Active-duty soldier in Iraq uses blog to call for complete withdrawal

[highplainsdem]

I've already posted this in LBN, but I think it belongs here, too:

http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_3109293

Article Launched: 10/12/2005 11:01:24 AM

From Iraq, soldier seeks war's end
By EVAN LEHMANN, Sun Washington Bureau

<snip>

But Pulliam, a 43-year-old engineer with a law degree, had a bigger breakdown on his mind than an engine mishap: the United States' policy in Iraq.

Yesterday, he called for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops before September 2006, titling his proposal “Rational Disengagement.” He posted it on an Internet blog, an online journal operated by Bedford activist Brian Hart, whose 20-year-old son, Army Pvt. First Class John Hart, was killed nearly two years ago in Iraq during an ambush near Kirkuk.

<snip>

In an age where soldiers are increasingly using the Internet to relay instant information about their experiences to spouses, family members and the public, some are going too far, says Lt. Col. Steven Bloyan, an Army communications director in Baghdad who tries to track soldiers' commentary on blogs (Web logs) and newspaper editorials.

<snip>

But Bloyan and an Army spokeswoman in Washington said they'd never encountered an active-duty soldier proposing troop withdrawals. It could violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which prohibits soldiers from engaging in political discourse while in uniform.

<snip>

Editing to add a link to the blog with his letter:

http://www.minstrelboy.blogspot.com/


The letter was posted at 6:59 pm yesterday, and there are no comments so far.

This is what Hart writes as the preface to Pulliam's letter:

As there is little national discussion on “Rational Disengagement” occurring in this country, Sgt. Nicholas Pulliam stationed in Iraq and Brian T. Hart, both from Massachusetts, have decided to start a discussion of their own.

We encourage others to join us. Perhaps a rational grass roots discussion will turn into a grass fire.

As American’s we embrace the opportunity to advance the Nation’s consciousness together.

Sincerely,
Brian T. Hart
October 10, 2005

[highplainsdem]

1. Kicking,

after editing the subject line to make this clearer.

This is important. Both Army spokespersons and the activist whose blog this was posted on said this was the first time they were aware of that an active-duty soldier had called for withdrawal from Iraq.

[highplainsdem]

2. He's starting to get some comments on that blog.

All supportive so far. I hope he gets a lot of attention.