As an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the Regular Army, I am writing to express my support for servicemember Daniel Lakemacher's courageous decision to separate himself from any further armed service due to conscientious objection. This nation was founded on principles of freedom from coercion, and if my memory of history serves me, we actually fought a war or two based on the United States' objection to foreign navies conscripting American citizens into service. Any contract that either party cannot get out of is a violation of the Bill of Rights.
As far as the sincerity of Mr. Lakemacher's intentions: conscientious objection is not fun. There are no congratulations, only derision. The mere fact that Mr. Lakemacher is undergoing this guantlet should be proof enough of his sincerity.
I, and voting members of my family, wish the best to Mr. Lakemacher and his efforts. We conscientiously object alonside him. It is our love of our country, our love of our troops and our firm belief in the founding principle of "friendship to all; entangling alliances with none" which cause us to take this stand.
May the authorities at the Department of the Navy have the wisdom to place conscientious objection in its true patriotic context, and to realize that peace only comes through strength, and strength only exists in the absence of coercion.
Signed,
Gene Basler
Cypress Texas
No comments:
Post a Comment