Posted by
Loyal Democrat on Thursday, May 10, 2007 12:15:56 AM
Soldiers, like anyone else, should be free to vote their conscience before engaging in any activity, regardless of the timing. Hence, if Watada decided that the war wasn't for him just when it came time to board the plane, then that was his right. A person should not be bound by a contract, a pledge of service, a wedding vow, or any other obligation if the compliance with the agreement is no longer in the best interest of the obligatee. In this case, Watada had apparently had a change of heart regarding his desire to serve in the military when it became clear that there could be a genuine risk involved in doing so. Thus, he was within his rights to rescind the contract he signed with the Army, and should indeed be applauded as being a person that does what he wishes, regardless of whatever commitment he had previously made.
America should be honored to have citizens that are willing to renege on their obligations, for it shows that we are a nation of people that follow their hearts, even if it means the forfeiture of ones honor and dignity. Watada is truly a brave person, for he resisted the call to do something that he didn't want to, unlike the cowards that meekly hopped on the airplane that was to take them away from home. The soldiers that went weren't of a strong enough spirit to remain with their families even though they likely wanted to, so they do not deserve the accolades of our citizenry. Americans dislike cowards, and those that didn't resist the mandate that sent them far from home were indeed such cowards. Instead, America admires heroic men like Watada, men that are willing to go back on their word if necessary, men that are willing to trade their dignity if it becomes convenient.
So let's not think of the sheep that were herded into the C-130's that were headed off to Baghdad, instead let us focus on the true American hero of the day, Mr. Watada. He relects the very soul of our current congress, and he emulates the celebrities we all love so much. Watada is the face of the new Democratic America, and we love him for it.