Miami soldier resists: `This war is evil'

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Tue, Mar. 16, 2004

Miami soldier resists: `This war is evil'

A Florida National Guard soldier from Miami who served six months in Iraq refuses to return and seeks conscientious objector status.

BY FRANK DAVIES

[e-mail]


SHERBORN, Mass. - A Miami soldier who served six months in Iraq and then refused to return after a leave said Monday ''I can no longer be an instrument of violence,'' and turned himself in to military authorities.

Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia, a National Guard infantryman for five years after three years of active Army duty, explained his decision to seek conscientious objector status at an event organized by peace activists.

''I am not against the military. The military has been my family,'' said Mejia, 28. ``My commanders are not evil but this war is evil. I did not sign up for the military to go halfway around the world to be an instrument of oppression.''

Then, joined by family, supporters and his lawyers, he walked to the gates of Hanscom Air Force Base outside Boston. Activists cheered him as heavily armed soldiers took Mejia inside.
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/8195587.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Moderator: I already checked to find the original thread concerning this soldier from Monday, so I could add this article as an update.
The original thread was seized by "personal bickering" and had to be closed.

Same subject, with new information in this post.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. That is one brave soldier

to walk his talk and tell it like it is. I know that there are many others in the military who feel the same way, but are afraid to speak out (and I don't blame them).

[DuctapeFatwa]

4. I hope you're right, and I hope Mejia will give them courage

They can also go to http://oznik.com and get some inspiration from some Israeli Heroes.

[Barrett808]

2. kick

[Calico Jack Rackham]

3. Traitor Alert (Sarcasm)

The sad thing is that the bushistas and right wing zealots will be out in force to discredit this brave trooper and probably accuse him of cowardice.

I always found it funny how most of this type of criticism comes from chickenhawks who never served a day in uniform, yet seem content to sit on their fat asses at home and condemn troops who see how senseless this war is.

Hopefully one of our patriotic freepers will take the place of this soldier. Somehow, I think thats highly unlikely.

[Ilsa]

5. You are so right, Campanero!

I can easily imagine the chickenhawks at home in their comfortable chairs, screaming that he should be taken to GITMO and strung up, etc, ad nauseum.

[Norquist Nemesis]

6. Yes, excoriation began yesterday

around here on the 50,000 megawatt RW propoganda machine (WLS) :puke:

[Earth_First]

7. Godspeed Sgt. Mejia...

the truest test of courage and bravery is to face your Commanding Officer and denounce the actions of an immoral and unjust war.

[Judi Lynn]

8. Update on story

03.16.2004 1:55 P.M.
Soldier who refused to return to Iraq ordered to Fort Stewart, Ga.
The Associated Press
deserter; Mass. angle AP Photos FMZ102-103, MAMD601, MAMD605 rlcaaaaskjtfon-af By ADRIAN SAINZ Associated Press Writer

NORTH MIAMI, Fla. (AP) - A 28-year-old U.S. soldier who refused to return to duty in Iraq because of his opposition to the war was ordered Tuesday to report to a Georgia military base or face arrest. Florida National Guard officials said he was considered a deserter.

Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia, who is seeking to be declared a conscientious objector, met with officials at his Florida National Guard unit after repeating his determination not to return to the Middle East and fight. "I'm prepared to go to prison because I'll have a clear conscience," Mejia said.
(snip)

"The justification for this war is money and no soldier should go to Iraq and give his life for oil," Mejia told reporters Tuesday. He was accompanied by his mother, an aunt and Spc. Oliver Perez, who served with him, when he reported to the Florida armory Tuesday.

Perez said Mejia is "a brave leader" and should not be prosecuted. "I fought next to him in many battles. He is not a coward," Perez said.
(snip/...)
http://www.projo.com/ap/ma/1079463216.htm
(Free registration required)

[redwitch]

9. talk about bravery!

I am impressed at people who stand up like this soldier has done- it would be less scary , to my way of thinking , to just go back and try to keep a low profile and get out alive. He faces prison and the condemnation of lots of people, yet he still has the courage of his convictions. God bless the man!

[Occulus]

10. Maybe not...

he has at least one person who served by his side willing to vouch for his bravery while serving. Thus, it's going to be hard to nail him for cowardice.