In the first event of its kind, Berkeley's city council is expected to pass a measure in support of Lt. Ehren Watada, ABC affiliate KGO reported Sunday.[1] -- Watadas father met with city officials on Saturday, part of a speaking tour in California that began shortly after his sons Aug. 17 Article 32 (pretrial) hearing. -- The nations print media extended their blackout of the Watada case this weekend, without, unless we are mistaken, a single paper commenting on the recommendation (see also here and here) Friday by U.S. Army investigating officer Lt. Col. Mark Keith that Lt. Watada be given a general court-martial on all the infractions with which he was charged on Jul. 5: missing movement, contemptuous statements toward U.S. officials (particularly President George W. Bush), and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman....
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CITY SUPPORT EXPECTED FOR SOLDIERS IRAQ REFUSAL
KGO
August 27, 2006
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=local&id=4501133
Berkeley's city council is expected to pass a measure in support of an army officer who's refusing to serve in Iraq.
First Lieutenant Ehren Watada faces a possible court-martial because of his decision. He calls the Iraq war illegal, although he's offered to serve in Afghanistan instead.
His father came to Berkeley to meet with supporters and city officials Saturday.
Watada's family stands by his decision, even though he could spend seven years in a military prison.
Bob Watada, [the] soldier's father: "If you look at the uniform code of military justice it says very clearly that every soldier has a duty to disobey an unlawful order."
If the council votes to support Watada, the move would fall in line with Berkeley's official position to impeach President Bush because of the war in Iraq.