I had what my wife would call an "epiphanette" this morning.
Stereoman has pointed out, on a number of occasions, my low opinion of 1LT Watada on a personal level, which I do not deny. I do not find him at all honorable. I realized this morning why I have such a visceral dislike of him.
The Army is a unique organization because it is, in its essence, all about
others. You join the military because you want to serve your country. You find in it a group of like-minded individuals and you find a camaraderie both socially and ethically. Soldiers are routinely asked to sacrifice, not for themselves, but for others. Heroes are those that have done for others, and Soldiers that have been in combat will routinely say that they did what they did for their fellow Soldiers - not duty, glory, or country. Among the
values that the institution seeks to instill are "selfless service," putting others before yourself, "duty," and "loyalty."
At his core, 1LT Watada is only thinking about himself. His conscience, his interests, his actions, his beliefs, his opinions. He may dress his actions in the clothing of "serving others" by making the point, but the reality is, it is all about him. Him, him, him. And that is the aspect of his quest that I find so repugnant. It is selfish in the extreme, and that is entirely inconsistent not only with his oath but with the fundamental values of Soldiery. That is why I find his actions so dishonorable.
