LOOK ==> Will you help us thank a US soldier who stood up for the truth?

[magellan]

Sgt Ricky Clousing, 24, was an interrogator in Iraq who witnessed the killing of an innocent Iraqi man by a US soldier in Mosul. His account of the incident was dismissed by his higher ups, and so he went AWOL on his return to the US. He has since turned himself in and been charged with three months confinement, a reduction in rank and a bad conduct discharge.

(Story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061012/ap_on_re_us/iraq_objector)

Fellow DUer pecwae and I are hoping that like us, you'll be moved to send Ricky a card with a few words of thanks and encouragement, and maybe a magazine to help while away his time in detention. It's not a lot, but I'm sure he'll appreciate hearing from us!

If you'd like his address, please contact pecwae -- here's her profile page with PM link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=173858

Thanks, everyone, and please keep this kicked for Ricky!

[ShortnFiery]

1. Thank you for the news of this brave soldier Magellan

It takes courage to admit that what we are doing in Iraq is both illegal and immoral. My Wish: That God holds Ricky Clousing close and gives him the strength to endure through all of the unjust punishment that is imminent.

FYI - If anyone wishes to apply for "Conscientious Objector" status, please view this site. Even if you are not a practicing Catholic Pax Christi provides links that could be of great assistance to you and yours. :grouphug:

http://www.paxchristiusa.org/pc_con_object.asp

On my knees I beg you to turn away from the paths of violence. . . .I say to you, with all the love I have for you, with all the trust I have in young people: do not listen to voices which speak the language of hatred, revenge, retaliation. Do not follow any leaders who train you in the way of inflicting death. . . .Give yourself to the service of life, not the work of death. Violence is the enemy of justice. Only peace can lead the way to true justice” - Pope John Paul II, September 29, 1979

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tkmorris]

3. I don't understand your anger

The poster you responded to offered information that was helpful to anyone seeking Conscientious Objector status, and advised that the link is useful even if you are not Catholic, presumably because the organization linked to is Catholic. He/she is not suggesting that Catholics get deferments any more than anyone else.

Settle down.

[JNelson6563]

5. I think you misunderstand

I believe the poster was giving us a link to a Catholic site and stating that what we'd find there would be applicable to any conscientious objectors regardless of religious views.

Julie

[ShortnFiery]

11. I love unions and also can tell that you are more than a little angry

I am a practicing Catholic of the (Secular) Franciscan variety.

Yes, I'm also a big time sinner. :(

All we can do is DO OUR BEST to help.

I'm a bleeding heart LIBERAL Catholic and you may search/read all my previous posts to clearly prove it.

My only intention was to provide a web site to help those who may need help.

I'm a Christian Pinko liberal who does NOT want to convert ONLY to help. :hi:

p.s. I'm also an Army Veteran. Salut! ;)

[JNelson6563]

4. K&R for this brave soul

:kick:

[SammyWinstonJack]

6. knr

[magellan]

7. k

[pecwae]

8. Please write to him!

magellan also has Sgt. Clousing's address for mail. I'm sure he wouldn't mind passing it on.

This is such a wonderful opportunity to let this brave man know he has public support. Can you imagine what he's hearing from Wingnuts?

[magellan]

9. Howdy pecwae!

I'm a she too...at least I was last time my husband looked. ;) Yes, I'm happy to pass on Ricky's address and the particulars of what can be sent. And considering his actions so far, I don't think he'd let a RWingnut letter phase him. Ricky has something they'll never have: moral integrity.

[pecwae]

10. Oops!

My apologies, magellan, and thank you so much for your help with this.

Magellan; she's a gem!!