Diary: Appeal for Redress -- How the Military can Speak Up!

Appeal for Redress is the brain-child of Seaman Jonathan Hutto. It is a way for Active Duty, Active Reserve and Guard, and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) service members to legally call for a troop withdrawal from Iraq.

This is the text of the statement you're attaching your name to:

"As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq. Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home."

I have been a member of the United States Army for 4 years. I finally have a way to express my views about the war without being punished for doing so. I was pointed to the website by a fellow dissenter. It's hard to get information out about this, because as a Soldier I can't just go around trumpeting this cause without the fear of UCMJ (the U.S. Military legal code) action being brought against me. The website explains in detail how you are protected under the "Military Whistleblower Protection Act" and various other DoD directives.

This Appeal for Redress is going to be delivered to members of Congress on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2007. This is also being featured as the latest "The Nation" publications cover story.

I encourage all service members to at least take a look at this appeal. If you agree with it, please, sign on. If you do not, simply pass it on by.

http://www.appealforredress.org/