U.S. deserter fears 'social persecution'

[Rhapsody in Blue]

From the Globe and Mail (Toronto/Canada):

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041209.wxrefugee9/BNStory/National/

"A U.S. Army deserter seeking asylum in Canada said he will face 'social persecution' if he is sent back to the United States and believes he is within his legal right to refuse to fight in the Iraqi war because he does not want to commit atrocities.

<snip>

A former U.S. Marine testified at the (refugee) hearing yesterday about alleged atrocities, saying his superiors ignored his objections about the killing of Iraqi civilians and other violations of the Geneva Conventions.

Jimmy Massey, a 12-year-veteran and former staff sergeant, said some U.S. Marines became paranoid and trigger-happy by exaggerated intelligence reports about Iraqi suicide bombers.

<snip>

He said he tried without success to bring to his superiors' attention his concern about such killings. When he went to a division psychiatrist in May of 2003, he was told to request conscientious-objector status.

"There is a blackball system within the military if you file a C.O. petition; you're giving yourself a death sentence. I've known Marines who have been beaten, harassed and sexually assaulted." "

edit: added link (doh!!)

[knowbody0]

1. now we think about "casualties" in a different way

what is happening in iraq defies human nature. how many kids over there feel this way?

[Moderator]

2. Duplicate topic

Add this update to older thread if you wish

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1052711