freedetainees.org

Boulder, CO - Soldiers who object to the Iraq war on constitutional grounds, and yet are ordered to deploy there, are quickly confronted with the reality that being true to their conscience could lead to their arrest, imprisonment, and dishonorable discharge. This is, in some respects, difficult to face. Many admire people who are willing to not compromise principle for principle’s sake, but when faced with the stark consequences, it is easy to buckle.

Recently, a young soldier did not buckle. Sergeant Matthis Chiroux, a 4-year veteran from Alabama, who served in Afghanistan as a photojournalist, made his announcement at the capitol: He would not report for Iraq duty for constitutional reasons, and he would remain in the U.S. and face any charges the government would make against him. Bolstered by support from fellow veterans, he made a statement which should inspire all who value the constitution and principles of our nation’s founders.

“This occupation is unconstitutional and illegal,” stated Chiroux, “and I hereby lawfully refuse to participate as I will surely be a party to war crimes. Furthermore, deployment in support of illegal war violates all of my core values as a human being, but in keeping with those values, I choose to remain in the United States to defend myself from charges brought by the Army if they so wish to pursue them. I refuse to participate in the occupation of Iraq.”

National Chairman Jonathan Hill stated, “Sgt. Chiroux is upholding the highest standards of patriotism and is a great credit to our nation. The reality that many so-called conservatives fail to see is that continuing this war helps perpetuate unconstitutional practices at the federal level — the Iraq War Resolution is beyond doubt unconstitutional. Chiroux is truly defending our nation by his refusal to disobey our nation’s basic law.”

The America First Party condemns the Iraq War as “unnecessary, improper, illegal, unconstitutional, and immoral” and the party Platform calls for the United States military to be used only “to protect U.S. citizens, U.S. property and U.S. border integrity,” and for no other purpose.

June 13th, 2008 | Category: Activists, IVAW, Iraq Veterans, Winter Soldier, action |  Print This Post | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL