A judge had harsh words for Paredes, but the sentence said something altogether different...





Amy Goodman Interviews Pablo,

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/05/13/1437208

I guess getting busted to E-1 and three months making little rocks out of big rocks might be construed by some as some kind of a victory.

After all if the officer's of the court marshal would have wanted to they could have been very harsh with him. Since it was his first offense maybe they wanted to give him a second chance.

I'm a bit surprised this went to trial at all! Methinks this story spills a bit more light on the subject.

Seems he didn't have the cojones to throw his military ID into San Diego Bay like I believe he said he'd do, and backed off from his original plan to "resign" from the Navy. I'da thunk returning him to the ship for nonjudicial punishment for missing ship's movement and unauthorized absence woulda been a better way to handle it.

Methinks the story I linked to had an interesting comment from the judge. It said "The judge described Paredes' refusal to board the ship "a sort of tantrum that this court sees too much." He also referred to Paredes as self-serving and selfish." and 'twould seem he nailed it right on the button, eh?

At least the judge was nice enough to let him serve out the remainder of his enlistment, which I believe can be extended by the amount of time he was in an unauthorized absentee status. 'Tis doubtful he'll wanna test the system again though, methinks another trip before a military judge might result inna real wake up call, eh?

Now I wonder what the difference is between jail and hard labor in the Navy? Of course military laws have soften up since I was 'forced' into service, but maybe the Navy does things differently of which I suspect.

I do understand the military wanting to make someone who has signed up an example for bucking the system, but since having the worthless goober Bush as commander in thief, it does make one think about the values that he or she is serving under while wearing this country's colors. This judge may have been fair in the sentencing... I know that they could have seen this as a desertion of post... which is chicken chit, but they do have their dippy rules pertaining to this. I still applaud this service person for standing up to system under the BushCo regime.

Ghost, let me ask you Bro' - if you knew what you know now would you go back to fight in the Nam or in this "SHRUB" fiasco?

I sure as he_l wouldn't. No way Jose, unless they coughed up some big time piaster and bennies! I would not fight for Nadda again except for a Big Time Price.

You know its easy for some to sit back and drag down Pablo Paredes.

He_l their not doing jack sheet Bro' --nadda and maybe never did nadda- who knows!

I think Ol' Pablo had big time testicle fortitude in what he did Bro' - and I mean that all the way!

Give me a break - the whole "SHRUB" fiasco is BS Bro' --based on lies and fraud.

Where are those Chickenhawk's kids?

I say bring on the Draft, then you will see the people in this country actually care about the "SHRUB'S" fiasco.

Think Pablo has some brain cells upstairs Bro' and courage to boot!

He knows whats going down is entirely wrong and is a mockery around the world of what the U.S. of A. stands for!!!

I applaud Pablo Paredes Bro' - he is his own person! Definate conviction that has to be admired by anybody that can read or hear the news about this "SHRUB" fiasco for power and profit!!!

Hang Tough Bro' ~

Put the WAR on Trial - A national call for support of the Anti-war movement.
3 days of events surrounding the court martial of Pablo Paredes and Kevin Bendermann.

EVENTS:
NYC - 05/12/05 7pm - Staged Trial - Put the War on Trial. Location: The Community Church of New York - 24 East 35th Street (between Park and Madison Ave.)

SAN DIEGO:

May 11th - May 13th: Public Trial Simulation
A 3 day staged theatrical trial where the war in Iraq is the defendant!
Mock Trial followed by a march to the 32 Street Naval Base
Starting Point: Memorial Park ? Oceanview Blvd & 30 Street

Burlington, VERMONT:
May 10th @ 5:00pm Support GI Resistors Picket
In front of the Federal Building (corner of Elmwood and Pearl Streets).

PUERTO RICO:
May 10th - Press Conference to express solidarity and support for War resisters.


The Navy has concluded its investigation regarding the case of FC3 Pablo Eduardo Paredes. THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER FOR THE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR PACKAGE HAS RECOMMENDED HIS CO BE DENIED. Instead, two charges have been preferred by the US NAVY; Violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 86, absence without leave and Article 87 Missing movement. The case will be tried in a Special Courts Martial on May 11, 2005. Various support activities are being planned for May 10th, stay tuned for details. Despite the potential punishment from the Navy, Pablo remained true to his convictions, renounced war, is prepared to suffer the consequences and hopes his efforts help raise awareness of the cruelty of our war activities. On Friday March 18th, Pablo Paredes completed the final phase of processing his application for discharge based on conscientious objection (CO). Despite undergoing a successful psychological evaluation and a positive interview with the Navy Chaplain; NAVY investigating officer has the recommended the US NAVY deny Pablo?s request for CO. A rebutal has been filed, but the US NAVY is expected to deny his request.

RON KOVIC: A True Vietnam Combat Marine!!

"I want to send my support and admiration to pablo paredes for his courageous opposition to the war in iraq...he is an inspiration to all of us! i want to encourage everyone to stand with pablo and other brave war resisters who are finding the courage within side themselves to begin saying what really needs to be said!...what they are now doing, at great personal risk, is an extremely courageous act of citizenship that every american should be proud of!"

http://www.swiftsmartveterans.com/