Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

US Military deserters may receive asylum in Germany

(28 posts)
  • Started 3 years ago by Cato1730
  • Latest reply from WillowandWindismom
  1. I know there is a lady here whose son has gone AWOL from the military. There was a story published in the Wall Street Journal today about a court case coming up that could be an escape hatch for those that do not want to serve in Iraq. Here is a preview:

    "The U.S. deserter enters uncharted legal territory on Wednesday, when Germany begins weighing his request for political asylum. The case will put to the test a 2004 European Union directive requiring member countries to grant asylum to soldiers protesting unlawful wars."

    "He walked away from the military for his convictions. Now, U.S. Army deserter Andre Shepherd seeks political asylum in Germany. WSJ's Mike Esterl reports.
    Mr. Shepherd could wind up in a U.S. jail if his application is rejected, but a favorable ruling could open a new escape hatch for Americans stationed in Germany who want to avoid combat duty in Iraq. About 38,000 American soldiers are stationed in Germany, a key logistical hub for the U.S. Army."

    I would be happy to send her the whole story and keep her abreast of the court case if she is interested.

    Elizabeth

    Posted 3 years ago by Cato1730 #

  2. Who determines what constitutes an "unlawful" war?

    Posted 3 years ago by Leeny #

  3. It appears the European Union, but as far as I am concerned any effort by George Bush was unlawful and illegitimate :) Elizabeth

    Posted 3 years ago by Cato1730 #

  4. IMO, prospective soldiers should consider very carefully the responsibility they will be assuming before they join the military. As there is no longer a draft in the United States, military service is voluntary. Advertisements for the military emphasize job training and college tuition payments, but the military exists to defend the country, which can mean going to war. Anyone who volunteers to join should be aware of that. If the person has any mental reservations about doing so, he or she should not join the military in the first place.

    Posted 3 years ago by Leeny #

  5. Oh, I don't disagree, but I would like to pass the info onto the woman who was greatly distressed about her son. Sincerely, Elizabeth

    Posted 3 years ago by Cato1730 #

  6. I must agree with you Leeny...It is voluntary!!

    Posted 3 years ago by 2bpurring #

  7. Hello all ......... even if it is voluntary my son is sick .......from what he saw at war .........still have not located him .......lets not have a unfluffy conversation ok Im sad enough ...... elizabeth thank you for thinking of me, it is always the thoughts that count .......

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  8. {{{{{JF}}}}}. You and Josh are very much in my thoughts.

    Posted 3 years ago by jcat #

  9. thanks sweetie :)

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  10. OH JF I did not mean in your sons case..Your son did go when he was called..that is a whole different thing than what I had meant and I'm sorry!!! Please forgive me for not expanding on my meaning. He saw too much and that has caused his problems, things like this I believe our government needs to address and get help for these men and women...That is completely different from someone who just signed up for the college benefit and then changes their mind when asked to serve...Once again JF please forgive me for not considering you and the many, many others that are in this situation.. {{JF}}

    Posted 3 years ago by 2bpurring #

  11. {{{PEACE}}} for JF & Josh

    Posted 3 years ago by feral #

  12. Oh, I didn't mean to start an "unfluffy" conversation, like I said, I know how distressed Jinxed Fairy was and thought this info might be helpful. That's all :) Elizabeth

    Posted 3 years ago by Cato1730 #

  13. No Cato, it was my fault!! I totally didn't say what I meant, or typed it wrong..I'm am so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt her, I know how hard this has been on her and it is a totally different situation than the kind I was referring to...JF..Please accept my apologies!!! I truely did not mean it the way it came out!!! I'm sorry!!!

    Posted 3 years ago by 2bpurring #

  14. Hey you all Im fine I swear .......... I love you all dearly .... Hugs to all

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  15. Prayers for JF and Josh.

    Posted 3 years ago by Buttercup #

  16. {{{{{{Jinxedfairy}}}}}}}}} Thank you!!!! I promise from now on to think before I type!!!

    Posted 3 years ago by 2bpurring #

  17. 2b dont be silly sweethart we all have opinions, and I would never want you to sensor your thoughts or feelings ....... I respect you and your mind :)

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  18. Just so you know JF I am sure I am not the only one who would be interested in knowing how things are going with your son. I know this is a terrible thing for you to be going through. Not wanting to pry I won't ask but please feel free to vent or discuss it as you feel the need either online or privately.

    Posted 3 years ago by petpntr #

  19. petntr .. well the hunt continues, although my oldest daughter called me to to go say that josh prank called her in the middle of the night .......... I am convinced he is in Washington State still ...... His father asked me for his phone records this morning so I let him log onto our account and look he is going thru each number....... maybe i should give his number out to you all and you can text him relentlessly .....he needs to go back and face his problems ......we text him and call him almost every day I dont know what else we can say to him to convince him ....... as for me I live day to day and thats it, I barely sleep and wake up often thinking of him ..... thanks for caring petnr I do appriciate the care and thoughts and prayers :)

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  20. JF, you are so often in my thoughts and prayers and I had wondered if you had heard from Josh. You are right in saying that he needs to go back and face his problems. And to receive the help that he needs. But it must be his decision. I pray for you to find peace and to be able to fully live your life.

    Y'all.... you know that I have a military background. This is a HOT topic (not the part about JF and Josh) and I truly think one that should be avoided here on TDK. I have a feeling that it could only lead to bad feelings and we don't want that, do we?

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

  21. thank you so much ww .........hugs

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  22. I know what your therapy is, JF - now get in that kitchen and create!!!

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

  23. lol so true
    you know me so well .....:) what to make hmmm goes and looks in the freezer :))

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  24. Well, I don't want to scare you, but.... I found a recipe for sweet and spicy tofu. We actually like tofu so I'm going to try it tonight. There's hoisin sauce, soy sauce (ACK - sodium!!!), ginger, green onions, chicken stock in the sauce. The tofu gets dusted with cornstarch and fried (yep, that wipes out the healthy aspect), and the whole mess ... I mean, dish... is served over Japanese rice.

    If it doesn't work, it will be McDonald's!

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

  25. lol ww .tofu can be very good im sure you will do it well .......

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  26. It was a success!!! Mr. WWM proclaims the recipe worthy of being saved!

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

  27. yipeee !!!!! good ting to he does not know how healthy it is even fried :))

    Posted 3 years ago by jinxedfairy #

  28. Well, he did live in Japan as a child...... BUT, what he doesn't know might help him!

    Come to the Night Shift, JF!!!

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #


RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.