8-12-05 I received the following from Monica Benderman earlier today: Hi Jack…Kevin and I had a great conversation this morning... he says to let you know he really appreciates you. He wanted me to pass something of his along... and maybe you can see that others hear it...
But first I have a couple of things I want to say. Not the least of which is simply this: if you want someone of character; of high ethics and integrity; of high moral conscience and standards that you want as a role model you need look no further than Kevin Benderman. Kevin is all of that and more. To be called ‘friend’ by him is an honor.
When Kevin’s unit was sent to Iraq the first time, Kevin saw the utter destruction caused by our invasion of Iraq. He saw how quick and easy it was for people to develop a complete disregard for human life in their struggle to just stay alive; he saw the slaughter of innocent people; he saw the total disregard and elevation of man’s inhumanity to man; he heard orders to “shoot to kill” even children.
He saw, heard and began to understand that what Americans were being told about what was happening in Iraq were lies; whose only purpose were to keep public approval for this U.S. war of aggression up—deliberate deception. Kevin began to realize, as have so many others that have been to war, that war is not the answer. And a war based on deliberate deceptions and lies, as is this Bush/Cheney & Co., Inc war of choice in Iraq, is definitely not an answer to anything.
Kevin returned from Iraq knowing that war is wrong; “that it is the most dehumanizing creation of humanity that exists. He saw war destroy civilians, innocent men, women and children. He saw war destroy homes, relationships and a country. He saw this not only in the country that was invaded, but he saw this happening to the invading country as well, here in the U.S. – and he knew that the only way to save those soldiers was for people to no longer participate in war. Sgt. Kevin Benderman is a Conscientious Objector to war, and the Army is mad.” The Army’s response was to send Kevin to a military jail at Fort Lewis, Washington for the next 15 months.
Sending Kevin to Fort Lewis was the Army’s last jab-in-the-back at Kevin and Monica. Fort Lewis is 3,000 miles away from where Kevin was stationed—Ft Stewart, GA—and where the home they are buying is located. Now, not only is Kevin in a military jail, but one 3,000 miles away from the home Monica is now living alone in.
“Is this what we have allowed this nation to become? Lives that are not our own, but the states to do with as it will when it will? That’s not an all volunteer military, that’s called forced indenture—once it was called slavery.” (Monica Benderman)
See Kevin Benderman Defense Committee for further information and updates about Kevin and Monica Benderman and their fight for true justice. http://www.bendermandefense.org/
Kevin and I had a great conversation this morning... he says to let you know he really appreciates you. He wanted me to pass something of his along... and maybe you can see that others hear it...
"I have immense respect for all the veterans, and now, the Viet Nam veterans, the Gulf War veterans, and those returning from Iraq with me. These veterans that have put their lives on the line for their country deserve all the honor we can give them. One of the chief reasons for the stand that I am taking is to show that respect for these veterans, and to see that others who don't understand, also come to respect our sacrifice. Our soldiers and veterans are human beings first, I can attest to that with my own life, and we all deserve to be treated as human beings first, and then as soldiers who have given what we can to defend our country through our service. Agent Orange, Depleted Uranium, mistreated PTSD, disrupted families, and a country that will not make a concerted effort to work toward alternative solutions to war, are blatant signs of disrespect for our service. I stand to honor those who fought in wars to see that wars would end. I laid down my gun so that my life will represent my words honestly. I believe there is a better way than war, and I stand to honor those soldiers who have come to know that the last thing they want to have to do is go to war. Defense of our country should not get to the extreme of war. We should do all that we can to honor the service of our veterans to make changes in our policies that allow us to remain safe and protected from those who would want to disrupt our peace, so that we can avert our need for war, and teach our children a better way."
Sgt. Kevin Benderman - Conscientious Objector to War
The real battle is about Religion in America. I am saddened by this article, because the Vet Sgt K. Benderman joined the Army and for 10 years of service finally saw how ugly war was and instantly decided concientious objector was his real value.
You know this battle has been going on in America for a long time. If you remember the Press calling Jeworge Bush SR. a wimp because he didn't want War..then buckled to the War fanatics. And those same fanning fans made his Son Jeworge Bush a believer in the fire of War and Destruction.
The real battle is that real religion is not allowed to practice in America. Real religion is against Violence and War, but it is forced to comply to the State. Real Americans who work in America must pay taxes to support the military, a complete violation to Real Religions Civil Rights in practicing their religion.
It must be fought and taken to the Supreme Court to allow people to see the reality of War and make them determine whether they really are part of Real Religion.
They should be citizens. And foremost people who were in the military and changed their minds. They should be exempt from War, they should be the real voice on the other side of War, that continually plows for peace, no matter how many suicide bombers attack. Always plowing without defense or cares to getting even. Always plowing without guns to mow down suspects, or innocents whom happen to be in the way.
Yes a Court challenge is far better than thinking an appeal for Civilian Benderman is any real justice for him.
I will never stand up for Veterans, who advocate force to solidify their voracious appetite for War, thinking it is an honorable thing to do for their country. On the contrary they provoke and prod and itch to pull the trigger.
In my view men who need guns to hide behind are cowards. Such as President Bush the biggest coward of them all, who sends cowards to battle, as he cowls in his White House Mansion, thinking how great he is in using force.
He speaks of how Christ like he is...and quotes scripture saying in Matthew the Lord didn't come to bring peace but a sword. How insane to think that Jesus would say such a thing...with his proven death upon the Cross, with his good deeds and miracles he brought to the people.
Perhaps he is right in saying that; because people are so afraid of the Real Religion. He said it to make a known revelation that people will not hear him and will seek War instead of peace. Would the Lord say somthing he would not do? More certainly he says things that man and their wicked nature will do. Such is Jeworge Bush a follower not of Jesus but of his prediction.
American Hero...not by a long shot.
by
Dom Jermano (20 articles, 0 quicklinks, 40 diaries, 930 comments) on Tuesday, Aug 16, 2005 at 7:22:16 AM
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