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Thursday, August 31, 2006
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Mark Wilkerson has been AWOL since January of 2005 when his unit was to be deployed to Iraq for a second time. He is now turning himself in at Ft. Hood. He joins many other members of the military, like Ehren Watada, and Katherine Jashinski, in standing against this war. My deepest respect and gratitude to these people who face harsh punishment by taking a stand against the U.S. occupation of Iraq. I hope that you'll visit his site. If you are so moved, I hope that you will support Mark and all members of the military in whatever way you can.
Some quotes from Mark Wilkerson:
"And I say this to every member of our Congress and our senate, and even our president: Don't leave any soldier behind. Give them the help and support they need, because you sent them there."
"I am turning myself in as a war resistor, a person who not only disagrees with the current administrations policies, but war in general. I am nervous, I am scared, but I am going in with my head held high, knowing that what I did was right. Sometimes doing the right thing is not a popular decision in the eyes of others. Sometimes you just need to do what you need to do to the right thing."
"I joined the military with honorable intentions, and I still feel honor in my heart. I love my country; I want no one to doubt that. I am unsure of what actions and punishments will be placed on me for my decision. I am scared, but I go with peace in my heart and hope for the future- not only my future, but the country's future as well. This is a difficult and scary time for our country, but hopefully in the end, peace will rule this great land. John F. Kennedy once said that war will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today. I look forward to that day. There comes a time in a person's life when they must do the right moral decision for themselves, doubtless of how popular that decision is in other's eyes, or what others feel about it. While I would not consider myself a very religious man, I do believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I would like to share two passages from the bible. The first - from Psalms Chapter 33, verse 5: Seek peace, and pursue it. The second from Matthew chapter 5, verse 9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. I believe that through my actions, I am doing my best to live by the values stated in those quotes. Thank You"
Labels: Iraq War, Mark Wilkerson, Peacemaker
posted by Carol at 3:12 PM
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