Army charges soldier for refusing second Iraq deployment

NNN0LHI

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Thu Jan-20-05 06:29 PM
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Army charges soldier for refusing second Iraq deployment

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=53264

An Army soldier who refused to return to Iraq for a second combat tour, saying he now objects to war, has been charged with desertion and missing deployment, Fort Stewart officials said Thursday.

Sgt. Kevin Benderman notified his commanders Dec. 28 that he was seeking a discharge as a conscientious objector. He then refused orders to deploy with his unit Jan. 8 while the Army processed his objector claim.

"My response to those charges is not guilty," said Benderman, 40. "I am prepared to deal with whatever consequences my action brings. ...In applying for conscientious objector status, I believe I would be right to not participate in war."

Army investigators must now decide whether to prosecute Benderman in a court-martial or allow his case to be handled administratively, said Lt. Col. Robert Whetstone, a Fort Stewart spokesman.

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MichiganVote

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Thu Jan-20-05 06:33 PM
Response to Original message

1. Yup. Just can't beat that republican freedom / liberty thing they've got

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DulceDecorum

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Thu Jan-20-05 06:53 PM
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2. Neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude

oh, sorry,
that is SO last millenium.

SERUV
The missions of occupation and oppression do not serve this purpose � and we shall take no part in them.
http://www.seruv.org.il/defaulteng.asp

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comradebillyboy

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Thu Jan-20-05 08:12 PM
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3. sorry but he is wrong

Edited on Thu Jan-20-05 08:16 PM by comradebillyboy

he may not legitimatly refuse lawful orders, which these are. the army cannot allow soldiers to refuse orders. the army is correct in this one.

when iwas in the service we were educated about the uniform code of military justice. we knew both our rights and our obligations. seems like the military is getting real careless in its ucmj training nowdays.

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NNN0LHI

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Fri Jan-21-05 08:03 AM
Response to Reply #3

4. What part of "I am prepared to deal with whatever consequences...

Edited on Fri Jan-21-05 08:03 AM by NNN0LHI

...my action bring..." do you not understand? This man appears to understand UCMJ. Maybe when he joined up he was under the assumption that he would only be called on to kill in the defense of his country? If this soldier refuses to kill and possibly be killed while guarding oil pipelines for big corporations who are you to say he is wrong? Perhaps he has more moral fortitude than some others who don't mind doing such things? Have you considered that possibility?

Don

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