How does one become a conscientious objector?

[StellaBlue]

I know from some reading I did in the UK about a man who was imprisoned there for refusing to serve in WWII that you can't just suddenly say one day "Oh! I'm a conscientious objector!" and be off the hook from military duty. For instance, it is my understanding that you have to show WHY you feel you cannot, in good conscience, serve (e.g. you're a longtime Quaker) and/or PROVE that your reason is a matter of longstanding conviction, and not just a feeble attempt to get out of going into battle.

In light of recents posts about American war crimes and soldiers who want to speak out, I have been thinking about this. There may come a time when there is a draft, for instance.

There is no way these lying, greedy, inhuman oligarchs are going to get me to kill or be killed for their profit$$$$$$. So. How does one go about becoming a conscientious objector? Does anyone on DU have personal experience with this?

After reading what I did about British conscientious objectors in WWII, and what I know about American objectors to WWI (hello - Sedition Act!?), I think these people are the real heroes.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Start building a CO file, basically with all

your views... join the quakers... always a good move... and essentially build why you do not want to go to war. Now realize during WW II many CO served as Medics, which is seen as a good and honorable alternative. But truly contact the Quakers first.... they are shall we say the experts on this?

[serryjw]

2. Here you go!

http://www.militaryfreeschools.org/conscienceobject.htm
http://www.pjcvt.org/co.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0813284.html


Lots of info online

[RagingInMiami]

3. Camilo Mejia, a friend of mine who lives in Miami, became the first

conscientious objector of this war. He served almost a year in jail. Here is his story.


http://www.citizen-soldier.org/CS07-Camilo.html

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0524-11.htm

[no_hypocrisy]

5. My uncle spent a couple of years in federal prison for being a

conscientious objector for World War II. He never regretted it. (He was consistent: he sent a telegram of support to Jeanette Rankin of Montana for being the sole member of Congress to vote against the resolution to declare war against Japan.) He didn't want to peel potatoes, he didn't want to be a file clerk. He didn't want to help the war effort, period. He regretted that the government refused to recognize him as a conscientious objector.

I recommend going to peace vigils, writing letters to the editor criticizing American military in Iraq, going on public record with your protests.

[Hekate]

4. Quakers aren't the only "peace church"

Religion is pretty personal, but of course they're a good place to begin because of their long experience and because they are in a way the public face of pacifism.

The Unitarians tend to oppose war and violence. All the major denominations in the US (except the Southern Baptists) publicly rebuked Bush in the runup to the invasion of Iraq.

Getting involved in specific activities is a very good idea, as it shows longstanding intent. The links given by other posters will help.

I wish you luck. I think a draft is well-nigh inevitable, given Bush's insane determination to make war.

Hekate

[sutz12]

6. Start writing shit down.

Start a blog, and maybe a print journal. Start writing anti war and peace messages. Keep all of it.

Like the guy said, write LTTE's and keep copies of everything, and especially clip out the ones the paper actually prints. That's public record stuff.

It's best to join a church, too, although that goes against my personal life choices. But I'm an old fart, and way beyond draft age, at least until we are like Germany in 1945, that is. :)

[The2ndWheel]

7. War is so damn easy

Life blood of the state. Prove you don't wish to die for the state!

I say any feeble attempt to get out of going into battle is a good one. If we had more people around the world able to just give a nice big middle finger to whatever leaders they may have, it might be a better place.

I don't have to, or won't, go about having to prove my humanity. Corporations on the other hand...