finest, combined with articulate, informed veterans to expand on the issues of war and occupation. Operation First Casualty offers a strong clear message, a message that would not be possible out of uniform. Nor do I consider IVAW's actions political. They do not support a policy or candidate. Rather they address an important issue. Operation First Casualty is veterans speaking out as only they can.

No wonder the Pentagon doesn't like it.