Posted on 12/06/2004 9:02:39 AM PST by Ramonan
Acknowledging that he could face a court martial and possible imprisonment, a Navy petty officer yesterday said he will refuse to board his transport ship when it departs for the Persian Gulf this morning because he wants to make a public stand against the Iraq war.
"I'm going to throw my ID in the water and say that I'm no longer part of the military," I want to make a statement, and I want it to be heard."
Petty Officer Third Class Pablo Paredes, 23,a weapons-control technician from the Bronx, N.Y., said he joined the Navy in 2000 and has 20 months left on his six-year enlistment. Then, about two weeks ago, he was involuntarily transferred to the amphibious transport Bonhomme Richard, which ferries Marines to Iraq.
"I don't want to be a part of a ship that's taking 3,000 Marines over there, knowing a hundred or more of them won't come back,I can't sleep at night knowing that's what I do for a living."
Paredes said he wasn't sure he would be allowed onto his ship's pier at the 32nd Street Naval Station this morning because he made his feelings and intentions known in local TV interviews Saturday night. A base spokesman did not return a message seeking comment.
Paredes said his stance has nothing to do with fear for his personal safety.
Paredes said he discussed his plans with his wife of two years in New York, "and she supports my decision 1,000 percent," He said he thought of smoking marijuana or breaking his leg with a heavy metal rod to try to get a discharge but decided instead to go public with his protest. He said he hopes doing so might inspire other sailors, soldiers and Marines to refuse to take part in the war
(Excerpt) Read more at signonsandiego.com ...
Hey Pablo! No problem, the UCMJ will take care of you. Have a nice Christmas in the brig!
Where the heck did he get that idea?
Why the hell did he even join the military?! He's a creep! I hope the military throws the book at him.
"Hey, when I joined the military I didn't think I'd really have to fight".
It's sad how many of these slugs there are. I place a small amount of blame on those goofy recruitment ads on TV for the last decade or so.
If you aren't ready to lay down your life on a legal order, don't freakin' join. It's not a draft, it's voluntary.
Did this slacker get advise from John Kerry?
I guess he thought being a 'Weapons Control Technician' was going to be all bunny rabbits and kite flying .. LOL
ZOT!!!
Six months forfeitre of pay...
Six months confinement at hard labor...
Dishonorable Discharge...
Six... Six... and a kick....
C ya.... End of story...
Where is Red from "That 70's Show" when you need him? He could give the guy a quick kick in the butt while telling him what a dumb*** he is...
There is a process within the military establishment to file for status as a conscientious objector. All of this grandstanding makes me sick.
It is times like this that walking the plank should be brought back!!!! Now, this guy is a coward.
I'm a reservist in the Navy and the same rank as this guy. This man is an embarrassment to the Navy. I would never dream of whining in this fashion if I ever get called up.
IOW, just looking for a meal ticket & lodging -- never expecting he'd ever be called on to serve in harm's way.
they need to lock this guy up for years
Followed by a Dishonorable Discharge ... hope he has fun with the rest of his life
This happens every time we go to war - Some People in recent decades have joined the military for the job training, college money, and job security, and they love it... that is, until they have to go to war, and then suddenly "Oh yeah! I forgot! I'm a pacifist!"
USS Detroit - homeport EARLE Naval Weapons Station. Leonardo NJ. My neighbor!
Incitement to Mutiny? =
DEATH
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