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Suzanne Swift

Submitted by WallyCuddeford on Mon, 12/11/2006 - 2:52pm.

The U.S. Army is strong-arming Suzanne Swift into taking a deal. Because of the ongoing physcological stress for Suzanne, and for fear of retaliation, she is planning on taking a modified version of the deal some time this week.

Suzanne will spend 30 days in jail, and will have to stay in the Army through January of 2009. These punishments are for her refusing to re-deploy to Iraq, where she had been sexually assaulted by her commander. No punishments have been brought upon her assailants, and no reputable investigation has been conducted into her allegations.

Despite submitting to punishment for refusing to re-deploy, Suzanne refused to sign a statement which would have disavowed the sexual assault she has received in the service.

The campaign to free Suzanne Swift will continue, though it is clear now that merely asking the military or politicians to do the right thing and bring Suzanne swift justice will not be enough. Only our refusal to tolerate this injustice will bring it to a halt.

WallyCuddeford's blog
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"....and will have to stay

Submitted by Norm on Mon, 12/11/2006 - 4:58pm.

"....and will have to stay in the Army through January of 2009."

Is it me or does that seem a little silly?

Are they planning on giving her a good discharge if she does?

I spent 4 years in the Navy

Submitted by Ehver Green on Mon, 12/11/2006 - 5:26pm.

I spent 4 years in the Navy and was released early because I was accepted at Gonzaga (they were running an early-out program at the time). The military is bass-ackwards when it comes to allowing people out of the military for real reasons (not wanting to (re)deploy is not one, being raped while in service is). They take a very specific approach to problems - if we work at it long enough, we might do some good and fix it (I've not seen it work). So, they generally allow performers to leave and keep the dirtbags. I'm not calling Ms. Swift a dirtbag, just responding to Norm's query about why the military keeps people in service when they clearly should be allowed to depart.

I've had a little experience

Submitted by Norm on Mon, 12/11/2006 - 5:47pm.

I've had a little experience with the military, so I know a little of what you are talking about. I just read that and my brain hit the brakes, that's all.

Carpool to the Suzanne Swift Trial

Submitted by jlw on Tue, 12/12/2006 - 11:29pm.

If you would like to show support for Suzanne Swift, a carpool is gathering at B&B downtown at 8 a.m., Wednesday, 12/13. At this point we have room for 8 passengers. We are hoping to be allowed to attend the trial, which is scheduled for 9 a.m.; if not, we will gather at exit 119 and hold signs in a show of support.

exit 119

Submitted by Crenshaw Sepulveda on Tue, 12/12/2006 - 11:51pm.

Would that be "Freedom Bridge" all festooned with yellow ribbons?

"I would make it impossible for the covetous and avaricious to utterly impoverish the poor. The rich can take care of themselves."
^@^

Yes

Submitted by jlw on Wed, 12/13/2006 - 12:24am.

Yes. I hope we see you there, Crenshaw!

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