Bob Watada, father of Lt. Ehren Watada, will speak about his son?s refusal to deploy to Iraq and his upcoming military trial at the Southern California Library, 6120 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles (between Slauson and Gage) on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 7 p.m. Lt. Watada is the first commissioned U.S. military officer to publicly refuse orders in support of the Iraq war. In January 2006, Lt. Watada asked permission to resign his commission based on his understanding that the war in Iraq is illegal and immoral and that any order to participate would be an illegal order. His requests have been denied. In June 2006, Lt. Watada announced his refusal to deploy to Iraq. He has been formally charged with contempt, conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, and missing movement. He faces over 7 years in prison, 5 for First Amendment speech alone.
Bob Watada will discuss his son?s decision and beliefs about the war, the civil rights implications of his son?s case, and the importance of this issue for our communities. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.socallib.org or call (323) 759-6063.
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