Soldiers Must Choose to Stop Fighting

W e have all seen this war tear apart our country over the past three years. It seems as though nothing we’ve done, from vigils to protests to letters to Congress, has had any effect in persuading the powers that be. Today, I speak with you about a radical idea. It is one born from the very concept of the American soldier (or service member). It became instrumental in ending the Vietnam War, but it has been long since forgotten. The idea is this: that to stop an illegal and unjust war, soldiers can choose to stop fighting it. 

Now it is not an easy task for the soldier for he or she must be aware that they are being used for ill-gain. They must hold themselves responsible for individual action. They must remember duty to the Constitution and the people supersedes the ideologies of their leadership. The American soldier must rise above the socialization that tells them authority should always be obeyed without question. Awareness of the history of atrocities and destruction committed in the name of America—either through direct military intervention or by proxy war—is crucial. They must realize that this is a war not of self-defense, but by choice, for profit and imperialistic domination. WMD, ties to Al Qaeda, and ties to 9/11 never existed and never will. The soldier must know that our narrowly and questionably elected officials intentionally manipulated the evidence presented to Congress, the public, and the world to make the case for war. They must know that neither Congress nor this Administration has the authority to violate the prohibition against pre-emptive war— an American law that still stands today. Though the American soldier wants to do right, they must know some of these facts, if not all, in order to act. 

Enlisting in the military does not relinquish one’s right to seek the truth, neither does it excuse one from rational thought nor the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. “I was only following orders” is never an excuse. The Nuremburg Trials showed America and the world that citizenry as well as soldiers have the obligation to refuse complicity in war crimes perpetrated by their government. Widespread torture and inhumane treatment of detainees is a war crime. A war of aggression born through an unofficial policy of “prevention” is a crime against the peace. An occupation violating the very essence of international humanitarian law and sovereignty is a crime against humanity. 

The American soldier is not a mercenary. He or she does not simply fight wars for payment. Indeed, the state of the American soldier is worse than that of a mercenary. For a soldier-for-hire can walk away if they are disgusted by their employer’s actions. Instead, especially when it comes to war, American soldiers become indentured servants whether they volunteer out of patriotism or are drafted through economic desperation. 

If we want soldiers to choose the right but difficult path, they must know beyond any shadow of a doubt that they will be supported by Americans. To support the troops who resist, you must make your voices heard. We must show open-minded soldiers a choice and we must give them courage to act. 

Three weeks ago, Sgt. Hernandez from the 172nd Stryker Brigade was killed, leaving behind a wife and two children. In an interview, his wife said he sacrificed his life so that his family could survive. People like Sgt. Hernandez don’t have a choice. The choices are to fight in Iraq or let your family starve. Many soldiers don’t refuse this war en mass because, like all of us, they value their families over their own lives and perhaps their conscience. Who would willingly spend years in prison for principle and morality while denying their family sustenance? 

You must know that to stop this war, for the soldiers to stop fighting it, they must have the unconditional support of the people. Convince them that no matter how long they sit in prison, no matter how long this country takes to right itself, their families will have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, opportunities, and education. Why must Canadians feed and house our fellow Americans who have chosen to do the right thing? We should be the ones taking care of our own. Are we that powerless; are we that unwilling to risk something for those who can truly end this war? How do you support the troops, but not the war? By supporting those who can truly stop it; let them know that resistance to participate in an illegal war is not futile and not without a future.