Originally Posted by NW Ponderer
I think, Steve, that you have a misperception of my attitude toward 1LT Watada. I do not find him noble or courageous, it is true, but I have no malice toward him.
Perhaps. Here are the statements you have made about him that led me to believe otherwise:
Originally Posted by NW Ponderer
  • Lieutenant Watada is no hero. He deserves to be court martialed, does not deserve to be lauded, and I hope he enjoys his stay in prison where he belongs. He is a selfish, dishonest, and dishonorable individual who has done incredible disservice to the uniform he wears.
  • How far are you willing to allow free choice to Soldiers in combat? "Sorry, Sir, but I just don't feel like pulling duty today - it's just too hot." "Sorry, Sir, but that hill doesn't seem as important to me as it does to you, I think I'll just sit this one out. Don't take it personally. See you when you get back." Try running an army that way.
  • I don't think his prospects are good, particularly as he can't keep his mouth shut. Not a good strategy for someone facing these charges, but then, it isn't about that is it? It's about publicity.
  • Even among anti-Iraq War soldiers, like myself, Watada is reviled . . .
  • Lieutenant Watada's behavior is not nearly so noble as those with a particular agenda wish it to be. It is simply a manifestation of an underlying personality disorder writ large in the press and his own self-promotion.
  • Ultimately, I think that Lt. Watada will pay the price, he will become the "noble martyr" he so wishes to become, and his case will be trumpeted by those who need such martyrs. They, however, will not be the ones in prison.
  • 1LT Watada was not in combat, has not been in combat, and refused to serve in combat.
And then there is the post that you deleted completely, my friend. Do you remember what you had to say on that occasion? It was not kind.

You have argued incorrectly at every turn of this trial, friend Ponderer, each prediction you have made has been turned on its head in reality. You have expressed personal outrage and argued that both Judge Head and now Judge Settle have incorrectly applied the law. You have argued that Lt. Watada's attorney has acted in an unethical and incompetent manner. All this, taken together, has led me to believe that your feelings toward Lt. Watada are deep and visceral.

Steve
Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love,
to respect and be kind to one another,
so that we may grow with peace in mind.
(Native American prayer)