The Hawaii State Senate tried to investigate him on accusations that he selectively enforced the law and engaged in bounty hunting. He is known for rendering fines, in a high profile way, for very minor infractions which could well be honest mistakes, at just the right time in an election. He is even quoted as saying that is a politician receives a fine there is a public perception that they did something illegal.
His father was also a member of the Peace Corps.
Lt. Watada is the son of a political operative with his own political ambitions. Ambition alone was not going to get him anywhere but this carefully crafted ploy will earn him a name in the Kerry mode. He joined the Army AFTER the occupation of Iraq, knowing full well that the occupation would last for years, and that in his given field he could well expect at least one set of orders to the area. His actions were deliberate and calculated. All Hail the new John Kerry.
It would be next to impossible to prove THAT in a Courts Martial. I hope the Army facilities this SOB's ambition, and gives him the maximum sentence possible on all counts. Nothing less then reduction in rank to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and ten years at hard labor (ten hours a day, seven days a week) and a dishonorable discharge! Of course, as soon as the next Democrat gets in the White House he will be released and receive a full pardon and restoration of his rights and benefits as a veteran.
Thanks for the update Chief.
To me, this sort of behavior is of the lowest type. It breaks through all barriers of decency, professionalism, honor, integrity, patriotism and other virtues. Scum is appropriate and you are right- He should get the book thrown onto him. He should spend time at Leavenworth and be released dishonorably with a federal felony record.
Knowing promotion times and his rank I could only assume he came in with Iraq already in the sights, but you just validated what I was assuming - Complete POS! It disgusts me to think he wears the same uniform I use to. It reduces the value of the uniform and rank I once held. It makes the profession I chose to be in look bad. They should publicly rip that unit patch, rank, and American flag off his uniform in front of all his peers, even subordinates. He raised his hand and “swore” to do things that he now feels are irrelevant in light of his greater plans for himself.
If I were on his panel I would do all I can to crush him for eternity. His decision is planned and calculated. His deceit and disloyal behavior was not out of some quick decision he had no control over, but rather planned and deliberate. His arguments are now nothing more than false moral pretences to justify something he probably knew he would violate when he raised his hand. He is a leader in an organization where human lives depend on those making decisions. Units train as cohesive units and certain people have specialized skills. When a “leader” plays games, subordinates bleed in this occupation. What he did is not something you can wish away. Like a pedophile, people like this need branded for life. He is a deserter. That is a word which should follow him for the rest of his life.