Here's How to Thank a Vet--NOT!
Thanks, Wild Horse Annie, for bringing this story to our attention:
This Wednesday, May 11, the court-martial of Sgt. Kevin Benderman begins. Sgt. Benderman, who has served in the military for eight years including one tour of duty in Iraq, filed for conscientious objector status after seeing the reality of war in Iraq. He has been denied and now faces court-martial on two counts, desertion with the intent to avoid hazardous duty and missing movement by design. He could spend five years incarcerated if found guilty of the first charge and up to two years for the second.
Kevin Benderman's opposition to war – all war – is based on his experience in Iraq. As Rep. Cynthia McKinney said on the floor of the House of Representatives on April 28:
"Sgt. Benderman's opposition is not the theoretical if sincere opposition of a student peace activist. Kevin Benderman has seen things that none of God's children should have to endure. He was present when his superior ordered his unit to open fire on small children who were throwing rocks at the soldiers of his unit. He chased the hungry dogs from an open mass grave filled with the bodies of young children, old men, and women. Kevin saw the burned child, crying in pain, while all around her ignored her injuries."
posted by Gladmomma at 6:55 PM
2 Comments:
Where was the Chaplain for this soldier? He should have been there for him, to help him attain his C.O. status. That's what my Dad (a military Chaplain) did in the 60's. I think they have really gone overboard on this case. It is not inconcievable that after seeing war, one would decide that it's morally wrong.
I just heard a speaker (a peace activist) tell of going to Iraq the first time and seeing Saddam's mass graves. "This should never happen anywhere," she thought.
She went back again and this time saw mass graves for people killed by U.S. bombs.
Yes, this should never happen anywhere.
I grieve when I write my checks to Uncle Sam. And I tell my children so.
Kevin Benderman's court martial has been delayed because an investigator's impartiality has been compromised. Sadly I doubt the outcome will be different.
Help your pacifist draft-age sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors to prepare their C.O. documents now. Once there's a draft they may not have time.
Meg
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