Old Weird Ward
Unless otherwise noted, that which is posted here is opinion, which is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. If you don't like my opinions, go somewhere else. Nobody is forcing you to actually read this drivel.
The presumption exists that you can read at all.
That may be a large assumption.
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Thursday, March 03, 2005
- - - - - The Case Against Pablo Paredes - - - - -
Tip o' the hat to Citizen Smash for this one.
I, ___________________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
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In 1969 I took that oath, during a "war" of extemely dubious legality. I joined the Navy to stay out of the Army - the prospect of being an Infantryman in Viet Nam's lovely climate just didn't... appeal to me, somehow. So, I did my four years, full of doubt about my political leaders, and not impressed at all by the words flowing out from Washington, DC.
Why did I keep the promise I made in the Oath?
Because I gave my word. I made a solemn promise that I would do what was required of me, under the oath.
Pablo Paredes, on the other hand, decided that his word isn't worth a thimble-full of warm spit.
Let's be real clear, here: Paredes, a technician who was assigned to work on the Bon Homme Richard's point defense system was not about to be sent into ground combat.
So, what was his problem? According to Socialist Worker (HERE for the whole "article"), he has this to say:
THE REASON is twofold. First of all, I’m opposed to war in general. Secondly, this illegal war in Iraq was a wakeup call.
Before the war, I was in Japan, so far removed from the idea of war. Once it began, and I found out that my ship would be transporting Marines to their possible death, I decided I had to take a stand and refuse to board.
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In other words, he jumped ship, ignoring his given word, in clear violation of his oath - which he certainly had a chance to read before he took it. Yeah, he applied for Conscientious Objector status. AFTER missing ship's movement. Right there, in a public forum, Paredes has confessed.
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